If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, chances are you will very soon. The sport is booming—from local rec centers to major professional leagues, everyone from kids to retirees is getting hooked. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy some friendly competition and a fantastic workout.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes pickleball so exciting. We'll cover how it's played, what makes it unique compared to tennis, its fascinating origins, and—most importantly—highlight top-quality pickleball gear you can find at RedMonkey Sports to take your game to the next level.
🏓 What is Pickleball?
At its core, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball). The game can be played as singles or doubles, indoors or outdoors.
What makes pickleball truly special is how accessible and addictive it is. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy a solid match. The learning curve is gentle, making it perfect for newcomers, yet the gameplay can be intense and competitive for seasoned players.
The Joy Factor: Why Pickleball is So Fun
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Fast-paced but not overwhelming – Games move quickly, but the shorter court and slower ball make it manageable for players of all ages.
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Social and welcoming – Whether you’re playing at a community park or joining a league, the pickleball community is incredibly inclusive.
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Instant gratification – You don’t need years of training. Most people feel confident and competitive after just a few games.
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Cardio without the grind – It’s a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like a chore. You’ll break a sweat, but you’ll be smiling while doing it.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Believe it or not, pickleball wasn’t born in a pro sports lab or Olympic think tank—it started in a backyard.
In 1965, three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—improvised the game on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The kids were bored, so the fathers grabbed ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball and lowered the badminton net.
The odd name? There's some debate. One story says it was named after the Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball. Another says the name comes from "pickle boat," referring to a boat crewed by leftovers from other boats—a nod to the mishmash of sports that created pickleball.
Regardless of its origin story, pickleball has evolved from backyard pastime to a national obsession with over 5 million players and growing fast.
The Basic Rules of Pickleball
One of the reasons pickleball is so approachable is its straightforward rules. Here’s a quick rundown:
The Court
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Size: 20x44 feet (same for singles and doubles)
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Net: 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center
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Non-Volley Zone (The “Kitchen”): A 7-foot zone on both sides of the net where volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are not allowed
The Serve
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Underhand only
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Must be made diagonally
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Serve must clear the kitchen
Scoring
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Games are played to 11 points, win by 2
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Points are only scored by the serving team
The Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning. Then, the serving team must also let it bounce before hitting it back. After that, volleying is allowed—except in the kitchen.
These rules make for dynamic rallies and strategic play, especially around the kitchen line.
Pickleball vs Tennis: Key Differences
While pickleball and tennis share similarities, they are different enough that many athletes prefer one over the other—or love both for what they offer. Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 20x44 feet | 36x78 feet |
| Paddle/Racquet | Solid paddle | Strung racquet |
| Ball Type | Perforated plastic ball | Fuzzy pressurized ball |
| Serving Style | Underhand only | Overhand or underhand |
| Game Speed | Medium, controlled | Fast, powerful |
| Learning Curve | Beginner-friendly | Steeper learning curve |
| Physical Intensity | Moderate | High |
| Cost of Equipment | Affordable | Can be expensive |
Pickleball’s smaller court size and slower ball make it ideal for quick pick-up games, friendly competition, and joint-friendly cardio.
Gear Up: Pickleball Essentials from RedMonkey Sports
Now that you're amped to get on the court, you’ll want gear that’s both functional and stylish. At RedMonkey Sports, we’ve curated a collection of high-quality pickleball products that can elevate your game instantly.
Here are some must-haves:
🛒 Shop Now
1. Play-PKL Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle
A lightweight paddle featuring a 16mm core for control and consistency. Its elongated head offers extra reach, and the textured carbon fiber surface aids in adding spin.
2. Phantom Goliath Pro 16MM T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Paddle
Designed for power players, this paddle boasts a thermoformed T700 raw carbon fiber face, providing enhanced durability and performance.
3. Volair Pro 1 Fiberglass Paddle
Ideal for players seeking a balance between power and control, this USAPA-approved paddle offers a hybrid shape with an elongated handle, suitable for two-handed backhands.
4. Diadem Sports A52 Pickleball Paddle
Featuring an edgeless design and lightweight construction, the A52 allows for quick maneuverability and precise shots, making it a favorite among competitive players.
5. Hesacore Pickleball Elongated Grip
This grip offers enhanced comfort and reduced vibrations, thanks to its honeycomb design, ensuring a secure hold during intense matches.
6. Slyce Sport Special Edition Bodhi Pickleball Ocean Wave SpeedCap
Add an extra ounce to your paddle with this SpeedCap, enhancing power and control. Its high-temperature baked-on finish ensures durability.
Pro Tips for Getting Started in Pickleball
Whether you’re heading to your first open play or joining a beginner league, here are a few tips to fast-track your improvement:
1. Master the Soft Game
In pickleball, power isn’t always king. Learn to “dink”—a soft shot that just clears the net and lands in the kitchen. It’s a cornerstone of advanced play.
2. Footwork Wins Games
Don’t stand flat-footed. Stay on the balls of your feet and practice moving quickly to the kitchen line after every serve or return.
3. Play with Better Players
You’ll improve faster by playing against opponents who challenge you. It may be tough at first, but you'll develop better court awareness and strategy.
4. Join a Local Club or League
The pickleball community is one of the sport's best perks. Check your local community center, YMCA, or park for meetups and leagues.
5. Invest in Great Gear Early
A good paddle and reliable grip can make a huge difference. Slipping or mishits from poor equipment can hold you back. The Pickleball grips featured at RedMonkey Sports are a simple, affordable upgrade that offers pro-level performance.
The Pickleball Lifestyle
Pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Across the country, new courts are opening in community parks, country clubs, and even retirement villages. Resorts and cruise ships are installing pickleball courts to cater to travelers. And major athletic brands are launching gear lines dedicated to this growing niche.
Here’s what makes the pickleball lifestyle so infectious:
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Community-first: People play for fun, health, and friendship.
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Multi-generational: You’ll see 12-year-olds playing doubles with 70-year-olds—and both holding their own!
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Travel opportunities: Pickleball vacations, camps, and tournaments are on the rise.
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Low barrier to entry: You don’t need a $300 racquet or a lifetime of lessons to compete.
If you’re looking for a sport that’s easy to learn, fun to play, and backed by a passionate community, pickleball is your perfect match. It’s more than just a trend—it’s a movement. And once you step onto the court, you’ll understand why.
At RedMonkey Sports, we’re proud to support the pickleball community with high-performance gear that looks as good as it plays. Whether you’re gearing up for your first rally or prepping for your next tournament, we’ve got your paddle covered—literally.
So grab a paddle and dink your way into the fastest-growing sport in America.
