Why Is Pickleball So Popular? [Everything You Need To Know]

Pickleball is a fun way to get exercise and improve your fitness level.

It’s also a good social game because everyone gets along well and plays together – but just where did the game come from, and why is it so popular?

We took a closer look at all you need to know about pickleball and its rise in popularity.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is an exciting sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one fast-paced game.

The object of the game is to hit a ball with a paddle across a net, and the game can be played on any court or field, indoors or outdoors.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

So, just why is pickleball so popular? There are a number of advantages to the sport, and these include:

A Great Workout

One of the main benefits of pickleball is that it offers a great full-body workout.

This is because players use their whole body when they play the game, including their arms, legs, core muscles, and even their eyes.

In fact, there are many different exercises that can be done during a match of pickleball, which means that you will never get bored playing this game.

An Easy Game To Learn

Another benefit of pickleball is how easy it is to learn.

All you have to do is stand behind the baseline and then move forward as far as possible while hitting the ball over the net.

Once you master this basic skill, you’ll find that you’re able to play the game very quickly.

Great For Everyone

Another advantage of pickleball is the fact that it’s a great game for people of all ages and abilities (see also ‘What Is The Average Age Of Pickleball Players?‘).

Whether you’re young or old, fit or unfit, you’ll enjoy playing pickleball because it doesn’t require much strength or stamina. Instead, it requires agility and quick reflexes.

One of the best things about pickleball is that you can play with anyone regardless of their age, gender, or physical ability.

This means that there’s no limit on who can join in on the action.

Fun And Competitive

Pickleball is an interesting combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

It’s a fast-paced game that involves lots of movement, and this makes it a great way to exercise, as well as being both fun and competitive.

When you play the game, you’ll see that everyone has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and this makes the game more enjoyable – as well as awakening your competitive side as you strive to win every point!

You Can Play It Anywhere

Another major advantage of pickleball compared to other sports is that you can play it almost anywhere that a net can be set up, provided that the floor is flat and smooth.

Unlike tennis, badminton, and volleyball, you won’t need any special facilities to play pickleball.

You Don’t Have To Be An Expert At Tennis

Pickleball is also a good choice for beginners who aren’t familiar with tennis.

Because the rules of the game are similar to those of tennis, you’ll feel comfortable when you get started.

At the same time, however, there is no need to be a tennis pro to be good at pickleball – you can get to grips and build skills fairly quickly.

How Do I Play Pickleball?

The first thing you should do before you start playing pickleball is to buy some equipment, and you will need some balls, a paddle, and three friends.

If you don’t already own a set of paddles or the right equipment, you can purchase them online or at most sporting goods (see also ‘Best Budget Pickleball Paddle‘)stores.

Once you’ve got everything ready, you’ll need to choose a spot to play.

As with tennis, you can either play singles or doubles and if you decide to play doubles, you’ll need two sets of equipment.

When you’re ready to begin playing, you’ll need to stand behind the baseline, and the ball is served.

Your job is to return the ball by hitting it back over the net (see also ‘How High Is A Pickleball Net?‘). You can serve the ball using either hand, but you must keep your feet close to the baseline at all times.

If you miss the ball, you’ll lose points, and if you hit the ball out of bounds, you’ll lose those points too (see also ‘How Many Points Is Pickleball Played To?‘).

However, if you make contact with the ball, you’ll score points. The object of the game is to reach 15 points first.

Tips For Playing Pickleball

There are several tips that you can use to improve your game:

1. Follow Through With Your Serve

One of the biggest mistakes that players make when they play pickleball is not following through with their serves.

This means that they end up missing the ball completely, which results in them losing valuable points.

Follow through with your serve so that you can score more points.

2. Keep Your Feet Close To The Baseline

As mentioned above, you should always keep your feet close to where the baseline is located. This will help you to control the ball better and prevent you from getting into trouble.

3. Use A Good Paddle

A good paddle (see also ‘How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle‘) is essential for picking up the ball effectively. Make sure that you have one that fits properly, and that you practice using it regularly.

4. Don’t Forget About The Rest Of Your Body

As you move around the court, you may find yourself moving away from the ball. When this happens, you should immediately try to bring yourself back toward the ball.

Doing this will help you to stay focused on the ball and increase your chances of scoring.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

It’s important to remember that practicing makes perfect. By doing regular drills, you’ll improve your overall game.

One of the best ways to practice is to take part in tournaments (see also ‘How Does A Round Robin Tournament Work?‘).

These events allow you to compete against other players, and they give you an opportunity to see what kind of improvements you can make.

Pickleball Rules And Etiquette

You should know about the rules of the game before you start playing. Here are some basic guidelines:

The Ball Must Stay Inbounds

One of the most significant rules of pickleball is that the ball is required to stay in bounds at all times, and this means that it cannot go outside the boundaries of the court.

If the ball goes out of bounds, the opponent will win the point, and it will be their turn to serve the ball (see also ‘Do you Serve From The Left Or Right In Pickleball?‘).

One Bounce Per Side

Pickleball is unique in the inclusion of the “Two Bounce Rule” – this means that the ball is required to bounce a minimum of once on each side of the net, for the serve and the return of the serve.

Once this bounce has taken place, either side can choose to let the ball bounce, or play the ball in the air.

Serve At The Baseline

When serving, you should always serve at the baseline or the back line of the court. Servers must be made with an underhand shot, and from below the waist.

Serves Must Not Land In The “No Volley” Zone

If the ball lands in the “no-volley zone”, also known as the “kitchen”, then the server loses the point.

This spot is seven feet off the net. Following the serve (see also ‘How To Hit A Slice Serve‘), the ball can land in the kitchen without penalty.

Games End At 11, 15, Or 21 Points

A game of pickleball ends when a single person or team hits 11 points – as long as they are 2 points ahead.

The winner of a game of pickleball must always win by a minimum of two points, so if one team has 11, but their opponents have 10, the game will continue, and scoring can also be capped at 15 or 21 – these are most common for doubles games (see also ‘How To Play Doubles Pickleball‘).

Final Thoughts

Playing pickleball is a great way to spend time outdoors, and it’s a lot of fun!

It’s easy to learn how to play, and this is a no-stress, low-pressure game which is a great chance to get your body moving.

Hi, my name is Anthony Maritato, PT and I wrote this article.  I have been a physical therapist since 2006 and a content producer since before I can remember. I am passionate about the profession of physical therapy and this website is my chance to contribute in some small way to helping amazing physical therapists gain exposure and influence in the healthcare community. If you are a therapist like me please consider creating your own, personal profile so that more prospective patients have a chance to learn more about you and how you can help. Visit Total Therapy Solutions for more information about Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy.