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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States and is inclusive for all ages, According to Marc Middleton’s 2025 article from GrowingBolder. In 1965, Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum created the now extremely popular game of pickleball, which has spread across the U.S. and around the world.  

The three intended to play badminton, but due to a lack of correct equipment, they ended up playing with ping pong paddles and a plastic ball instead, according to Larry Clarke’s 2022 article from Washington State Magazine, “A Conscious History of Pickleball.”  

Their intention was to create a game that the entire family could enjoy, unaware that it would evolve into what it has become today.  

In 1972, pickleball became an official sport and is now played worldwide.  

Victoria Nerem, who plays pickleball as a hobby and competed in a pickleball tournament last fall, explained why she enjoys the sport.    

“It is similar to golf in a way that it’s kind of leisurely. You can be having conversations while you play versus other sports where you are running. Pickleball is a very social game,” Nerem said. “It is a great way to move your body without risking severe injury, and whether you’re a beginner or highly athletic, it will still serve as a challenge for you.”   

The rules of pickleball may be tough to understand at first, but it will not be long until you are comfortable playing. Pickleball players have compared the rules to tennis, volleyball, racquetball and ping pong.    

Pickleball can be played in singles, with one player on each side of the court, or in doubles, featuring two players on each side. The game typically ends when one team reaches 11 points. Each team is allowed just one hit on their side of the court before the ball must cross the net. To score a point, the ball must remain within the boundaries and cannot be touched by the opposing team or go out of bounds. A team can only score when it is there turn to serve. Each player gets two serves. Once both players on a team have served twice it goes to the opposing team.   

Todd Wallace grew up playing tennis and got introduced to pickleball four years ago. He now plays every Friday with his friends. Wallace explained that the rules of pickleball are like tennis but with one big difference. 

“There is a section of the court called the kitchen. The kitchen is the front third of [the court] that you can’t ever touch or step into unless the ball hits there first,” Wallace said. “There is a unique aspect of the game, and it’s called dinking. It’s when all four players are up at the net, and it is this really kind of slow-paced dinking it over. That can last for minutes. The goal is to get the other team just off-kilter where you can press them on it. It is this tension.”   

The rules of pickleball are easy enough for anyone to understand, but it still offers a competitive and unique game.    

There are so many racquet and ball sports in the world. What makes pickleball the most popular? Visit any park with a court, and many people will be out playing on a nice day. Pickleball was even featured in a 2025 Michelob Ultra Super Bowl commercial. Pickleball is a fast-paced sport but simple enough for all ages, which keeps it easy yet competitive.   

“Everyone gets to jump in and play at decent levels,” Wallace said.    

Pickleball is also a great way to exercise while enjoying the outdoors. Wallace was surprised when his smartwatch showed he had burned 1,000 to 1,500 calories during a morning of playing pickleball.  

“You can play pickleball at so many different levels. You can play at a beginner level, which is like bounce and barely hit it over, but you can also play at an extremely high level, which is your dinking and calling shots, switching with your partners. You really can play the game as intense or beginner as you want it to be,” Nerem said.   

Pickleball is a very versatile sport. It is also considered an all-inclusive sport and is popular among all age demographics. Because of the low impact, senior citizens can even join in on the fun. While some players approach the game casually, others engage in it with a more competitive spirit.  

“The reason people gravitate to pickleball more is it is much easier than tennis… As long as you are coordinated with your hands, you can play,” Nerem said. “This past summer, I went on a family vacation with my extended family and we brought out a pickleball net and our paddles. Both my grandparents, all my aunts and uncles and my younger cousins [played] and it was very intergenerational.”   

When it comes to physical demands, tennis definitely takes the crown over pickleball. Many people, especially those in older age groups or dealing with injuries, find that pickleball provides a fantastic way to stay active without the intense strain that comes with other sports. It is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a game at a more relaxed pace. Pickleball offers a range of competitive levels, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness abilities.   

“It is a forgiving sport. I think when it is forgiving, it allows for a lot of play. Even when a ball goes out of bounds, in tennis, you have to run and go get it, in pickleball, you grab it and back in,” Wallace said. “I like the pacing of it. The pace, forgiveness and accessibility of it.”  

Pickleball offers more than just great play. It also brings a sense of community and new friends. If you want to get involved in pickleball, Nerem suggests finding a friend, buying cheap paddles and watching a video on YouTube to learn the rules.    

“The best way to learn how to play is just to jump right into it,” Nerem said.    

Wallace has an app called “Playtime Schedulers,” which he suggested for new players. The app shows all the places you can play and who to play with.  

Any individual can enjoy pickleball at both a competitive level or as a more laid-back and fun activity. Whether you are aiming for an intense match or simply want to leisurely hit the ball, this sport caters to both styles. Grab your friends and family and try out a new hobby this summer. Enjoy the outdoors, move your body and create a new community with pickleball.