Pickleball might have a funny name, but there’s nothing silly about how quickly it’s taken off. What started as a backyard game in the US is now one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with players of all ages picking up paddles and getting involved. Whether you’re just curious or looking to get started, here’s a simple guide to the rules, how to play on different court sizes, and what’s behind the sport’s sudden popularity.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. You play with a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. It’s usually played on a court about the size of a badminton court, either as singles (one vs one) or doubles (two vs two).
The best part? It’s easy to pick up, quick to play, and genuinely fun — even if you’ve never played a racket sport before.
Basic Rules
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
- Serve underarm and diagonally into the opposite service court.
- The ball must bounce once on each side before any volleying is allowed.
- There’s a 7-foot zone near the net called the kitchen — you can’t volley (hit in the air) while standing in it.
- Only the serving team scores points.
- Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
It’s quick, it’s social, and there’s enough strategy to keep things interesting.
Full Court vs Half Court Play
Full Court
This is the standard setup used in clubs and tournaments:
- 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
- Ideal for competitive matches or four-player doubles games.
- Net is slightly lower in the middle (34 inches) and higher at the edges (36 inches).
Half Court
Don’t have access to a full court? No problem.
- Half-court setups use one side of a standard court.
- Often used for “skinny singles” (one-on-one games using just half the court width).
- Great for training, casual games, or smaller indoor spaces.
The core rules stay the same, but half-court games are faster and more focused on placement and accuracy.
Why Pickleball is gaining popularity?
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Over 10,000 regular players in the UK, and growing every month.
- More than 350 venues now offer pickleball, from leisure centres to community halls.
- Pickleball England reports consistent year-on-year growth in participation.
- Worldwide, over 5 million people now play, with massive uptake across Europe and North America.
The sport appeals to everyone, older adults love it for the low-impact movement, younger players love the pace, and beginners love how easy it is to get started.
All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a bit of space.
Pickleball has gone from obscure to everywhere and for good reason. It’s simple to learn, hard to put down, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re playing a relaxed half-court game or entering a club tournament, it’s one of the best ways to stay active and have fun.
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