Learn Pickleball
Discover America's fastest-growing sport that combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a court roughly one-quarter the size of a tennis court, it uses a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles made of wood or composite materials.
What makes pickleball special is its accessibility - it's easier on the joints than tennis, simple enough for beginners to learn quickly, yet challenging enough to keep advanced players engaged.
Introduction to Pickleball
Watch this comprehensive video guide
Lower impact than tennis with shorter court dimensions, making it perfect for players of all ages and those recovering from injuries.
Builds community through doubles play and welcoming culture. Mixed skill levels can play together and still have competitive, enjoyable matches.
Most people can start playing and having fun within 15 minutes. The underhand serve and double-bounce rule make it beginner-friendly.
Strategic gameplay with shot placement, dinking, and court positioning. Professional leagues and tournaments offer competitive opportunities.
Court dimensions: 44' x 20' (same as doubles badminton). Net height: 36" at ends, 34" in center.
Score Format: Your Score - Opponent Score - Server Number
Solid paddle (no strings) made of wood, composite, or graphite. Typically weighs 6-14 ounces with specific size restrictions.
Beginner: $30-80
Advanced: $80-200+
Perforated plastic ball with 26-40 round holes. Different balls for indoor (26 holes) and outdoor (40 holes) play.
Indoor: Softer, less wind resistance
Outdoor: Harder, more durable
Court shoes with good lateral support and non-marking soles. Tennis or cross-training shoes work well.
Key Features: Lateral support, grip, cushioning
Price Range: $60-150
Comfortable, moisture-wicking athletic wear. Many clubs have dress codes requiring collared shirts and appropriate shorts/skirts.
Essentials: Athletic shirt, shorts/skirt
Optional: Hat, sunglasses, sweatbands
Use our court finder to locate pickleball courts and clubs in your area. Many tennis courts have been converted, and dedicated pickleball facilities are growing rapidly.
Find Courts Near MeWhile pickleball is easy to learn, a lesson or clinic will teach you proper technique, rules, and strategy. Many facilities offer beginner-friendly programs.
Start with a beginner paddle ($30-80), court shoes, and comfortable athletic wear. Many facilities provide loaner paddles for first-time players.
Pro Tip: Try different paddles before buying. Weight, grip size, and paddle material significantly affect your play style.
Look for beginner-friendly open play sessions, round-robin tournaments, or recreational leagues. The pickleball community is known for welcoming newcomers.
Drop-in games with rotating partners
Organized seasonal play with consistent teams
As you get comfortable with basic play, focus on strategy, shot placement, and court positioning. Consider joining tournaments to test your skills.
Join thousands of players discovering the joy of pickleball. Find courts, connect with players, and start your pickleball journey today!
Moderate aerobic exercise that improves heart health, circulation, and endurance without the high impact of running or tennis.
Weight-bearing exercise helps maintain bone density and reduces risk of osteoporosis, especially important as we age.
Builds core strength, improves balance and coordination, and strengthens arms, legs, and back muscles.
Reduces stress, improves mood through endorphin release, and provides social interaction and community connection.
Easier on joints than tennis or running, making it suitable for players with arthritis, knee problems, or other joint issues.
Improves reflexes, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination, which can help prevent falls and maintain cognitive function.
Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They created the game to entertain their families using an old badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball.
The first known pickleball tournament was held at the Pritchard family property. The game began spreading to other communities as visitors experienced this new, fun sport.
The USA Pickleball Association (now USA Pickleball) was established, creating official rules and promoting the sport's growth across America.
The first USA Pickleball National Championships were held in Buckeye, Arizona, establishing competitive play and standardized rules nationwide.
Pickleball experienced unprecedented growth, with participation increasing over 200% in just a few years. Courts began appearing in communities nationwide.
Named America's fastest-growing sport for multiple years running. Professional leagues, major sponsorships, and TV coverage have elevated pickleball to mainstream recognition.
Understanding skill levels helps you find appropriate players and competitions. The DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system provides standardized ratings.
The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is becoming the standard rating system, using algorithm-based calculations from match results to provide accurate, dynamic ratings.