What is pickleball?
By the Finding Pickle team · Updated 30 October 2026
Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played as singles or doubles on a 20 x 44 ft court (about 6.1 x 13.4 m) with a low net, solid paddles and a light plastic ball with holes. Serves are underhand, and a "kitchen" zone near the net stops players from smashing every ball at close range.
Pickleball at a glance
| Players | Singles or doubles (doubles is most common) |
| Court | 20 x 44 ft (6.10 x 13.41 m), the same size as a badminton doubles court |
| Net | 36 in at the sidelines, 34 in at the centre |
| Equipment | Solid paddle, plastic ball with holes |
| Serve | Underhand, diagonal |
| Scoring | Games usually to 11, win by 2 |
Why people love it
- Easy to start. Most beginners are rallying in their first session.
- Social. Doubles on a small court means plenty of chat between points.
- All ages. The underhand serve and smaller court keep the game accessible.
- Lots of places to play. Pickleball can be played on dedicated courts or on lined tennis, basketball and badminton courts.
Pickleball in Australia
Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) was formed in 2020 as a national body for the sport. The Australian Sports Commission's AusPlay survey estimated more than 92,000 Australians played pickleball in the year to June 2024. You will find social sessions at community centres, tennis clubs and dedicated pickleball venues.
Find pickleball near you
Venue details last checked 30 Oct 2026.
Quick answers
Why is it called pickleball?
The game was invented in the United States in 1965. The origin of the name is debated.
Is pickleball hard to learn?
No. It is one of the easiest racquet sports to pick up.
Do I need a partner?
Not for social sessions. Most venues mix players into games.
Sources
USA Pickleball, Official Rulebook; Australian Sports Commission, AusPlay.
Keep reading
How a pickleball point works, step by step: the underhand serve, the two-bounce rule, staying out of the kitchen when volleying, and how to win a rally.
The essential pickleball rules in plain English: the volley serve and drop serve, the two-bounce rule, the non-volley zone (kitchen), faults and line calls.
Playing pickleball for the first time? How to find a beginner session, what to bring, what happens on the day and the etiquette that makes you welcome at any court.