Created in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, pickleball is a mix of table tennis, lawn tennis, and badminton. The trio created the game to keep their kids busy on rainy days. However, the sport quickly gained popularity among adults, leading to the construction of a permanent court by 1967, the establishment of a protection corporation in 1972, and the creation of the USA Pickleball Association by 1984.
The game currently has over 4.8 million participants in the United States. Some of this growth may be attributed to the period of COVID-19 restrictions, which required creative ways to pass the time with close loved ones while remaining safe and fit. The smaller court and the customized equipment made the game easy for people to play in the driveway, backyard, or gym.
The standard pickleball court is about double the size of a badminton court. Official USA pickleball requires a playing space that is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. However, one can alter the size depending on the available area, especially for those playing at home. Like tennis, the game can be played either as singles or doubles. The primary reason the courts are smaller than in tennis is that the pace of the game is slower due to the ball used, which is similar to a wiffle ball.
The lines on a pickleball court vary according to the size and number of players. However, the required lines include sidelines perpendicular to the net, baselines parallel to the net, and a centerline to divide the court evenly. At the professional level, standard courts also have non-volley lines. These are parallel lines at seven feet on both sides (volleys are prohibited at these sections). The lines can be permanent (as with paint, mostly for pro-level, association, and community court) or as simple as chalk or tape for home setups. The court material also depends on the use. Any surface works for home use, but concrete or asphalt are best for higher levels.
The only necessary personal equipment is a flat paddle with a maximum length of 17 inches. The original paddle for the game was made of wood. Although wood is still used, options like graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and polymer exist.
The ball differs from the typical wiffle ball in weight and thickness. The material can either be plastic resin or polymer, with holes drilled in it. The ball type depends on whether it will be used indoors or out. Indoor balls are softer, as the outdoor version has more travel space.
Balls used by the official Pickleball Association have specific requirements. These must have a spherical shape, weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces, and include between 26 and 40 holes. The balls must also have a uniform color (save for logos) and not be textured. Lastly, the net should be three feet long and hang 34 inches high at the court center. The net is lower than on a traditional tennis court because the ball bounces less due to the ball holes, which also reduce the speed of travel.
The first player or team to reach 11 points (with a margin of a minimum of two points) is the match winner.
The court size, game space, pace, ease of play, and simple equipment make pickleball a convenient recreational and competitive sport for participants of all ages and experience. Pickleball also improves hand-eye coordination and cognitive performance, as players compete in a more restricted space compared with standard tennis courts.
