What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is sweeping the globe, and it’s quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. But what exactly is pickleball? In this guide, we’ll give you a rundown on this exciting game, covering basic rules and the equipment you’ll need to hit the court. So, grab your paddles, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of pickleball!

From its backyard beginnings, pickleball has grown into a sport played by millions globally, with a strong community building here in New Zealand. Initially played in garages and local parks, the game has now found its place in dedicated pickleball courts, with national and international tournaments becoming common. Kiwis are getting on board too, as the sport gains momentum across the country.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a lower net, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. Its accessibility is one of the reasons it's become so popular—it’s easy to pick up but still offers plenty of challenges for those who want to improve.

Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, in either singles or doubles formats. What makes it truly exciting is the balance between strategy and reflexes, requiring players to be sharp on their feet and quick with their decisions.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

Here’s a quick overview of the key rules to get you started:

Serving: The serve must be underhand and hit diagonally across the court. It has to clear the net and land in the opponent's service court.

Double Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before either team can start volleying. This rule slows the game slightly at first, adding an extra layer of strategy.

Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, but you need to win by 2. In tournaments, games may go to 15 or even 21.

The Kitchen: This is the non-volley zone near the net. You can only enter the kitchen if the ball has bounced there first. Mastering play in the kitchen is key to success in more competitive games.

What Kind of Ball is Used in Pickleball?

Pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball. There are two main types:

Indoor Balls: These have larger holes and are lighter, making them easier to control.

Outdoor Balls: They are heavier and have smaller holes to resist the wind, providing a more consistent bounce.

What Gear Do You Need to Play Pickleball?

To get started with pickleball, you don’t need much! Here’s what you’ll need:

Paddle: This is the most important piece of gear. It’s larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket. Paddles come in a variety of materials, from wood to high-tech composites.

Pickleball: Choose the right ball depending on whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors.

Net: A standard pickleball net stands at 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the middle.

Court: If you don’t have access to an official pickleball court, no worries—you can set up a temporary one using chalk or tape to mark the lines.