What is Pickleball?

Fast becoming one of the most popular racket sports in the world, Pickleball brings together some of the best elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, into a fun and exciting game for people of all ages and abilities.

Played on a court the same size as a badminton court – and using a shorter tennis-style net – players use paddles to hit a light plastic waffle ball between one another. You can play indoors or outdoors and both as singles and doubles, and it’s a great way to exercise with friends and family or meet new people.

While there are many similarities with tennis, there are some key differences. For example, the ball has to bounce once on each side before you can volley and you can’t play volleys from inside the kitchen (a marked out area close to the net).

It’s simple – Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play and is a great way to exercise.

One of the fastest-growing sports in the world, Pickleball is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and is a very social activity that you can play with family and friends, while also giving you the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a thriving social

Why play Pickleball?

Unlike tennis, the smaller court size and lightweight equipment make Pickleball less strenuous, promoting longer rallies and more social interaction. This accessibility and the sport's blend of fun and competition are major factors in why people play Pickleball. It is easy to learn but offers plenty of challenges, providing physical and mental engagement for all skill levels.

Is Pickleball good exercise?

The game is exciting, challenging and offers a good workout. In fact, one 30-minute game of Pickleball can burn up to 300 calories.  

While it is a gentler sport compared to running or traditional tennis, Pickleball provides an excellent low-impact cardiovascular workout. Players move frequently, pivot, and stretch, which improves agility, balance, and heart health. Crucially, the reduced court size and underhand serve make the movements less intense, meaning it is significantly easier on the joints. This makes it an ideal way for older players who want to stay active to maintain fitness without the high impact associated with other sports.