What is Pickleball?

The History of Pickleball

Pickleball was created during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island – a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. The original purpose of the game was to provide a sport for the entire family, according to co-inventors U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum. Pickles was the family dog that would chase after the errant balls and then hide in the bushes, thus Pickle’s ball which was later shortened to the namesake of Pickleball. Pickleball has grown and expanded from a family activity game to a paddle court sport with formalized rules. Now, over 20 years later, Pickleball is played in thousands of school, parks and recreation centers, resorts, and retirement communities.

The Pickleball Ball

A pickleball is similar to a whiffle ball but it is more durable. There is no rules governing what type of pickleball is played indoors or outdoors or the color of the ball. In our experience most people prefer playing outside with the small holed, hard plastic Dura, TOP, or Onix ball and so we’ve come to calling these balls “outdoor” balls.

The Paddle

The paddle is similar to a ping pong paddle in that it is solid and easily maneuverable with a turn of the wrist. The best quality paddles are made of lightweight fiberglass due to their lower weight and higher durability. Two of our most popular items are the Champion Bundle and the Rally Graphite Bundle. Our Pickleball expert, Eddie McDonald, can guide you on selection. He can be reached at Pickleball@oneclubgulfshores.com

The Court

The game itself is played on a court that is the same size as a badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long). The net is set at 36 inches high on the edges and 34 inches in the middle. Pickleball’s small court allows younger players or those with varying degrees of mobility to participate in a way that the larger court of tennis sometimes prohibits. Additionally, a rule prohibiting volleying (hitting the ball in the air) in the non-volley zone (the space 7 feet from the net) helps to equalize play and reduce overpowering smashes at the net.

Getting Started

There are starter kits in the ONE Club Pro Shop and you can email us for any information or speciality selections you would like to order.

• Although pickleball is played on a court, the rules of the game more closely resemble table tennis or badminton than traditional tennis.
• The game begins with one side serving the pickeball, using the paddle to hit the pickleball.
• To properly serve the ball, the player must keep one foot behind the back line and strike the ball with an underhand swing, aiming at the service court located diagonally over the net, and clearing the no-volley zone.
• Service starts from the right hand court. Only one fault is allowed.
• In the case of doubles, both players get to serve once, and then the serve is taken over by the opposing team.
• Both sides must allow the pickleball to bounce first before hitting it with the paddle at least one time from the start of the game. Thereafter, players may volley the ball (hit it without allowing it to bounce), provided they are not within the no-volley zone within seven feet of the net (marked on the court).
• A player or team scores points only when they are serving. A pickleball game is played to 11 points and a win must be by two points.
• Similar to tennis, the following moves are faults in the game of pickleball, which cause a loss of a point:
  • Failing to clear the net.
  • Hitting the ball out of bounds.
  • Volleying the ball from within, or while a foot is in the no-volley zone.
  • Volleying the ball before it has bounced on a first serve or first return

Why Pickleball is the Most Popular Recreational Sport in the US

Pickleball Open Play, Leagues, and Events