What Is Pickleball and Why Is Everyone Playing It?
If you've been hearing the word "pickleball" everywhere lately, you're not imagining things. Pickleball is currently the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with millions of players picking up a paddle for the first time every year. Whether you're a retired tennis player, a weekend warrior, or someone who's never played a racket sport in your life, pickleball is designed to be welcoming, fun, and surprisingly competitive.
But what exactly is pickleball? Where did it come from, and how do you get started? This beginner's guide covers everything you need to know — from the basic rules to the equipment you'll need to play your first game.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who were looking for a backyard activity to keep their kids entertained. Using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they improvised a game that combined elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
The name "pickleball" reportedly came from the Pritchard family's dog, Pickles, who would chase after the balls during play. The sport grew slowly at first, mainly in the Pacific Northwest, before exploding in popularity over the past decade. Today, there are over 10,000 dedicated pickleball courts across the country and a thriving professional circuit.
Understanding the Pickleball Court
A standard pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide — about a third of the size of a tennis court. The net sits at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is divided into left and right service areas, and there's a crucial 7-foot zone on both sides of the net called the "kitchen" or non-volley zone (NVZ).
The kitchen is one of the most important features of pickleball. You cannot volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) while standing inside this zone. This single rule prevents powerful net rushes and forces players to engage in strategic dinking rallies — the hallmark of high-level pickleball.
Basic Pickleball Rules Every Beginner Should Know
The Serve
Serves must be made underhand, with the paddle below the wrist at contact. The ball is served diagonally cross-court, and it must clear the kitchen and land in the opposite service box. Only the serving team can score a point in traditional scoring, and games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2).
The Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning, and then the serving team must also let the ball bounce before playing it. After these two mandatory bounces, players can either volley or let the ball bounce — their choice. This "double bounce" rule encourages longer rallies and prevents the serving team from dominating with aggressive net play.
Faults
A fault occurs when the ball goes out of bounds, lands in the kitchen on a serve, or is volleyed from inside the non-volley zone. Learning to avoid faults — especially kitchen violations — is one of the first skills new players develop.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start Playing?
One of the reasons pickleball has taken off so dramatically is how affordable and accessible it is to start. You don't need a lot of specialized gear. Here's the basic equipment list:
Pickleball Paddle
The paddle is the most important piece of equipment. Unlike tennis rackets, pickleball paddles are solid (no strings) and are typically made from graphite, carbon fiber, or composite materials. For beginners, a lightweight paddle in the 7–8 oz range offers a good balance of control and power.
The Raybloom Pickleball Paddles Set is an excellent starting point. It comes as a complete set with paddles designed for comfort and control — perfect for players just learning the game. The solid construction and comfortable grip make it easy to develop proper technique without fighting your equipment.
Pickleball Balls
Pickleballs are lightweight plastic balls with holes — similar to a Wiffle ball but more uniform and durable. Outdoor balls (like the Raybloom Outdoor Pickleball Balls 12-Pack) have 40 smaller holes and are built to withstand wind and hard court surfaces. Indoor balls have fewer, larger holes and are better suited for gym floors.
Court Shoes
Proper athletic footwear with lateral support is important. Tennis shoes or court shoes work well. Running shoes are not ideal since they're designed for forward motion, not the side-to-side movements pickleball demands.
Protective Accessories
A wrist guard like the Raybloom Sports Wrist Guard can be a smart investment for beginners, especially if you're prone to wrist strain. A paddle case protects your investment — check out the Raybloom Pickleball Paddle Case for a hard-shell protective option.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Every new pickleball player makes mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to correct them early:
- Staying at the baseline: Many beginners hang back near the baseline, but the winning strategy in pickleball is to advance to the kitchen line. Work on getting to the "transition zone" after the return of serve.
- Hitting too hard: Pickleball rewards patience and placement over raw power. Beginners who swing hard often commit errors. Focus on controlled shots first.
- Ignoring the kitchen rule: Volleying from inside the non-volley zone is one of the most common faults for new players. Practice your footwork and be aware of the line at all times.
- Poor grip pressure: Holding the paddle too tight leads to arm fatigue and loss of touch. Aim for a relaxed but firm grip — about a 4 out of 10 on a tension scale during dinks.
Pickleball Strategy for Beginners
Once you understand the rules, a few simple strategic principles will accelerate your improvement dramatically. First, focus on getting your serve and return of serve in — consistency wins more points than brilliant shots. Second, work your way to the kitchen line; the team that controls the net wins most rallies. Third, master the "dink" — a soft, arcing shot that lands in the kitchen and forces your opponent to hit upward, giving you time to set up.
Even at the beginner level, thinking about court positioning and shot selection separates players who improve quickly from those who plateau early.
Where to Play Pickleball Near You
Finding courts is easier than ever. The USA Pickleball website (usapickleball.org) has a court finder tool that lists thousands of locations nationwide. Many parks, recreation centers, YMCAs, and tennis clubs have added dedicated pickleball lines or converted existing courts. You can also check community Facebook groups, Meetup.com, or ask at your local gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pickleball hard to learn?
Pickleball is one of the easiest racket sports to pick up. Most beginners can learn the basic rules and start playing within an hour. However, mastering strategy and shot consistency takes time, just like any sport.
How is pickleball different from tennis?
Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a solid paddle (no strings), an underhand serve, and a unique non-volley zone. The game is slower-paced than tennis and generally easier on the joints, making it popular with older adults.
Can kids play pickleball?
Absolutely. The smaller court, lighter equipment, and simple rules make pickleball ideal for children. Many school PE programs have added it to their curriculum. Family sets like the Raybloom Pickleball Paddles Set are designed to suit players of all ages.
How long does a pickleball game last?
A standard game to 11 points typically lasts 15–25 minutes. Matches are often best 2-out-of-3 games, so a full match can last 30–60 minutes depending on the level of play.
Do I need special shoes for pickleball?
Court shoes or tennis shoes are ideal. The key is lateral support and a non-marking sole if you're playing indoors.
Start Your Pickleball Journey with Raybloom
Ready to pick up a paddle? Raybloom offers everything you need to get started — from complete paddle sets to high-performance pickleball balls and protective accessories. All products ship free to anywhere in the USA, and with a 14-day hassle-free return policy, you can gear up with confidence.
Shop the full Raybloom collection and get on the court today. Your pickleball journey starts here.