For years, I have been a die-hard tennis purist. The speed, power, and elegance of tennis were more than enough proof that it takes the cake as the ultimate racquet sport. Then along came pickleball—a game I dismissed as a backyard pastime for retirees and a new fad that had taken over tennis courts around the world. Pickleball players were everywhere all at once. But when the club decided that we would join the pickleball movement and add some courts to the racquet center, curiosity got the better of me, and before I knew it, I wasn’t just playing pickleball—I was teaching it.
As a racquet sports director, I suggest the game to anyone willing to pick up a paddle. It’s fun, inclusive, and surprisingly strategic. Here’s why this sport is growing on me as a tennis purist and why I think it’s taken the US and globe by storm.
If you’ve been to any community center, club or park recently, you’ve likely seen groups enjoying a pickleball match or two. Over 4.8 million people in the U.S. are playing pickleball, and that number is growing fast. What’s fueling the craze? It’s simple: pickleball is easy to learn, affordable, and addictively fun. Whether you’re a retired athlete or someone who’s never picked up a paddle, you can start playing within minutes.
Pickleball has humble beginnings. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, the inventors wanted a fun game their families could play together. Improvising with ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton court. The game quickly evolved, but its quirky name stuck. Legend has it that the name comes from either the “pickle boat” (a term for a mismatched crew) or Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball. I lean toward the latter.
There’s a kitchen, or non-volley zone, seven feet from the net. Smashing is allowed from this area. Just NOT while standing inside the kitchen when taking the ball out of the air. If the ball bounces, you are in the clear if you are standing in kitchen.
Serves must be underhand—no blistering aces here.
Only the serving team can score, which keeps games tight and exciting.
Banger: Someone who hits every shot as hard as possible. (I was definitely guilty of this at first.)
Dink: A gentle shot meant to land softly in the kitchen.
Drop Shot: A carefully placed shot from the backcourt that neutralizes an opponent’s aggression.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned: you can’t rely on power in pickleball the way you can in tennis. I had to retrain my instincts from years of aggressive shot-making and focus on placement instead. The dink became my go to, helping me wear down players while looking for opportunities to attack.
As I started to get a better feel for drop shots, it helped me neutralize opponents and get back into a strong position. Once I stopped playing like a tennis player, my pickleball game improved drastically.
One of the most rewarding parts of my pickleball journey has been introducing the game to others. It’s truly a sport for everyone. I’ve seen beginner pickleball players pick it up in minutes, seniors playing at a competitive level, and even families bonding over a friendly match. It’s a reminder that sports aren’t just about winning—they’re about connection.
For those who love competition, the professional pickleball scene is thriving. Players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are household names among enthusiasts. Watching these pros is inspiring—they combine precision, strategy, and athleticism in a way that makes the game feel larger than life. And with the sport increasing in popularity, there has been an influx of players with strong tennis backgrounds breaking into pickleball.
The numbers speak for themselves. By 2023, there were nearly 10,000 dedicated pickleball facilities in the U.S., in 2024 we added courts to The Club at Hammock Beach to grow with demand. It’s clear that pickleball isn’t just a trend—it’s here to stay.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The non-volley zone, seven feet from the net.
How is scoring different in pickleball compared to tennis?
Only the serving team can score, and games typically go to 11 points.
What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?
A paddle, wiffle-style ball, and court access
What makes pickleball inclusive?
Easy-to-learn rules, easily accessible equipment, and community-first approach.
Why is control more important than power in pickleball?
The smaller court and slower ball speed reward strategic placement over aggressive shots.