Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court using a perforated plastic ball and lightweight paddles. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, featuring a non-volley zone near the net called the kitchen.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Leisure (1965)
- ORIGIN
- Bainbridge Island, WA
- PLAYERS
- 2 or 4 players
- EQUIPMENT
- Paddle, plastic ball
- PLAYING AREA
- 13.4 × 6.1 m
- DURATION
- 15–60 min
- GOVERNING BODY
- USA Pickleball / WPF
- OLYMPIC
- No
Key rules & scoring
| Rule / Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 7-foot non-volley zone adjacent to the net |
| Two-Bounce Rule | Serve and service return must each bounce once before being hit |
| Serving | Underhand stroke hit below waist level into diagonal court |
| Scoring Points | Only the serving team can score points |
| Winning Match | First side to reach 11 points (must win by 2) |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Invented on Bainbridge Island, WA by Joel Pritchard and friends |
| 1967 | First permanent pickleball court constructed |
| 1976 | First known pickleball tournament held in Tukwila, WA |
| 1984 | United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) founded |
| 2023 | USA Pickleball reports over 8.9 million US players |
How a game works
Players hit a perforated hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch net using solid paddles. Drives and dinks are traded across the net, strictly adhering to the double-bounce rule on serves and returns. Players cannot volley while standing inside the 7-foot non-volley zone, known as the kitchen.
Scoring in one line
Only the serving team scores points, and games are usually played to 11 points, requiring a two-point lead to win.
Where it came from
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Designed as a backyard game for families, it relied on handmade paddles and a plastic Wiffle ball.
Pickleball today
Pickleball is governed globally by organizations like the International Pickleball Federation and USA Pickleball. It is currently one of the fastest-growing participation sports globally, played widely across all age groups.
Run a Pickleball tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — Best of 3 sets to 11.
FAQ
Is pickleball in the Olympics?
No, pickleball is not currently an Olympic sport, though national and international federations are actively seeking recognition.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone extending from the net on both sides. Players cannot hit the ball on the volley while standing inside or stepping on its lines.
How many players play pickleball?
Pickleball can be played in singles (2 players total) or doubles (4 players total), with doubles being the most common format.