Pickleball is not just a game — it’s a global movement. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a facility owner planning to build a pickleball court, understanding the sport is essential. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pickleball, including its origin, growth, rules, court layout, and surface options.
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1. What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a solid paddle, a perforated plastic ball (similar to a Wiffle ball), and a net slightly lower than a tennis net. Players can compete in singles or doubles matches.
The game is known for its fast pace, strategic gameplay, and suitability for all ages and skill levels — from kids to seniors.
2. History and Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — looking to entertain their children. With limited equipment, they improvised a game using paddles and a plastic ball on a badminton court.
From humble backyard beginnings, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia. It’s popular in schools, community centers, retirement communities, and even professional leagues.
3. Basic Rules of Pickleball
Here are the core rules of the game:
Serving: Underhand serve from behind the baseline. The serve must land in the opposite diagonal court.
Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 (win by 2).
Double Bounce Rule: Each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it after the serve.
Non-Volley Zone: Also known as “the kitchen,” players cannot volley (hit without bouncing) within 7 feet of the net.
Faults: Include hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or volleying in the kitchen.
4. Pickleball Court Dimensions
A standard pickleball court is:
Length: 13.41 meters (44 feet)
Width: 6.10 meters (20 feet)
Net Height: 91.4 cm (36 inches) at the sidelines and 86.4 cm (34 inches) at the center
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): 2.13 meters (7 feet) from the net on each side
The same court size is used for both singles and doubles games. Courts can be indoor or outdoor, depending on the surface and location.
5. Surface Options for Pickleball Courts
Choosing the right surface is essential for performance, safety, and durability. Common surface types include:
Acrylic Coatings: Often used on concrete or asphalt. Good for ball bounce but can wear over time.
Modular Tiles: Plastic interlocking floors ideal for DIY and quick installations.
PVC Flooring: Like Arturf’s NanoGrip™ Pickleball Floor, designed for anti-slip, long-lasting play with strong rebound and weather resistance.
For facilities that need versatility and low maintenance, high-quality PVC pickleball floors are an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor use.
6. Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to beginners.
Low Impact: Less strain on joints compared to tennis.
Social Sport: Great for families, seniors, and communities.
Affordable: Requires minimal equipment and space.
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Pickleball is more than a trend—it’s a sport that continues to grow across all generations and regions. As more clubs, schools, and sports centers add pickleball courts, the need for professional, safe, and high-performance flooring is becoming essential.
At Arturf, we support this exciting sport with professional-grade Pickleball Flooring designed to meet the game’s specific needs. Whether you’re building a new court or upgrading an existing one, our solutions are durable, slip-resistant, and tailored for top-level play.