Fun With a Paddle

If you’re looking for a sport that is easy to learn, low-impact and comes with a side of new friends, pickleball might be your answer.

The paddle game invented by a group of dads in 1965 has soared in popularity over the past several years, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, with courts popping up and leagues forming across all age groups. Nationwide, pickleball grew by 225% between 2022 and 2024, with more than 18,000 courts being built in 2024 alone.

Pickleball took root in the U.S. in Naples, Fla., which has the unofficial tag of “Pickleball Capital of the World.” The sport had long been considered to be a sport for the older set, but the average age of players today is roughly 38 years old and the largest demographic of growth is players under 24.

Pickleball is a mix of badminton, tennis and ping pong, played with a square paddle and a perforated ball, similar to a Wiffle ball.

Part of pickleball’s appeal is its versatility. It can be played inside or outside, as singles or doubles and can burn about 350 calories per match, according to one study. And while it provides an effective cardio workout and works various muscle groups, the 20-foot-by-44-foot court — roughly three times smaller than a tennis court — makes it less physically demanding than tennis and many other competitive sports.

Keys to the Game

• The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone): A 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley). Players may enter the kitchen only if the ball bounces in it first.
• Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce, and the serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it. This rule encourages longer rallies.
• Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving team, usually playing to 11 and winning by 2 points.
• Serving: The serve must be underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist, and delivered diagonally into the opposite service court.
• Court Setup: The court is similar to badminton size, but uses a tennis-style net set at 34 inches.