For years, I have been a die-hard tennis purist. The speed, power, and elegance of tennis were more than enough proof that it takes the cake as the ultimate racquet sport. Then along came pickleball—a game I dismissed as a backyard pastime for retirees and a new fad that had taken over tennis courts around the world. Pickleball players were everywhere all at once. But when the club decided that we would join the pickleball movement and add some courts to the racquet center, curiosity got the better of me, and before I knew it, I wasn’t just playing pickleball—I was teaching it.
As a racquet sports director, I suggest the game to anyone willing to pick up a paddle. It’s fun, inclusive, and surprisingly strategic. Here’s why this sport is growing on me as a tennis purist and why I think it’s taken the US and globe by storm.
Why Pickleball is the Fastest-Growing Sport in the U.S.
A Surge in Popularity
If you’ve been to any community center, club or park recently, you’ve likely seen groups enjoying a pickleball match or two. Over 4.8 million people in the U.S. are playing pickleball, and that number is growing fast. What’s fueling the craze? It’s simple: pickleball is easy to learn, affordable, and addictively fun. Whether you’re a retired athlete or someone who’s never picked up a paddle, you can start playing within minutes.
Community Spirit
One of the most incredible things I have found about pickleball is its community. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 80—there’s a spot for you on the court. I’ve seen grandparents team up with their grandkids, beginners get coaching tips from pros during casual games, and complete strangers become friends over a quick match. That sense of camaraderie is something unique from backyard pickleball courts to courts at country clubs.
Origins and a Unique Name
Pickleball has humble beginnings. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, the inventors wanted a fun game their families could play together. Improvising with ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton court. The game quickly evolved, but its quirky name stuck. Legend has it that the name comes from either the “pickle boat” (a term for a mismatched crew) or Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball. I lean toward the latter.
Rules and Strategy – The Things that Sets Pickleball Apart
Unique Rules of Pickleball
At first glance, pickleball was just tennis on a smaller court. I was wrong. While the court is indeed smaller (20x44 feet, to be exact), the rules give pickleball a character all its own:
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There’s a kitchen, or non-volley zone, seven feet from the net. Smashing is allowed from this area. Just NOT while standing inside the kitchen when taking the ball out of the air. If the ball bounces, you are in the clear if you are standing in kitchen.
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Serves must be underhand—no blistering aces here.
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Only the serving team can score, which keeps games tight and exciting.
Mastering the "Soft Game"
As a tennis player, one has to completely rethink their approach. In pickleball, power isn’t king—control is. The dink, a soft shot that lands in the kitchen, is a key strategy. It slows the pace of the game and forces your opponent to play with precision. For tennis players the struggle is to rein in the instinct to hit the ball hard, but once you learn to embrace the soft game, your skills will improve dramatically.
Key Terms Every Player Should Know
When you first start playing pickleball, you might laugh at the unique pickleball terms:
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Banger: Someone who hits every shot as hard as possible. (I was definitely guilty of this at first.)
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Dink: A gentle shot meant to land softly in the kitchen.
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Drop Shot: A carefully placed shot from the backcourt that neutralizes an opponent’s aggression.
Once mastered though, your game will transform.
Transitioning from Tennis to Pickleball
Key Differences Between Tennis and Pickleball
The switch from tennis to pickleball wasn’t as easy as you might think. For one, the court is much smaller, so you have less room to run (however in the long run that did make things easier and only took a short time to get used to). The paddle is lighter, and the ball—a plastic wiffle ball—moves slower but requires more finesse. But the scoring system, well that can take a while to figure out. In pickleball, only the serving team can score, and games usually go to 11 points.
Top Tip: Control, Not Power
The biggest lesson I’ve learned: you can’t rely on power in pickleball the way you can in tennis. I had to retrain my instincts from years of aggressive shot-making and focus on placement instead. The dink became my go to, helping me wear down players while looking for opportunities to attack.
As I started to get a better feel for drop shots, it helped me neutralize opponents and get back into a strong position. Once I stopped playing like a tennis player, my pickleball game improved drastically.
Fun and Accessibility – Pickleball as a Lifestyle
A Sport for Everyone
One of the most rewarding parts of my pickleball journey has been introducing the game to others. It’s truly a sport for everyone. I’ve seen beginner pickleball players pick it up in minutes, seniors playing at a competitive level, and even families bonding over a friendly match. It’s a reminder that sports aren’t just about winning—they’re about connection.
Pickleball on the Pro Circuit
For those who love competition, the professional pickleball scene is thriving. Players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are household names among enthusiasts. Watching these pros is inspiring—they combine precision, strategy, and athleticism in a way that makes the game feel larger than life. And with the sport increasing in popularity, there has been an influx of players with strong tennis backgrounds breaking into pickleball.
Statistics on Pickleball’s Popularity
The numbers speak for themselves. By 2023, there were nearly 10,000 dedicated pickleball facilities in the U.S., in 2024 we added courts to The Club at Hammock Beach to grow with demand. It’s clear that pickleball isn’t just a trend—it’s here to stay.
In the End Pickleball is Bringing Joy
Pickleball has completely changed my perspective on racquet sports. It’s not just about the thrill of competition—it’s about the connections you make and the joy of playing. For tennis players looking to make the switch or just try something new, my advice is simple: forget what you know to be true about your tennis game, and the rest will follow.
If you’ve ever been curious about pickleball, there’s no better time to grab a paddle and give it a try. Who knows? You might just fall in love with it!
FAQs
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The non-volley zone, seven feet from the net.
How is scoring different in pickleball compared to tennis?
Only the serving team can score, and games typically go to 11 points.
What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?
A paddle, wiffle-style ball, and court access
What makes pickleball inclusive?
Easy-to-learn rules, easily accessible equipment, and community-first approach.
Why is control more important than power in pickleball?
The smaller court and slower ball speed reward strategic placement over aggressive shots.