What is Pickleball?

Have you ever stumbled upon a group of people playing tennis with a weird-looking racket?  Well, that's not tennis. It's a unique sport called pickleball! So you might wonder,  what is pickleball?

 

In the US, pickleball is one of the fastest-developing sports. It started as a way to keep families from getting bored during the summer, but it has become a delightful game that people of all ages love.

 

In this blog, we will cover all that you need to know about this unique sport in detail and look at the difference between pickleball and tennis. With its fascinating history and rising popularity, it is sure to pique your interest. Well, let’s get right to it! 

 

The Origins of Pickleball

 

So, what exactly is pickleball? Like tennis, it's played on a netted court with paddles to strike a plastic ball with holes over the net. In doubles, players usually play to score points when the other side fails to return the ball.   

 

We also get questions such as what 3 sports is pickleball a combination of? Pickleball is an innovative sport combining badminton, tennis, and ping pong elements, including court size, net height, paddle use, and ball properties.

 

Although the pickleball craze may seem recent, the game actually dates back to 1965. Legend has it that during the summer of that year, the families of Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum grew tired of the usual summer activities. Discovering an old badminton court on the property but lacking enough equipment for four players, they improvised with ping pong paddles. 

 

And lo and behold! Pickleball was born. Over the next few years, the game evolved, rules were established and an official pickleball association with standardized regulations was formed. 

 

Here are some important aspects of the game, to help you understand it better. 

 

Understanding Pickleball's Gameplay

 

You might be wondering what type of ball is used in pickleball. The sport involves playing with a plastic ball that has holes in it. Specifically made for pickleball, these balls are slightly bigger than a typical tennis ball.

 

The other component is lightweight paddles that look like giant ping pong paddles. To beat your opponent, you can use serves, volleys, and smashes. The goal is to score points by hitting the ball inside the lines of the court and avoiding errors like hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds.

 

The Pickleball Court

 

We’re sure that’s probably got you wondering, “What does a pickleball court look like?”.

 

The pickleball court spans 20 feet in width and 44 feet in length. The net height is 34 inches in the center and 36 inches in the margins. It provides a different playing experience from traditional badminton and tennis courts due to its small size. 

 

There are marked lines that separate the areas used for singles and doubles play, and the court's surface can be either indoor or outdoor.

 

This game allows all skill levels to play together.  If you want to have fun and exercise, pickleball can be your game. Otherwise, a lot of competitive sports options are available as well. We will learn all about them in a while. 

 

Is Pickleball like Tennis?

 

To sum it up, pickleball is like tennis but has distinctive features. Although they share similarities, tennis, and pickleball are significantly different in terms of equipment, game regulations, player accessibility, and court dimensions.

 

So, how is pickleball different from tennis? Here are some factors:

 

1. Equipment: Racquets and tennis balls are used in tennis, whereas paddles and plastic balls with holes are used in pickleball.

 

2. Rules of the game: Pickleball has its own set of rules about gaming, serving, and scoring.

 

3. Easy access: Pickleball courts are more widely available, and players of all ages and abilities can pick up the sport more easily.

 

4. Court Size: Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, which makes for a more energetic and fast-paced game. Besides, they are more suitable for individuals who prefer less competitive sports.

 

Why Are So Many People Obsessed with Pickleball?

 

Pickleball has been around for decades. So, what exactly made pickleball such a widely popular sport in today’s era? Several factors add to this: 

 

1. Inclusivity: Pickleball is open to players of all ages and abilities, allowing a wide range of people to participate. Pickleball provides a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy, regardless of experience level or lack thereof in sports.

 

2. Lower Entry Cost: Pickleball requires less equipment and facility investment than other sports. Pickleball courts are frequently found at neighborhood community centers or open-air recreation spaces. Plus, the paddles and balls can be purchased for a reasonable price. 

 

You can find two paddles and a couple of balls for as little as 9.99, and you can buy sets that include a net as low as 40.99.

 

3. Ease of Learning: Pickleball's basic gameplay and simple regulations make it simple for newcomers to rapidly take up the sport. Players can quickly become assured and at ease on the court with a few fundamental skills and some practice. 

 

Once you have played the game and you’re hooked, you can purchase more expensive equipment if you choose. Let us now look at how this sport is played on a competitive level. 

 

Is Pickleball a Competitive Sport?

 

Pickleball is now transcending local courts and moving on to international stages. It is becoming more widely known as an international game and is growing more popular in many nations. Despite having its roots in the US, pickleball has become popular all over the world, encouraging the creation of international federations and organizations.

 

Are you wondering: is pickleball an Olympic sport? Pickleball is yet to be included in the Olympic Games, but its inclusion is an area that is constantly under discussion. The sport is gaining momentum and popularity around the world, and regulatory organizations and enthusiasts are optimistic about its chances of being recognized in the Olympics. 

 

Also, apart from typical matches, priority is given to endorsing pickleball as a disability-inclusive sport. Athletes with physical disabilities compete at different levels in the sport of para pickleball. Because of the sport's flexibility and accessibility, Para Pickleball programs can benefit greatly from it.

 

See Better, Play Better with Sporteyes

 

If you are as curious about this sport as its growing fan base, you need to be best equipped to try it out for yourself. To do that, protective eyewear is essential, especially for prescription glass wearers. 

 

You can have a look at our extensive selection of tennis eyewear, designed to improve your pickleball game. We have everything you need to perform at your best on the court, both prescription and non-prescription. Find your perfect pair, and indulge your passion for pickleball now!