What is Pickleball? A Coach Explains the Rules, Appeal, and Why It's So Popular Worldwide

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2026年6月12日

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What is Pickleball? A Coach Explains the Rules, Appeal, and Why It's So Popular Worldwide

"I've been hearing a lot about pickleball lately, but what kind of sport is it really?" This is the ultimate guide to answer that question, the first one you should read.

Hello, I'm Coach Yoshi. I've been playing tennis for 15 years. In 2026, I discovered pickleball, and after just one game, I was completely hooked by how fun and easy it was to get started. Now, I'm a coach. In this article, I'll gently explain from scratch what pickleball is, what equipment you need, and why it has become so popular worldwide.

What is pickleball? In a nutshell:

Pickleball is a net sport where players hit a perforated plastic ball with a paddle (a solid racket). The court is the same size as a badminton doubles court, much smaller than a tennis court.

It's often described as taking the "best parts" of tennis, table tennis (ping-pong), and badminton.

The fun of rallying over a net like in tennis.
The close-quarters strategy on a small court like in table tennis.
Easy to enjoy for all ages, like badminton.

Even if you have no experience with rackets or paddles, the ball flies slowly, so you can keep a rally going from day one—this is pickleball's greatest appeal.

How did it originate? (Its history)

Pickleball originated surprisingly long ago, in 1965 in the USA. It's said to have started on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when fathers, trying to keep their children entertained, brought table tennis paddles and a perforated ball to a badminton court.

Because it was born from combining existing items, the rules are simple, it requires minimal equipment, and anyone can enjoy it immediately. This "ease of getting started" is the foundation of its global boom over half a century later.

What equipment and court do you need?

The necessary equipment is surprisingly simple.

Paddle: A solid racket. Ranging from wooden to high-performance carbon.
Ball: A perforated plastic ball. Available for indoor and outdoor use.
Shoes: Since there's a lot of lateral movement, court shoes that provide lateral stability are recommended.
Comfortable activewear: Tennis or badminton attire is fine.

The court is 13.41m long x 6.10m wide. On both sides of the net is a special area called the "kitchen (non-volley zone)," where volleys (returning the ball before it bounces) are prohibited. The existence of this kitchen creates strategic play where power alone isn't enough, adding depth to the game.

💡 Coach Yoshi's Tip Initially, rental paddles from the facility are sufficient. If you decide you want to continue, then it's a good idea to choose your own paddle. What you need to get started is summarized in How to Start Pickleball.

Key Rules (All you need to know to get started)

Don't worry about the detailed rules yet. Just these four:

Serve underhand, to the opponent's diagonal court.
The serve and its return must each bounce once before being hit (two-bounce rule).
Do not volley (hit the ball before it bounces) inside the kitchen (near the net).
Points are scored only by the serving side, first to 11 points (with a 2-point lead).

With just these, you can start playing a game today. For a more detailed explanation of each rule, see The Complete Guide to Pickleball Rules. The scoring system is a bit unique, so that part is explained in detail in a separate article.

Why is it so popular worldwide?

Pickleball has been declared the "No. 1 fastest-growing sport in the U.S." for four consecutive years, with participant numbers growing approximately 2.7 times in the last three years (reaching about 24.3 million as of 2025) according to SFIA reports. It started in North America and has now spread globally.

The reasons lie in the sport's four strengths:

Easy to start: The ball is slow, so beginners can sustain rallies. The rules are also simple.
Ageless: The court is small and the intensity can be adjusted, so people from their teens to seniors can enjoy it together.
Minimal and accessible equipment: You can start with just one paddle.
Social: Doubles is the dominant format, naturally encouraging conversation. It's easy to expand your social circle.

Pickleball is perfect for those who haven't exercised in a while or find intense sports a bit much—it offers an easy entry point.

How is it different from tennis, table tennis, and badminton?

While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences from each.

Compared to tennis: The court is smaller, and the ball is slower. Serves are underhand, and delicate volleys at the net are key.
Compared to table tennis: It's a full-body workout where you move around the court with your feet. Can also be played outdoors.
Compared to badminton: You hit a ball, not a shuttlecock, against your opponent. Less affected by wind, making it suitable for outdoors.

Tennis players will find some skills transferable, but also some habits that might hinder them. For more details, please see The Complete Guide to Pickleball for Tennis Players.

Is it spreading in Japan as well?

Yes. In Japan, the number of gym open days, classes, and dedicated courts has been increasing in various locations. For information on the number of players and the latest trends, please refer to The Latest on Pickleball in Japan. If you're wondering, "Can I play in my city?", please read that article too.

Recommended for people who:

Want to enjoyably get rid of their lack of exercise.
Want to leverage their experience in tennis, badminton, or table tennis.
Are looking for a sport they can enjoy with family, friends, and people of all ages.
Want a new hobby or community.

If even one of these applies to you, pickleball will surely be a good fit.

Summary

Pickleball is a "best of" sport combining tennis, table tennis, and badminton, played with a paddle and a perforated ball.
Born in 1965 in the U.S., it's easy to start due to minimal equipment and simple rules.
Key rules: underhand serve, two-bounce rule, no volleying in the kitchen, points only by the serving side.
Became the world's fastest-growing sport due to its ease of entry, suitability for all ages, accessibility, and social nature.
Courts and classes are increasing in Japan as well.

If you think it sounds fun and want to try it, head to How to Start Pickleball next. It explains the necessary equipment and your first steps in order. If you're wondering, "Where do I begin?" or "Which paddle is right for me?", feel free to consult me (Coach Yoshi) on LINE.