What is pickleball?

What is Pickleball? The Fastest-Growing Sport in the World Explained

If you’ve been scrolling social media or walking past a local sports centre recently, you’ve probably come across the word “pickleball.” For many, the first reaction is the same: “What on earth is that?” Then, after a little digging, comes the second reaction: “Wow, it’s everywhere.” Pickleball is more than just a quirky name — it’s the fastest-growing sport in the world, with millions of new players picking up a paddle each year. But what exactly is pickleball, where did it come from, and why has it captured so many hearts so quickly?

Pickleball’s story begins in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when a group of dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — invented a game to keep their kids entertained. They used whatever they had lying around: a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and makeshift paddles cut from plywood. What started as a backyard experiment quickly spread to friends and neighbours. Over time, rules were refined, equipment was improved, and a brand-new sport was born.

At first glance, pickleball looks like a mash-up of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with a low net and hard paddles instead of strung rackets. The ball — a plastic wiffle-style ball with holes — moves slower than a tennis ball, which keeps rallies going longer. It’s doubles-friendly (though you can play singles), and the smaller court means less running but more quick reflexes. One of the quirks of pickleball is the “kitchen” — a non-volley zone near the net that adds a unique layer of tactics to every point.

What makes pickleball special isn’t just the rules. It’s how accessible it is. You don’t need years of lessons to get started. You don’t need elite fitness levels to enjoy a game. Pickleball is easy to learn in ten minutes, yet it has enough depth to keep you hooked for years. That accessibility is one of the biggest reasons it’s exploded, particularly in the United States where retirement communities, schools, and parks have all adopted it at lightning speed.

But pickleball isn’t just a pastime for retirees. Over the last decade, it’s built its own professional scene, with leagues, sponsorships, and televised events. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) are attracting big investors, from LeBron James to Tom Brady, and the sport is drawing younger players who see it as fast, fun, and competitive. Highlights go viral on TikTok, celebrities are building courts in their backyards, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re watching a cultural moment in real time.

Community is another core part of pickleball’s DNA. Walk into any pickleball club or open play session and you’ll notice the atmosphere is different from many other sports. There’s laughter, music, high-fives between strangers. People rotate partners, welcome newcomers, and play purely for the fun of it. The smaller court and slower ball speed mean beginners can jump right in without slowing down the game for experienced players. That makes it uniquely welcoming.

There’s also a sense that pickleball is about more than the sport itself. In an age where so much social life happens online, pickleball offers something refreshing: people gathering in person, moving their bodies, connecting face to face. It’s a remedy for loneliness, a way to meet new people, and for many, a way to rediscover the simple joy of play.

Of course, like any sport that grows quickly, pickleball has faced criticism. Some tennis players worry about courts being converted. Neighbours complain about the noise of plastic balls popping off paddles. Purists sometimes dismiss it as a fad. But numbers don’t lie: millions of people are playing, and the infrastructure — from clubs and coaching to pro tours and sponsorships — is only growing stronger. Far from being a trend that fades, pickleball is carving out its place in the global sports landscape.

Why do people love pickleball so much? Some say it’s the speed of improvement — you can go from complete beginner to competitive in weeks. Others say it’s the social aspect — the friendships, the laughter, the community spirit. And for many, it’s simply fun. There aren’t many sports where three generations can genuinely play together on the same court, but pickleball makes it possible.

So, what is pickleball? It’s a sport born out of improvisation that became a cultural movement. It’s a mash-up that turned into something entirely its own. It’s proof that sport doesn’t have to be elitist or exclusive to capture the imagination of millions. Pickleball is playful, welcoming, and growing faster than almost anyone imagined. And whether you’re in it for fitness, friendship, or competition, chances are you’ll walk off court smiling — and eager to play again.