How to Play Pickleball and Why You Should Try It

Pickleball: Get Moving and Have Fun at the Same Time

Pickleball is more than just a casual game to play with friends - it's become a phenomenon. According to CBS News, pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport, with almost five million participants and rising. It now has a national sanctioning body, a professional league and numerous major tournaments.

By why has pickleball become so popular - and why should you get in the game? Bownet® takes a closer look at the game sweeping the nation.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball was created in 1965 by three dads in Bainbridge Island, Washington, who needed a fun summer activity for their kids. USA Pickleball describes the sport as a combination of three other racquet/paddle sports: tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Although you can install a purpose-built pickleball court, a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net will also suffice. The other equipment you'll need are paddles and a small plastic ball with holes similar to a wiffle baseball.

How to Play Pickleball

The rules of pickleball are relatively simple. If you're new to the game, there are the basics:

• The pickleball court size is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide.
• The ball has to bounce at least once per side before playing it.
• The ball has to stay inbounds.
• Serves must be underhanded from the baseline and travel diagonally.
• Serves need to land beyond the no-volley zone, which is anywhere within seven feet of the net.
• Games typically end at 11, 15 or 21 points, but can be extended due to a "win by two" requirement.

What's Great About Pickleball

A big reason why people love pickleball is that it's versatile. It can be played indoors or outdoors and as singles, doubles or mixed doubles. Newcomers can get up to speed quickly, especially if they've played badminton or tennis before. Anyone can play, too - NPR has noted that pickleball is especially popular among senior citizens.

But young athletes will also love the benefits of pickleball. It's a fast-paced game that works most muscle groups and sharpens mental focus. At the same time, the small court limits how much athleticism factors into the result. Oftentimes, out-thinking the opponent is as important as out-working them.

In part because of this, pickleball encourages socialization and communication, which is something you can then apply to other team sports. Finally, pickleball can be as serious or carefree as you want. So whether you're an elite athlete trying to reach the highest levels or someone looking to escape from daily stress, you'll find a home in the pickleball world.

Play Pickleball Anywhere

Like every sport, if you want to become a better pickleball player, you'll need to practice and do drills that develop the needed skill. With Bownet pickleball equipment, you can #TrainLikeAPro. Use our pickleball net and field cones to create a pickleball court wherever you have the space to play - including your backyard. We also have step training ladders, carry bags and other gear that pickleball players need.