What Is Pickleball?
In one line: pickleball is a paddle sport played with a light plastic ball with holes, on a court the size of a doubles badminton court, over a net a little lower than in tennis. Most games are doubles, played to 11 points, and most people can rally within their first session.
How a game works
Two players (singles) or four players (doubles) hit the ball over the net with solid paddles. The basics:
- The serve is underhand and goes diagonally to the opposite service court.
- The ball must bounce once on each side before anyone volleys it (hits it in the air). This is the two-bounce rule, and it keeps the first shots of every rally slow.
- No volleying from the kitchen. The non-volley zone, called the kitchen, is the area 7 ft (2.13 m) from the net on each side. You can't hit the ball out of the air while standing in it.
- Games usually go to 11, win by 2. In traditional scoring only the serving side can score a point.
That's enough to get on court. The beginner's rules guide explains serving order, scoring calls and faults step by step.
The court, net, paddle and ball
- Court: 20 × 44 ft (6.10 × 13.41 m) for both singles and doubles. See the court dimensions guide for every line.
- Net: 36 in (91.4 cm) high at the sidelines and 34 in (86.4 cm) in the middle.
- Paddle: a solid paddle, larger than a table tennis bat and smaller than a tennis racket. See how to choose a paddle.
- Ball: a light plastic ball with holes. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes; indoor balls are softer. See pickleball balls.
Pickleball vs tennis
- Smaller court. A pickleball court is about a third of the area of a doubles tennis court, and up to four pickleball courts fit on one tennis court.
- Underhand serve instead of an overhead serve, so the serve is far less of a weapon.
- Solid paddle and a plastic ball that travels slower and bounces lower than a tennis ball.
- The kitchen. Tennis has no no-volley zone, so a lot of pickleball is played with soft shots near the net instead of from the baseline.
Pickleball vs badminton
- Same court size. A pickleball court has the same outer dimensions as a doubles badminton court, which is why many badminton halls and multipurpose courts can be lined for pickleball.
- The ball bounces. A shuttlecock never touches the floor in a rally; in pickleball the ball must bounce on the serve and the return.
- Much lower net: about 0.9 m in pickleball versus about 1.55 m at the posts in badminton.
- Underhand serve in both, but pickleball rallies are slower and lower.
Where pickleball came from
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle in the United States, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, who improvised a backyard game for their families with table-tennis-style paddles and a plastic ball. The rules have since been standardised; in the US they are published by USA Pickleball.
How to start playing in the Philippines
- Find a court near you in the pickleball court directory, which lists venues city by city with what is known about courts, rates and contact details.
- Join an open play. You pay per person, rotate in and out of games, and don't need a partner. Read how open play works.
- Borrow or rent a paddle first. Some venues rent paddles, and most players are happy to let a beginner try theirs.
- Pick indoor courts for rainy days or the midday heat. Venue pages show whether courts are indoor or outdoor where it is known.
- Learn a few basics before you go: the rules and these beginner tips.
Ready to try it?
Find a court or an open play near you:
Browse pickleball courts →Frequently asked questions
What is pickleball?
A paddle sport played with a light plastic ball with holes, on a 20 × 44 ft (6.10 × 13.41 m) court, over a net about 0.9 m high. It is usually played as doubles, to 11 points.
Is pickleball easier than tennis?
Most people find it quicker to learn: the court is smaller, the serve is underhand and the ball is slower. Playing it well still takes practice, especially the soft game at the net.
Is a pickleball court the same as a badminton court?
The outer dimensions are the same as a doubles badminton court (20 × 44 ft), but the lines inside and the net height are different. Many badminton and multipurpose courts can be lined for pickleball.
Why is it called pickleball?
The name dates from the game's invention in 1965. Its founders' families have given different stories, so there is no single confirmed answer.
Where can I play pickleball in the Philippines?
The PickleSportsHub directory lists pickleball venues city by city across the Philippines, and some can be booked online. Open play sessions are the easiest way to start.