Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States — and if you haven't tried it yet, there's a good chance someone you know has been trying to drag you out to a court. The appeal is real: it's easy to pick up, social by nature, genuinely good exercise, and playable by people of almost any age or athletic background. If you're curious but don't know where to begin, this guide covers everything from the basic rules to finding your first court.
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court roughly the size of a badminton court — about a quarter the size of a tennis court. It combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. You play with a solid paddle (not strung like a tennis racquet) and a plastic wiffle-style ball with holes in it. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2, and can be played as singles or doubles. Doubles is by far the most popular format.
The sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads looking to entertain their bored kids. It spent decades as a backyard novelty before exploding into mainstream recreation in the 2010s and 2020s. Today there are millions of players nationwide, dedicated facilities in nearly every major city, and a growing professional tour.
Pickleball rules are simpler than tennis, but a few quirks trip up newcomers.
The most important rule in pickleball is the non-volley zone, nicknamed "the kitchen." This is a 7-foot zone on either side of the net. You cannot hit the ball in the air (volley it) while standing inside the kitchen or while stepping on the kitchen line. You can step in to hit a ball that has bounced — you just can't be in there to volley. Violating this rule is the most common mistake new players make.
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before either team can start volleying. The serving team hits the serve, it bounces on the receiving side, the receiving team returns it, it bounces on the serving side — then both teams are free to volley. This rule prevents the serving team from rushing the net and dominating with volleys right away.
Only the serving team can score points. In doubles, each player on the serving team gets a chance to serve before the serve rotates to the opponents (with one exception at the very start of the game). The score is called as three numbers: serving team's score, receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example: "4-2-1."
💡 Tip for beginners: Don't worry too much about scoring in your first few sessions. Just focus on keeping the ball in play and staying out of the kitchen when volleying. The scoring system clicks quickly once you've played a few games.
The barrier to entry is low. To get started you need exactly three things: a paddle, balls, and access to a court.
Beginner paddles typically cost between $30 and $80 and are more than adequate for learning. They're usually made of composite or fiberglass. Avoid the cheapest wood paddles — they're heavy and hard on the arm. As you advance, you can invest in lighter graphite or carbon fiber paddles, but don't overthink it at first.
Outdoor pickleball balls have smaller, harder holes and are designed for wind resistance. Indoor balls have larger holes and are softer. If you're playing outside — which most public courts are — grab a sleeve of outdoor balls. Popular brands include Dura Fast 40 and Franklin X-40.
Any athletic shoe with good lateral support works fine. Running shoes aren't ideal because they're built for forward motion, not the side-to-side movement pickleball demands. Court shoes (tennis or volleyball shoes) are the best choice and make a noticeable difference in comfort and stability.
A few things separate pickleball from other racket sports in terms of approachability. The smaller court means less ground to cover, which is easier on the body. The underhand serve is far more forgiving than a tennis serve. And because the game is often slower-paced than tennis — especially at the recreational level — there's more time to think and react. Beginners start having fun rallies in their very first session, which keeps them coming back.
The social dimension is huge too. Doubles pickleball puts four people on a small court, which lends itself to conversation, laughter, and the kind of loose competitive atmosphere that feels more like a backyard game than a serious athletic contest. Many players describe it as the most fun they've had exercising.
Public pickleball courts are proliferating rapidly. Many parks have converted underused tennis courts, and dedicated pickleball facilities are opening in cities across the country. Use the Court Map USA map to find pickleball courts near you — filter by "Pickleball" under the Sport selector and "Public" under Access to see free options in your area. Browse by state and city if you want to plan ahead.
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