Pickleball is best described as small version of tennis with a few key differences. It is a fun game that is played on a badminton sized court with a tennis style net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball) and solid paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, and can attract any age level of player. But, it can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Anyone that has played other racquet sports such as ping pong, tennis or racquetball, will adapt quickly to this game.
One of the most popular questions a Pickleball player will be asked, "Why is it called Pickleball?". The sport was named after the the family cocker spaniel, Pickles, who was a canine of one of the co-inventors of Pickleball. Pickles chased stray balls and then hid in the bushes, so they named the game after him.
- Would you like to learn how to play? Contact one of the Illinois Ambassadors.
- See the official rules of Pickleball: USAPA Rules
- Now, test your knowledge of the rules: Rules test
- What kind of player are you? Rate yourself using the USAPA system.
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- Join the USA Pickleball Association and get a free USAPA t-shirt. Membership also includes a monthly e-newsletter that includes playing tips and shows the growth of Pickleball across the nation. Join the USAPA
- Are you thinking of making your own Pickleball court? Here are the USAPA Pickleball court dimensions. The USAPA also has suggestions for measurement and layout of your Pickleball court.