Pickleball is no longer just a backyard curiosity—it has exploded into a national phenomenon, earning recognition as the fastest growing sport in the United States.
Perhaps you’ve seen people playing it at local parks, overheard friends mention it, or come across tournaments on social media.
But you still might be asking yourself: What is pickleball?
This comprehensive guide answers that question in detail. From its humble beginnings and rules to how you can get involved, plus how to find your skill level through new rating systems like the UTR Pickleball Rating, we cover everything you need to know about one of the hottest sports around.
For a deeper look at how pickleball stacks up against tennis, visit our in-depth article, Pickleball vs. Tennis: Why Pickleball Is Taking Over.
And if you’re searching for the ideal paddle to start playing, be sure to explore our curated list of the best pickleball paddles.
Why Everyone Is Asking: What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball has become a household name for a host of reasons. It blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, creating a friendly yet highly competitive game that can be played by people of all ages.
The smaller court size (20 x 44 feet) and a lower-impact style of movement appeal to a broad demographic, from retirees seeking a fun way to stay active to young adults looking for a new competitive outlet. Beyond its approachability, pickleball also offers a social element that keeps players coming back. You often share the court with three other people, and with matches lasting just minutes in casual play, it’s easy to rotate new players in and out, fostering a sense of community.
Across the nation, local parks departments are painting pickleball lines on existing tennis courts, or even building entirely new pickleball-only facilities to meet demand. With major organizations like the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) drawing media attention and celebrity investments, pickleball’s rise is no fluke.
According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the number of pickleball players has soared to nearly nine million, with participation rising by 159% over the last couple of years. It’s clear that pickleball is more than a passing trend; it’s a sport transforming fitness routines, social circles, and even professional athletics.
Pickleball’s Humble Beginnings
Pickleball traces its start back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, near Seattle. Three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—wanted a way to entertain their families. With limited equipment on hand, they improvised a game by lowering a badminton net, crafting paddles out of plywood, and using a plastic whiffle ball. They played on an existing badminton court laid out on asphalt, never realizing they had just created an entirely new sport.
It took decades for pickleball to gain mainstream momentum, but a watershed moment came in 2005 with the founding of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), known today as USA Pickleball (USAP). UTR Sports is proud to partner with them to continue growing the sport. This organization works to promote the game, standardize the rules, and build competitive pathways. By 2020, membership in USAP exceeded 50,000, and it continues to grow. The USA Pickleball National Championships in places like Dallas are now major events, attracting over 3,000 participants and thousands of fans. What began as a child-friendly solution to summer boredom has evolved into an official sport with a dedicated community of both recreational and professional players.
What Makes Pickleball Unique?
Blend of Tennis, Badminton, and Ping Pong
Pickleball borrows the net height and sense of strategy from tennis, the smaller court size from badminton, and the handheld paddle concept from ping pong. This combination allows players to experience the excitement of a racquet sport with less intensity than a full-size tennis match.
Compact Court Dimensions
A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, roughly the size of a doubles badminton court. This smaller space makes the game more accessible to people of varying athletic abilities. The net sits at 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
The Kitchen—Non-Volley Zone
One of the game’s defining features is the seven-foot non-volley zone directly in front of the net, colloquially called “The Kitchen.” Players cannot hit volleys (taking the ball out of the air) from within this zone. The Kitchen prevents constant net domination, encourages longer rallies, and adds a layer of strategy.
Underhand Serves and Double-Bounce Rule
Pickleball uses an underhand serve, which can be much easier for beginners to master compared to tennis’s overhead serve. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before any volleys are allowed. This double-bounce rule ensures the ball is in motion longer and evens the playing field between power hitters and more strategic players.
Essential Pickleball Equipment
Pickleball keeps things simple. There’s only a few items of gear you need, so you can get started quickly without a large investment.
Paddle
Pickleball paddles are typically solid rather than strung, made from lightweight materials like graphite, composite, fiberglass, or even wood for older, budget-friendly models. Because they are smaller than tennis racquets, they’re easier to control. For more details, check out our list of the best pickleball paddles.
Plastic Ball
Pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes, similar to a whiffle ball. It’s lighter than a tennis ball, which reduces the power needed to return shots. Variations exist for indoor and outdoor play, with outdoor balls being a bit heavier and featuring smaller holes to handle wind.
Net
A pickleball net stands 36 inches tall at the posts and dips to 34 inches at the center. You can buy portable nets that are easy to set up on virtually any flat surface, or you can use permanent nets on dedicated pickleball courts.
Comfortable Footwear
Although standard tennis shoes can suffice, specialized pickleball shoes are emerging on the market to handle the sport’s quick lateral movements. For a casual start, any court shoe with good stability should work.
How to Play Pickleball
Pickleball can be played in doubles or singles, indoors or outdoors, and on surfaces ranging from tennis courts to repurposed basketball courts or even a parking lot. The versatility is unmatched.
You begin a point with an underhand serve diagonally across the net. The receiving side allows the ball to bounce once before returning it, and the serving side also lets the ball bounce once before continuing the rally. After these two mandatory bounces, players may volley the ball out of the air, except when standing inside The Kitchen.
Many recreational pickleball games are played to 11 points, requiring a two-point lead to win. Only the serving team can score a point. When you serve and win a rally, you earn a point and continue serving. If you lose the rally, your partner or the opposing team gets a chance to serve. Games move quickly, points can swing back and forth, and beginners usually find they can grasp the basics in just one session.
Diverse Player Base: Breaking Stereotypes
Some still label pickleball as an “older person’s sport,” yet the reality is that it’s attracting players of all ages. The average age has dropped significantly over the past few years, reflecting the surge in younger participants. In fact, the game’s social and inclusive nature makes it a favorite among families, community groups, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a fun way to stay active without excessive strain on the knees or hips.
It’s also becoming common to see college athletes or even professional tennis players give pickleball a try. The key selling point is that many racquet-sport skills translate smoothly, making pickleball’s learning curve more about refining strategies rather than mastering entirely new movements.
Tennis Players Transitioning to Pickleball
The transition from tennis to pickleball can be almost seamless for experienced players. With a smaller court, lighter ball, and simplified serve, tennis veterans find themselves adapting quickly. Former tennis champions like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Michael Chang have all stepped onto the pickleball court to test their reflexes. Even recent tennis pros, such as Jack Sock and Sam Querrey, have ventured into pickleball tournaments, discovering that their court awareness and stroke mechanics carry over nicely.
The advantage for tennis converts is familiarity with volleying, groundstrokes, and footwork. However, pickleball’s unique rules, such as the double-bounce rule and The Kitchen, add distinct layers to the game. Strategies that work in tennis might need to be modified for the closer quarters and slower plastic ball in pickleball. Still, the foundational skills transfer so easily that many competitive tennis players find themselves at an intermediate pickleball level almost immediately.
Beyond Tennis: Other Racquet Sports Players Jump on Board
Table tennis, racquetball, padel, and squash enthusiasts are also discovering that pickleball offers a refreshing twist on racquet and paddle sports. They already have a keen sense of timing, spin, and ball control, which translates well to the pickleball court. The smaller scale and emphasis on placement can feel reminiscent of ping pong, while the dynamic rallies and shot angles remind some of racquetball or squash. The net result is a versatile activity that feels both familiar and exciting.
Pickleball Tournaments and Professional Play
Pickleball tournaments are now a mainstay of the sport. The APP Tour (Association of Pickleball Players), for example—an organization we at UTR Sports are proud to partner with—often draws broadcast coverage and big sponsors. Pickleball tours feature multiple divisions that cater to newcomers, intermediate players, advanced competitors, and world-class pros. Some offer prize money, live streaming, and a chance to watch top talents square off.
Investors Jump on the Bandwagon
One sign that pickleball is more than a passing fad is the surge of celebrity investors and venture capitalists putting money into the sport. It’s not just about owning teams; some celebrities are backing or starting new equipment ventures. For instance, actor Jamie Foxx has invested in a paddle manufacturing company aiming to produce high-quality paddles. It’s a natural opportunity, as the demand for paddles, shoes, balls, and other pickleball gear shows no signs of slowing.
This influx of capital also benefits local communities. Parks and recreation departments receive grants or sponsorship support to build new courts or convert underutilized tennis or basketball courts into multi-use facilities. As a result, more people get the chance to try pickleball. The cycle continues: word of mouth spreads, more players invest in paddles and shoes, more clubs offer pickleball alongside tennis, and so on.
The Rise of Pickleball Gear and Businesses
As the popularity of pickleball continues to skyrocket, many entrepreneurs see opportunities to serve the growing market. Paddle companies compete to craft the lightest, most spin-friendly equipment. Shoe manufacturers adjust designs to accommodate the quick, lateral footwork unique to pickleball. Balls are optimized for indoor versus outdoor play, factoring in durability and performance.
Beyond the equipment, local coaching clinics and specialized training programs are popping up. Certified pickleball coaches teach beginners the fundamentals of serving, volleying, and positioning. Advanced clinics dive into the finer points of doubles strategy, shot selection, and anticipating opponents’ weaknesses. For those looking to monetize their passion, opening a pickleball-focused store, producing training videos, or hosting leagues and tournaments are all viable paths as the sport keeps drawing new players.
The UTR Pickleball Rating: A Game Changer for Competition
For newcomers, the UTR Pickleball Rating (UTR-P Rating) begins with a provisional rating (P1-P5), based on a brief questionnaire that evaluates athletic background and self-assessed skill level. As you log real match results—whether in tournaments or casual competitive play—the rating becomes more precise, adjusting to reflect your wins, losses, and the skill levels of your opponents. This level-based play approach improves the overall experience by making sure you face opponents near your own ability level.
UTR Sports has also partnered with organizations like the APP Tour. In these events, the UTR-P Rating helps organizers create divisions that match the skill ranges of participants, giving everyone a fair chance to compete. If you’re an amateur looking to dip your toe into organized competition, having a credible rating can help you avoid mismatches and ensure you have fun while testing your skill.
Why Ratings Matter in Pickleball
As pickleball evolves beyond casual backyard or local park games, players increasingly seek a metric to track improvement and challenge themselves. That’s exactly what a rating system like UTR-P offers. You can benchmark your skill against others, see incremental gains as you refine your technique, and set personal goals for improvement. Ratings also come in handy for scheduling matches at local clubs or recreational centers, ensuring balanced contests.
For tournament directors, ratings reduce the headache of seeding players. Instead of relying on self-reported experience, they have data-driven insights that group individuals into divisions where they belong. This fosters a community of healthy competition, where each match is engaging rather than a lopsided affair.
Health Benefits and Social Engagement
One reason pickleball has caught fire is its myriad health benefits combined with a low barrier to entry. Players get a cardio workout without having to sprint the length of a tennis court. Movements involve quick reflexes, short dashes, and strategic footwork, which can be adapted for almost any fitness level. The repetitive nature of groundstrokes and volleys is less jarring on the arm or shoulder than heavier swings in tennis, making it easier on the joints.
Another major appeal is the social aspect. Pickleball fosters community because the court is small and a typical game might last only 10 to 15 minutes. Players often rotate among partners, meet new people, and bond over shared victories or funny mishits. The environment is typically welcoming, with experienced players happy to share tips and novices eager to learn. Being physically active in a social setting also provides mental health benefits, reducing stress and contributing to a more positive mindset.
Comparisons: Pickleball vs. Tennis
It’s almost impossible to talk about pickleball without comparing it to tennis. In fact, Apple’s Heart and Movement Study suggested that pickleball’s participation had momentarily surpassed tennis, an indication of how rapidly it’s expanding. Yet each sport holds unique advantages.
Tennis offers higher-intensity workouts, requiring more running and explosive movements. Players tend to hit higher peak heart rates, often topping 150 bpm. Serving involves more complicated technique, and mastering topspin and backspin on a stringed racquet can take time.
Pickleball games often last longer, providing steady cardio with fewer spikes in heart rate. Many enjoy the easier serve and the forgiving nature of a lighter ball, which can result in extended rallies that emphasize placement. The smaller court and restricted volley zone invite strategy and keep the game approachable for those who might find tennis too physically demanding.
Both sports do an excellent job of promoting fitness and mental well-being. Regular players of either sport report lower levels of stress and improved cardiovascular health. For a lot of people, pickleball is an excellent cross-training option, or simply a fun alternative when tennis courts are crowded.
Major Leagues, Major Investments
Pickleball stands as a milestone in the sports world thanks to new professional leagues, star-studded tournaments, and a strong wave of celebrity investments. High-profile backers like Tom Brady, Naomi Osaka, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant have recognized the sport’s enormous potential. These celebrities aren’t just sitting on the sidelines—they’re actively promoting the game, setting up exhibition matches, and occasionally making appearances at events. This surge in media coverage translates to greater awareness, leading more people to ask: what is pickleball, and how can I try it?
Beyond tournaments, big brands are jumping in with sponsorships. Tennis companies such as Wilson and HEAD have extended their product lines to include pickleball paddles, balls, and other gear. Meanwhile, startups are designing sleek, high-tech paddles for discerning pros. Collectively, this environment of competition, innovation, and big-name involvement cements pickleball as a sport with staying power.
UTR Sports and the Future of Pickleball Ratings
UTR Sports made waves in tennis with its UTR Tennis Rating, and that same expertise is now applied to pickleball in the form of the UTR-P Rating. The concept is straightforward: the more accurate the rating system, the better it serves players, coaches, clubs, and tournament organizers. By analyzing match history and factoring in the level of your opponents, UTR-P paints a clear, data-driven picture of your skill.
The long-term goal is to build a thriving community of players who can find each other easily, schedule matches, join leagues, and track performance over time. When your rating increases, it’s a tangible reflection of improved skills and better results. If your rating dips, it can be a wake-up call to focus on specific areas like serving consistency or dinking strategy.
Joining a Growing Community
One of the best aspects of pickleball is how welcoming and tight-knit the community can be. Local clubs often host free introduction sessions, offering paddles and balls to first-time players. Most novices discover that they can rally and score points in just one afternoon, which fuels excitement to keep playing. As you gain confidence, you might explore round-robin events, local league play, or your first tournament.
If you’re looking for a more structured environment, you can register with UTR Sports to create a pickleball player profile, find events near you, and start building a match history that will feed into your UTR-P Rating. It’s a powerful way to meet other players at your level, ensuring more consistent, competitive matches.
Pickleball for Health, Fitness, and Fun
Pickleball isn’t merely about competition. For millions of players, it’s an incredibly fun way to stay active. Short, intense bursts of movement are good for cardio health, while the gentler pace relative to tennis means fewer injuries for some participants. Players looking to sharpen their reaction time and balance appreciate the quick net exchanges, especially when volleying near The Kitchen.
Socially, pickleball stands out because it brings together people of various generations. It’s not uncommon to see grandparents teaming up against their grandchildren in a doubles match—everyone can enjoy the game regardless of physical fitness level. This unique blend of exercise and camaraderie makes it an appealing option for families, community centers, and even corporate wellness programs.
Pickleball Rules at a Glance
The official pickleball rulebook, overseen by USA Pickleball (USAP), contains a detailed breakdown of every aspect of the game. But at a high level, here’s what you need to know:
- Games are commonly played to 11 points, and a two-point lead is required to win.
- Only the serving team can earn a point on each rally. If you lose a rally while serving, your partner (in doubles) or your opponent gets the next serve.
- The ball must bounce on each side of the net at least once at the start of every rally.
- Volleys are prohibited within the seven-foot non-volley zone.
- Serves must be underhand, and contact with the ball must happen below the waist.
Leveling Up Your Pickleball Game
Once you grasp the basic rules, the opportunities to improve are endless. Work on developing a consistent serve that doesn’t simply land in the court but challenges opponents. Practice dinks—soft shots played in or near The Kitchen—to control the pace of a rally. Learn how to volley effectively without stepping into the non-volley zone. Anticipation also matters: reading an opponent’s body language can often reveal the type of shot they’re about to play.
Strategy evolves as you climb the skill ladder. At the intermediate level, players become adept at hitting shots that keep opponents pinned to the baseline. At higher levels, ball placement, spin, and sudden changes of pace become the norm.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Play Pickleball
This is the best moment to pick up a paddle for several reasons. First, the infrastructure is growing rapidly. More courts, clubs, and events mean you won’t struggle to find a place to play or people to play with. Second, there’s a wider selection of equipment on the market than ever before, allowing you to find paddles that suit your style and budget. Third, the rating systems and leagues are making it easier to jump into competitive play if that appeals to you. Finally, the pickleball community is still in a phase of rapid expansion, which means new faces are welcomed and encouraged.
Whether you’re an older athlete looking for a joint-friendly way to stay active, a younger person wanting a faster path to competitive success, or just someone in search of a fun social activity, pickleball offers a little bit of everything. Its combination of simplicity and strategic depth caters to players at every skill level.
Getting Started: Your Path to a UTR-P Rating
If you’re eager to measure your skill or connect with players on your wavelength, consider creating a free profile with UTR Sports. You can obtain a provisional UTR-P Rating right away based on your sports background, then watch it evolve as you log real results. Even if you don’t have many matches under your belt, the platform helps you find tournaments, leagues, and local matchplay opportunities tailored to your rating.
Knowing your rating can be motivating because it provides a benchmark to target improvements. As you enter events and see your rating inch upward, you’ll know your practice sessions and strategic adjustments are paying off. Plus, matching up with similarly rated opponents typically means more engaging rallies and a more enjoyable playing experience.
Ready to jump in? Get Started with UTR Sports to claim or improve your UTR-P Rating, find local events, and join the rapidly growing pickleball community.
Is Pickleball Here to Stay?
Few would argue that pickleball is a passing fad. With top-tier athletes and celebrities continually investing in the sport, major sponsors lining up, and a dedicated community that spans all ages, pickleball has solidified its status as a staple of American sports culture. In local neighborhoods, it’s bridging generation gaps. In the professional realm, it’s drawing crowds and building brand new leagues. The question is no longer “Is pickleball going to last?” but rather “How big can it get?”
As more communities invest in dedicated pickleball facilities and as rating systems like UTR-P become further integrated into organized play, we can expect even more robust local and national tournament offerings. Television coverage, live-streamed events, and social media visibility will continue to draw in fresh waves of curious newcomers. The future looks bright—and fast-paced.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Pickleball Today
So, what is pickleball? It’s a dynamic, inclusive, and quickly-growing racquet sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and ping pong into a single game designed to be accessible to everyone. Its origins may be humble—a backyard experiment to keep kids busy—but today, pickleball stands as one of the most talked-about sports in America, boasting top-level tours, celebrity investors, millions of players, and a nationwide community of enthusiasts.
Pickleball’s beauty lies in its versatility. You can play it recreationally with friends on a makeshift court chalked onto a driveway, or you can dive into the high-stakes world of professional events and sponsorships. If your main draw is health and fitness, you’ll benefit from steady cardio and improved agility without over-stressing your joints. If you crave competition, the rating systems, leagues, and tournaments offer a clear path to challenge yourself and grow. And if you simply love being part of a friendly, active, and ever-expanding community, pickleball has a place for you.
There’s never been a better time to get involved. Pick up a paddle, find a local court, and give pickleball a shot. If you’re curious about your skill level or want to compete in organized events, Get Started with a UTR-P Rating here. Whether you’re a former tennis player curious about the hype or a total newcomer looking to try something new, pickleball is ready to welcome you. It’s fun, inclusive, and everywhere—so why not see for yourself what all the buzz is about?