What Is Pickleball?

Looking to try pickleball? Learn everything from paddle shape to dress code so you feel confident stepping out on the court for the first time!

Word on the street is that pickleball is fun, and people are getting addicted…fast! But what is it? Well to start, it's the fastest growing sport in America, and for good reason! This blog post will cover all the basics and teach you everything you need to know about pickleball so you can join in on the fun!

A Brief Summary

Imagine if tennis, badminton, and table tennis were combined into one sport. This new sport child would be known as pickleball. It can be played indoors or outdoors with up to four players on one court. Players hit a small, plastic ball across the net to try and win points. Not only is it a great option to get up and moving, but you also can meet so many new people. Players of all ages and levels are welcome to play and experience the “pickleball bug.”

The Court

It is common for pickleball to be played on tennis courts, but more pickleball-specific courts are being built due to the high demand. Tennis and pickleball surfaces are the same, but the dimensions for a pickleball court are a bit smaller. A standard court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The court is split up into two sections: service areas and non-volley zones (better known as the kitchen). The net is also 34 inches in the center and 36 inches on the ends.

The Paddle

A pickleball paddle has 2 main parts: the face and the grip. The face is a smooth or slightly textured surface without any holes in it, and the handle is like that of any other racquet sport. The main differences between pickleball paddles are the weight, face shape, and paddle thickness.

Weight: Pickleball paddles weigh between 6 and 14 ounces, but the majority weigh between 7 to 9 ounces.

Face Shape: There are three main face shapes: wide, classic, and long.

Paddle Thickness: 1 3mm paddles are thinner for greater control and maneuverability while the thicker 16mm offer greater power on each swing.

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The Ball

The ballsused to play pickleball are significantly different from other racquet sports. These are constructed using a plastic material and have holes scattered throughout the surface. There are two types of balls: indoor and outdoor. The main difference between these balls is that indoor balls are lighter and thinner.

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The Dress Code

If you want to play the part, you need to look the part as well! Pickleball involves a lot of running and fast reactions, so you want to make sure you wear an outfit that allows you to move swiftly and easily across the court.

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Consider checking out our new tennis apparel! These pieces are perfect for all racket sports and will give you maximum comfort and confidence on the court.

Lastly, one of the most important things about playing pickleball is the shoes you wear. It is so important to wear all-court shoes that support the side-to-side movement. Running shoes will not be a friend to your feet and ankles! Wilson has you covered with pickleball-specific shoes that will help you look and move like a pro on the court.

That's a Wrap

There you have it. We’ve covered the basics in terms of what pickleball is, the court dimensions, the equipment used, and what to wear. Now you can be confident stepping on the court for the first time!

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Updated February 2, 2024

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