One evening, as I strolled through my apartment complex, I heard the unmistakable sound of a plastic ball popping off a paddle, followed by bursts of laughter and excited chatter. Intrigued, I followed the noise to an open court where a group of young and old residents were engaged in a fast-paced yet seemingly effortless game.
Slightly hesitant but eager to learn, I stepped onto the court. Within minutes, I was in the thick of it, rallying, laughing at my missteps, and marvelling at how quickly I picked up the game. The short court, the light paddle, and the friendly atmosphere made it incredibly inviting.
By the time the game ended, I realized I was hooked. Pickleball wasn’t just a sport, it was a community, a social magnet, and a game anyone could enjoy. That night, as I walked back home, I knew I had found something special.
And just like that, my pickleball journey had begun.
That’s pickleball—a game that has taken the world by storm and is now making waves in India. With over 4.8 million players in the United States alone and growing participation in India, pickleball is the next big thing in racquet sports. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this sport so exciting, how it differs from tennis, and whether it’s easy to learn, you’re in the right place!
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a small court with a plastic ball and solid paddles, it is easier to pick up than traditional tennis, making it a favourite among players of all ages. The game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who initially designed it as a family-friendly pastime. However, over the years, it evolved into a competitive sport and gained widespread popularity in India, the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
But have you ever wondered why it’s called pickleball?
The name has an interesting origin, with two competing stories. Some say it was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball during games. Others believe it comes from the rowing term “pickle boat,” which refers to a mixed crew, symbolizing how pickleball is a unique blend of different sports.
Regardless of the true story, one thing is certain: pickleball’s quirky name is as fun and engaging as the sport itself!
Why is Pickleball Famous?
Pickleball’s explosive rise in popularity isn’t just a coincidence, it’s a game-changer in the world of sports!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete, pickleball has something for everyone. Here’s why people everywhere are falling in love with this exciting sport:
- 🎾 Super Easy to Learn: You don’t need years of experience to start playing. Within minutes, you’ll be rallying like a pro! The rules are simple, and the compact court means you won’t have to sprint endlessly like in tennis.
- 🦵 Low-Impact & Joint-Friendly: Unlike high-impact sports that can be tough on your knees and joints, pickleball’s smaller court and lighter ball make it an ideal choice for all age groups, including seniors and those recovering from injuries.
- 🤝 A Social & Inclusive Sport: One of the best things about pickleball? It brings people together! Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or even strangers, the game fosters an incredible sense of community and camaraderie—perfect for anyone looking to stay active while making new connections.
- 🔥 Fast-Paced & Highly Addictive: Pickleball is never boring! The quick rallies, strategic shots, and exciting gameplay keep players fully engaged without requiring extreme physical endurance. It’s the perfect mix of fun, fitness, and friendly competition!
- 💡 A Sport for Everyone: Whether you’re 10 or 80, pickleball is one of the rare sports that levels the playing field, allowing players of all skill levels to compete and enjoy the game.
With its easy learning curve, social appeal, and thrilling pace, it’s no surprise that pickleball is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world!
How is Pickleball Different from Tennis?
A common question among new players is, “What is the main difference between pickleball and tennis?”
- Court Size & Layout. One of the biggest distinctions is court size. A pickleball court measures 20×44 feet, significantly smaller than a 36×78-foot tennis court. Interestingly, a single tennis court can accommodate four pickleball courts when laid out efficiently, making it a space-efficient alternative.
- Equipment Variations. The equipment used in pickleball differs greatly from tennis. Pickleball players use solid paddles and perforated plastic balls, whereas tennis requires heavier racquets and felt-covered balls that contribute to a faster-paced game.
- Serving Rules & Gameplay. The serving mechanics set these sports apart. Pickleball serves are strictly underhand, promoting a more controlled rally, while tennis players can utilize powerful overhand serves, making gameplay dynamics quite distinct.
- Simpler Scoring System. Pickleball features an easy-to-follow race-to-11 points format, whereas tennis employs a more complex system of 15, 30, 40, and game, requiring greater familiarity to follow.
- Affordability & Accessibility. Pickleball is a more budget-friendly sport. Paddles and balls are cheaper, the smaller court size reduces infrastructure costs, and specialized shoes are not required, making it easier for new players to get started.
- Low-Impact & Injury Prevention. Pickleball is easier on the body, offering lower impact on joints, lighter equipment, and slower ball speed, which significantly reduces the risk of injuries compared to the high-impact nature of tennis.
Due to these factors, many people find it a friendlier alternative to tennis, especially for beginners and older players.
Despite being a relatively new sport compared to tennis, pickleball has strong influences from tennis, badminton, and table tennis, incorporating elements like court-based gameplay, quick reflex shots, and paddle-based control.
It is also considered easier to learn, as the smaller court size requires less running, the ball moves at a slower pace, and the underhand serve is much more accessible than tennis’s overhand technique.
While pickleball is not yet part of the Olympics, its rapidly growing global popularity suggests that it may soon gain recognition on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
While the rules are simple, understanding them thoroughly will help you enjoy the game and improve quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with pickleball:
How to Play Pickleball? Learn The Basics
Basic Rules of Pickleball
To play pickleball, you need two or four players, a pickleball paddle, and a plastic perforated ball. The game is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court, with a net slightly lower than in tennis.
Serving Rules
- The serve must be underhand, meaning the paddle must contact the ball below the server’s waist.
- The serve is made diagonally across the court, landing in the opponent’s service area.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed per point, except if the ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box (let serve).
Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiver’s side before being returned.
- The ball must then bounce again on the serving team’s side before volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed.
- This ensures that rallies start with a fair and controlled pace.
Volley & The Kitchen Rule
- A volley (hitting the ball before it bounces) is allowed only after the double bounce rule is fulfilled.
- Players cannot volley while standing in the non-volley zone (kitchen), a 7-foot area near the net on both sides.
- Stepping into the kitchen while volleying results in a fault.
Scoring in Pickleball
- Games are typically played to 11 points, but a team must win by at least two points (e.g., 11-9, 12-10).
- Only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not score but instead gain the right to serve.
- In doubles play, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the opposing team.
How to Start Playing Pickleball:The Essentials
If you’re new to pickleball, follow these steps to get started and improve quickly:
- Find a Court: Look for local pickleball courts in parks, recreation centres, or sports clubs. Many tennis courts now have pickleball lines drawn for multi-purpose use.
- Get the Right Gear: A lightweight paddle and a pickleball (plastic with perforations) are essential. Beginners can start with a wooden or composite paddle, which is more affordable.
- Practice Serving: Since serves must be underhand, practice hitting diagonal serves to improve accuracy and consistency.
- Work on Your Dinks: A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, making it difficult for them to attack. Mastering dinking will give you an edge.
- Learn Basic Strategies: Positioning is key! Stay close to the kitchen line after the serve return, as this is the best spot for quick reactions. Playing patiently and consistently rather than going for power shots helps beginners win more points.
For an in-depth guide on how to play pickleball, make sure to read this article.
Common Pickleball Mistakes to Avoid
Stepping into the Kitchen While Volleying – The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), commonly known as the “kitchen,” is a restricted area where players cannot hit a volley (striking the ball before it bounces. Learning to maintain proper foot placement and practising control will help avoid this error.
- Hitting the Ball Out of Bounds – Precision is key in pickleball, but newcomers often misjudge their shots, sending the ball out of bounds. Overhitting, poor shot selection, or incorrect paddle angles contribute to this mistake. Aiming for controlled, strategic shots rather than power-driven hits will improve accuracy and keep the ball within the court.
- Failing to Let the Ball Bounce Once on Each Side After the Serve – Pickleball has a double-bounce rule, meaning the ball must bounce once on the receiver’s side before being returned and once again on the serving side before further volleys can occur. Many beginners rush to volley too early, leading to faults.
- Serving Above Waist Level or Hitting an Incorrect Service Box – A legal pickleball serve must be underhand and hit below waist level, ensuring a smooth, upward arc. Additionally, the ball must land in the diagonal service box to be considered valid. Practicing proper serving mechanics and targeting the correct area will enhance consistency and effectiveness.
By avoiding these common mistakes, beginners can develop a strong foundation, improve their game, and enjoy a smoother learning curve in pickleball
Pickleball in India: The Growing Craze
Pickleball is taking India by storm! Over the past two years, this exhilarating sport has captured the attention of players across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune, drawing enthusiasts from all age groups and backgrounds. With its fast-paced gameplay, easy learning curve, and community-driven spirit, it’s no surprise that pickleball is becoming India’s next big sports sensation.
AIPA: Driving Pickleball’s Growth in India
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has been instrumental in propelling the sport’s popularity. From organizing tournaments to increasing nationwide awareness, AIPA has played a crucial role in fostering a strong pickleball culture in India. As a result, the sport is no longer just a niche pastime, it’s evolving into a competitive and widely recognized discipline.
The Numbers Speak: Pickleball’s Explosive Growth
The statistics prove that pickleball isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a sports revolution in the making:
- 159% Surge in Popularity (2019–2022)
- 50,000+ Active Players as of September 2024
- Nearly 500 Courts Established Nationwide
- 26% CAGR Projected Growth (2024–2029)
These staggering figures highlight just how quickly the sport is expanding across the country, with more players, clubs, and courts emerging every year.
India Shines on the Global Pickleball Stage
India isn’t just embracing pickleball—it’s making its mark on the global scene! Two major tournaments in 2024 showcased the country’s growing dominance in the sport:
Monsoon Pickleball Championship 2.0
The Monsoon Pickleball Championship 2.0, held in Mumbai from August 20 to 25, 2024, witnessed an incredible turnout, with over 875 players competing for a substantial $100,000 prize pool.
World Pickleball Championship
Following this, the World Pickleball Championship, hosted at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai from November 12 to 17, 2024, brought together 650 players from across the globe, including participants from Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, Singapore, and more.
These high-profile events cement India’s status as a global pickleball hub, attracting international players and fueling further enthusiasm for the sport.
The Future of Pickleball in India
With its meteoric rise, India is on track to becoming a powerhouse in the world of pickleball. The sport’s accessibility, affordability, and social appeal make it an ideal choice for both casual and competitive players. As new courts and training programs continue to emerge, we can expect pickleball fever to spread even further across the country.
Where to Play Pickleball in India?
With the rapid rise of pickleball in India, more and more venues are emerging across the country, catering to both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you’re looking for professional courts, community centers, or recreational clubs, numerous options are available in various cities.
- Mumbai
- Cricket Club of India (CCI) – One of Mumbai’s premier sports clubs with dedicated pickleball courts.
- Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) – Provides top-tier facilities for pickleball enthusiasts.
- YMCA Mumbai – Offers recreational pickleball sessions.
- Delhi NCR
- Siri Fort Sports Complex – A well-known sporting hub offering excellent pickleball courts.
- Noida Pickleball Club – A rapidly growing community promoting the sport in the region.
- Bengaluru
- Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) – Hosts competitive matches and training sessions.
- Decathlon Anubhava – Provides accessible courts for casual and competitive play.
- Pune
- Symbiosis Sports Center – Features high-quality courts and organized pickleball events.
- Maharashtra Mandal Sports Club – A go-to venue for local players.
- Chennai
- SDAT Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium – Incorporates pickleball alongside other racquet sports.
- Hyderabad
- LB Stadium – Offers designated pickleball areas and coaching programs.
- Kolkata
- Calcutta South Club – A historical sports venue now embracing pickleball.
- Ahmedabad
- TransStadia Sports Complex – One of Gujarat’s leading multi-sport facilities featuring pickleball courts.
- Goa
- Bambolim Sports Complex – A scenic venue gaining popularity among pickleball enthusiasts.
Beyond these key locations, many local sports complexes, community centers, and even private clubs across India are incorporating pickleball courts to meet the growing demand.
Cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Indore are also seeing an increase in pickleball interest, with dedicated courts emerging in schools, residential complexes, and corporate sports facilities.
As pickleball’s popularity continues to soar nationwide, India is well on its way to becoming a major hub for this exciting sport.
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, there are plenty of venues to explore and enjoy the game!
Why You Should Try Pickleball Today!
Pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a thrilling game for all ages. With its easy learning curve, affordability, and growing presence in India, there’s no better time to pick up a paddle and hit the court.
Having learnt what is pickleball, take the next step. Find a local court, grab a paddle, and experience the excitement of pickleball! 🏓🔥
