Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar to a badminton court with a net slightly lower than tennis. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net. The game is played in singles or doubles, and the first team to reach 11 points (with a 2-point lead) wins

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in Bainbridge Island, Washington. They created the game as a fun activity for their families using a badminton-sized court, wooden paddles, and a wiffle ball

Pickleball has exploded in popularity because it is easy to learn, social, and accessible to all ages. The smaller court size makes it less physically demanding than tennis, while still offering a fun and competitive experience. It’s also great for seniors and beginners, making it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and Australia

Yes, pickleball is generally considered easier than tennis because:

• The court is smaller, requiring less running.
• The paddle is lighter, reducing strain on the wrist and arm.
• The ball moves slower compared to a tennis ball.
• The underhand serve is easier to control than a tennis serve.

For beginners, a lightweight or midweight composite paddle with a polymer core is ideal. Popular choices include Selkirk, JOOLA, and Engage paddles, as they provide a good balance of power, control, and comfort

Pickleball paddles are made from wood, composite, or graphite.

• Wood paddles are affordable but heavy.
• Composite paddles offer great control and spin.
• Graphite paddles are lightweight and powerful, preferred by competitive players

The best pickleball shoes have non-marking soles, lateral support, and cushioning. Tennis or court shoes from ASICS, Nike, and New Balance are excellent choices because they provide traction and stability on hard courts

Pickleball uses a rally scoring system in some formats, but the standard scoring is:

• Only the serving team can score points.
• Games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2.
• The score is called in three parts: Server’s score, opponent’s score, and server number (e.g., "5-3-2")

Yes! Pickleball is one of the best low-impact sports for seniors, offering cardiovascular benefits, balance improvement, and social interaction without excessive strain on joints

Absolutely! Pickleball is great for kids because it is easy to learn, fun, and requires minimal equipment. Many schools and community centers now offer junior pickleball programs

Master the dink shot – Soft, controlled shots near the net win games.

Stay out of the kitchen – Only step in when necessary.

Keep your paddle up – Be ready for fast volleys.

Communicate in doubles – Avoid confusion with your partner

Control the kitchen line – The closer you are to the net (without stepping in the kitchen), the more dominant you are.

Use deep serves and returns – Push opponents back.

Mix up your shots – Avoid being predictable.

Patience wins – Don’t rush aggressive shots unless necessary.

Serve underhand with one foot behind the baseline.

The ball must be struck below waist level.

The serve must land diagonally across the court in the service box