Ever wondered what all the fuss is about with pickleball? You're not alone. This quirky sport with the even quirkier name is taking the world by storm – and once you learn what it's all about, you'll understand why everyone from your nan to that overly competitive colleague is absolutely obsessed.

If you've been hearing whispers about pickleball at the local gym, seeing mysterious courts popping up in your neighborhood, or wondering why your tennis-playing friends suddenly sound like they're discussing sandwich ingredients, you've come to the right place.

This complete beginner's guide will transform you from a pickleball newbie into someone who actually knows what they're talking about when the topic comes up at dinner parties.

What Exactly Is Pickleball?

 

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong – imagine if these three sports had a baby, and that baby was incredibly fun and slightly addictive.

It's played on a court roughly the size of a badminton court (much smaller than tennis), with a net that's a bit lower than a tennis net, using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball that looks suspiciously like a wiffle ball.

The sport can be played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), though doubles is far more popular because, let's be honest, it's more social and you can share the blame when things go wrong.

Here's what makes pickleball special: it's designed to be accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. You don't need the athleticism of a tennis pro or the reflexes of a badminton champion. What you do need is a sense of fun, a willingness to laugh at yourself, and perhaps a basic understanding that the ball is supposed to go over the net (trust us, this is more challenging than it sounds at first).

The Wonderfully Weird History of Pickleball

The origin story of how pickleball got its name is almost as entertaining as the sport itself. Picture this: it's the summer of 1965, and three families are hanging out on Bainbridge Island near Seattle. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum return from golf to find their families sitting around, bored out of their minds.

They had an old badminton court, but they could only find a few rackets and no shuttlecock. Being the innovative sorts they were (or perhaps just desperate to entertain restless children), they grabbed some ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, lowered the badminton net, and started whacking away.

Now, here's where it gets interesting.

There are two competing stories about the name:

Story #1:

Story #2:

Joan Pritchard claimed she named it after the "pickle boat" in crew, where oarsmen were picked from the leftovers of other boats. Given that pickleball was created from leftover equipment and borrowed rules, this makes perfect sense.

Honestly, both stories are brilliant, and we like to think both are true because why choose when you can have double the fun origin stories?

Why Is Pickleball Growing So Rapidly?

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America – and it's spreading across the pond to the UK faster than gossip in a small village. But why? What makes this sport so irresistibly popular?

It's Ridiculously Easy to Learn

Unlike tennis, where you might spend months just learning to serve without hitting yourself in the face, pickleball basics can be picked up in a single session. The underhand serve is so simple that even your coordination-challenged uncle can master it. The court is smaller, so there's less running around like a headless chicken, and the ball moves slower than a tennis ball, giving your brain time to actually process what's happening.

It's Easier on Your Body

Remember how tennis left you hobbling around like you'd aged 20 years overnight? Pickleball is much gentler on joints and muscles. The underhand serve eliminates shoulder stress, the lighter paddle reduces arm strain, and the smaller court means less sprinting. It's exercise that doesn't feel like punishment – revolutionary!

The Social Factor Is Incredible

Pickleball communities are notoriously welcoming. Show up at any court as a beginner, and you'll typically find people eager to teach you, include you in games, and probably invite you for coffee afterward. It's like a social club that happens to involve paddles and a net.

Age Is Just a Number

One of the most beautiful things about pickleball is watching a 70-year-old absolutely school a cocky 25-year-old. Strategy and placement trump pure athleticism, making it a sport where experience and cunning can beat youth and speed. It's chess with paddles.

Pickleball Rules: The Basics That Won't Melt Your Brain

Don't worry – pickleball rules are surprisingly straightforward. We'll skip the mind-numbing details and focus on what you actually need to know to start playing.

The Court and Equipment

Court size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (about the size of a badminton court)
Net height: 36 inches at the ends, 34 inches in the middleThe mysterious "kitchen": A 7-foot zone on each side of the net where you can't hit the ball in the air (more on this later)

Scoring Made Simple

Pickleball scoring is called out in three numbers, which sounds complicated but really isn't:

Your team's score
The opposing team's score
Which server you are (1 or 2)

For example, "5-3-2" means your team has 5 points, they have 3 points, and you're the second server. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
Only the serving team can score points – this prevents games from turning into never-ending marathons.

The Serve

The pickleball serve is beautifully simple:

Must be underhand
Contact the ball below your waist
Serve diagonally cross-court
The ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley it

The Two-Bounce Rule

This is where pickleball gets clever. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before either team can hit it out of the air. This prevents the serving team from immediately charging the net and ending the point in two seconds.

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

The "kitchen" isn't where you make sandwiches – it's the 7-foot zone adjacent to the net where you cannot hit the ball out of the air. You can step in there to hit a ball that's bounced, but you can't camp there and smash everything like an angry tennis player.

This rule is pure genius because it prevents the game from becoming a power-hitting contest and forces players to develop finesse and strategy.

Essential Pickleball Equipment: What You Actually Need

The beautiful thing about pickleball equipment is that it's relatively simple and won't require taking out a second mortgage.

Pickleball Paddles vs Rackets

First things first: they're called paddles, not rackets. Tennis has rackets, pickleball has paddles. Using the wrong terminology at your first game will immediately mark you as a tourist, so let's get this right.

Pickleball paddles are solid (unlike tennis rackets with strings) and larger than ping pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. They're made from various materials including wood, composite, and graphite.

For beginners, you don't need to spend a fortune. A decent starter paddle will run you £30-80. Look for something with:

Moderate weight (7.5-8.5 ounces)
Comfortable grip size
Good balance between power and control

Speaking of beginner equipment, if you're just starting out, check out our carefully curated collection of beginner pickleball rackets designed specifically for new players who want quality without breaking the bank.

The Ball

Pickleball balls look like wiffle balls but are specifically designed for the sport. Indoor and outdoor balls are different:

Indoor balls: Lighter, with fewer holes (26)
Outdoor balls: Heavier, with more holes (40), designed to handle wind

Other Gear

Shoes: Tennis or court shoes work perfectly
Clothing: Whatever's comfortable and allows movement
Sunglasses: For outdoor play (trust us on this one)
Water bottle: Because even "easy" exercise is still exercise

Different Ways to Play Pickleball

Doubles Pickleball

Doubles pickleball is the most popular format because:

It's more social
Less running around
You have someone to high-five when things go well
You have someone to blame when things go poorly

Singles Pickleball

Singles pickleball is more physically demanding but great for:

Improving your fitness
Developing all-court skills
When you can't find three other people
Settling disputes with your doubles partner.

Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball

Indoor pickleball typically offers:

More consistent playing conditions
No wind to blame for bad shots
Climate-controlled comfort
Often more competitive play

Outdoor pickleball provides:

Fresh air and vitamin D
Wind that makes every shot an adventure
Usually more casual, social atmosphere
The authentic pickleball experience (it started outdoors, after all)

Pickleball Strategy for Beginners

Don't worry – we're not about to turn this into a military tactical manual. Basic pickleball strategy is refreshingly simple.

The Third Shot Drop

This sounds fancy but isn't. After the serve and return (which must both bounce), the serving team should hit a soft shot that lands in the kitchen area. This third shot drop allows them to move forward and get into position.

Get to the Kitchen Line

The kitchen line (non-volley zone line) is where the magic happens. Most points are won and lost here, so your goal is to get there safely and stay there. Think of it as the promised land, but with more plastic balls flying around.

Patience Is a Virtue

Unlike tennis, where you might try to hit winners from anywhere on the court, pickleball rewards patience. Keep the ball in play, wait for your opponent to make mistakes, and resist the urge to go for glory shots from the baseline.

The Power of the Soft Game

Dinking (hitting soft shots into the kitchen) isn't just a cute name – it's a fundamental skill. Games often turn into dinking battles where players hit soft shots back and forth until someone makes an error or creates an opportunity.

Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist)

Mistake #1: Serving Too Hard

New players often try to blast serves like they're playing tennis. Pickleball serves should be consistent and placed well, not powerful. Save the power for when you're already at the kitchen line.

Mistake #2: Standing in No-Man's Land

The area between the baseline and kitchen line is called no-man's land for a reason. Get to the kitchen line or stay back – don't hover in the middle looking confused.

Mistake #3: Trying to Kill Every Shot

Yes, overhead smashes are satisfying, but placement beats power in pickleball. A well-placed dink will win more points than attempting to knock the cover off the ball.

Mistake #4: Forgetting the Two-Bounce Rule

New players often try to volley the return of serve. Remember: serve, bounce, return, bounce, then anything goes.

Mistake #5: Kitchen Violations

Don't step into the kitchen to hit the ball out of the air. It's tempting, but it's against the rules and you'll lose the point faster than you can say "pickle."

Pickleball Etiquette: Don't Be That Person

Good pickleball etiquette will make you welcome anywhere you play:

Call your own lines honestly – if it's close and on your side, it's probably in
Don't coach your partner during points (save the helpful hints for between games)
Retrieve balls that roll onto your court without being asked
Welcome new players and offer helpful tips
Keep the profanity to a minimum – families often play together
Don't argue calls – it's just a game with a ridiculous name

Health Benefits: Why Your Doctor Might Prescribe Pickleball

Pickleball health benefits are impressive for such a seemingly gentle sport:

Physical Benefits

Low-impact exercise that's easier on joints than tennis or running
Improves balance and coordination through lateral movements and quick reactions
Builds cardiovascular fitness without feeling like torture
Strengthens core muscles through rotational movements
Enhances hand-eye coordination (useful for more than just sports)

Mental Benefits

Social interaction combats loneliness and depression
Strategic thinking keeps your brain sharp
Stress relief through physical activity and fun
Confidence building as skills improve quickly
Sense of community through shared interest

Getting Started: Your First Steps into Pickleball

Finding Courts and Players
Finding pickleball courts is easier than you might think:

Check local community centers and sports complexes
Many tennis courts are being converted or lined for pickleball
Use apps like "Pickleball England" to find courts near you
Ask at local sports shops – they often know where people play

Taking Lessons vs Learning on Your Own

While pickleball is easy to learn, a lesson or two can accelerate your progress dramatically. Look for:

Group beginner clinics (cheaper and more social)
Local clubs offering newcomer sessions
Experienced players willing to mentor beginners
Online tutorials for basic techniques

What to Expect at Your First Game
Your first pickleball experience will probably involve:

Friendly people eager to help
More laughing than you expected
Surprising how much you enjoy hitting a plastic ball
Immediately understanding why people get addicted
Possibly some mild confusion about scoring (totally normal)

The Future of Pickleball

Pickleball growth shows no signs of slowing. The sport is being considered for Olympic inclusion, professional tours are expanding, and courts are popping up everywhere. In the UK, the sport is experiencing explosive growth with new clubs forming monthly.

What started as three families trying to entertain themselves on a summer afternoon has become a global phenomenon that's bringing people together, providing exercise that doesn't feel like work, and proving that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.

Ready to Give Pickleball a Try?

Now that you know what pickleball is all about, there's really only one thing left to do: grab a paddle and give it a shot. Don't worry about looking foolish – everyone was a beginner once, and the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming to newcomers.

Remember, you don't need to be athletic, young, or coordinated to enjoy pickleball. You just need to be willing to have fun, learn something new, and maybe laugh at yourself occasionally when the ball doesn't go where you intended.

The sport that started with a dog named Pickles (maybe) and some bored families has grown into something special: a game that brings people together, provides great exercise, and proves that the best activities in life are often the ones with the silliest names.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and discover why everyone's talking about pickleball. Just don't blame us when you become completely obsessed – we tried to warn you that it's addictive.

Welcome to the wonderful, wacky world of pickleball. Population: everyone who's tried it.