Pickleball FAQs

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a whiffle ball on a badminton-sized court with a tennis-style net. Pickleball is played and enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities, due to its ease of play and straightforward rules. Pickleball is inexpensive, social, healthy, and incredibly fun (some call it addicting). In many ways, it’s a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, In recent years, pickleball has exploded in popularity, as there are currently over 4 million players in the U.S. Thousands of courts have been built, while many tennis courts are having pickleball lines put in or being converted to pickleball courts completely. The future of pickleball is looking very bright!

How is pickleball different than tennis?

Pickleball is relatively similar to tennis, though it has some noteworthy differences. A huge difference is the size of the court. A typical tennis court is 78 x 36 feet, while pickleball courts are 44 x 20 feet. Other differences include the balls, paddles, rules such as serving and where you can stand, and the scoring structure. However, the games do share many similarities.

What skills do I need to play pickleball?

The beauty of pickleball is that essentially anyone can pick up a paddle and play. Regardless of your age, ability, or athletic history, the game is extremely easy to learn and play due to its simple fundamentals and structure. Even players with less mobility can enjoy and excel playing doubles. Most people who have never played before are able to have full rallies after a 1-hour clinic. Pickleball can be enjoyed recreationally or competitively, and will continue attracting players of all types!

How long has pickleball been around?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They came up with it on Bainbridge Island, not far from Seattle, Washington. With bored children at home, they sought to play badminton on an old badminton court but couldn’t find the proper equipment. They improvised and played with table tennis paddles and a perforated plastic ball. And the rest is history…

Where did pickleball get its name?

Pickleball founder Joel Pritchard had a daughter who adopted a puppy, who they named Pickles. As pickleball was being invented, the dog developed a habit of picking it up with its mouth and running away with it. Sources say the game was named after the dog. However, there is a second version of its original story called “Pickle Boat.”

What’s my pickleball rating?

Pickleball ratings are 2-digit numbers that players accumulate from playing tournaments, or by self-rating if needed (ratings can also be 4 digits). These ratings are intended to help players match up against others and sign up for tournaments within their skill level. Each skill level is determined by ability to perform different shots, in addition to understanding strategy. You can find USA Pickleball’s Definitions of Player Skill Rating’s here.

Where can I learn pickleball in New Jersey?

There are a variety of clubs, facilities, and academies in New Jersey, such as Montclair Pickleball, that hold clinics, lessons, open play, leagues, and more. You can find a complete list of pickleball clubs and academies in New Jersey here.

How can I play pickleball tournaments in and around New Jersey?

You can sign up for most tournaments on PickleballTournaments.com or PickleballBrackets.com, though many tournaments at smaller clubs are promoted separately. However, if you live in or around New Jersey, you can find a list of upcoming tournaments here.