But here’s the twist: the sport that started as a backyard time-killer is now one of the fastest-growing games in the world. Everyone from pro athletes to your neighbour’s teenage kids is picking up a paddle, and the buzz isn’t slowing down.

You might be thinking, “Is it just tennis with a silly name?” or “Do I have to be sporty to play?”

This guide will give you everything you need to know: what pickleball actually is, why it’s suddenly everywhere, and how you can get started without needing a background in sport (or a clue what a "dink" is).

What Is Pickleball & Why Everyone’s Obsessed With It

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines bits of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s usually played on a smaller court than tennis, with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball full of holes.

paddle and pickleball on a pickleball court

Above you can see an example of what a pickleball and paddle looks like.

You can play it as singles or doubles, and the goal is simple: hit the ball over the net, don’t let it bounce twice on your side, and try to outplay your opponent.

If that still sounds a bit fuzzy, here’s the simplest way to think about it: Pickleball is like tennis, but slower, smaller, and a lot easier to get into.

It’s designed to be approachable. The court is smaller (so there’s less running), the ball moves slower (giving you more time to react), and the rules are easy to pick up, even if you haven’t played a sport since school.

What really sets pickleball apart is how quickly you can go from “never played” to “hey, I’m actually getting the hang of this.” In your first game, you’ll be hitting the ball over the net, having rallies, and probably laughing a lot in the process.

And yes, the name is weird. No, it has nothing to do with actual pickles (we’ll get to that in a bit).

Here's a short clip of me playing Pickleball with my POV Meta Ray Ban Glasses.

The Surprising History of Pickleball

Believe it or not, pickleball wasn’t invented in a fancy sports lab or by a group of fitness gurus. It started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when a few bored dads were trying to entertain their kids during summer. They had a badminton court but no shuttlecock, so they improvised.

They grabbed some table tennis paddles, found a plastic ball, and started knocking it around. Over time, they added rules (some borrowed from tennis, some made up on the spot), lowered the net, and boom... pickleball was born.

As for the name?

There are two competing stories:

Some say it was named after the family dog, Pickles, who kept running off with the ball.
Others claim it was named after a “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew made up of leftovers, kind of like this sport’s mashup of different games.

Either way, the name stuck. What started as a backyard game quickly grew. It spread through neighbourhoods, retirement communities, and local parks, eventually exploding into a global sport with professional leagues, celebrity fans, and courts popping up in every major city.

Check out Bill Gates playing Pickleball:

Why Is Pickleball So Popular Right Now?

It’s not just you, everyone really is talking about pickleball. But why? What’s made this quirky sport explode in popularity?

Here’s the short version: it’s easy, social, low-impact, genuinely fun and it can get VERY competitive.

1. Pickleball is Easy to Learn (Even If You’re Not Sporty)

You don’t need a background in tennis or any kind of athletic history to get started. Most people pick up the basics within their first game. The paddle is light, the court is small, and the rules are straightforward. It’s one of the few sports where beginners and more experienced players can genuinely enjoy playing together.

2. Pickleball is Super Social

Pickleball thrives on interaction. Whether you're playing doubles or chatting on the sidelines between games, it’s a great way to meet people. That’s why it’s booming in community centres, parks, and clubs.. it creates a natural space for connection. People come for the game but stay for the community.

3. Pickleball is Low-Impact but Still a Workout

Unlike high-impact sports that put pressure on your joints, pickleball is kinder on your body. You’ll still break a sweat and get your heart rate up, but it won’t leave you limping the next day. That’s why it’s loved by active retirees, busy parents, and anyone looking for movement without pain.

4. You Don’t Need a Lot to Get Started with Pickleball

A paddle, a ball, and access to a court - done. The gear is affordable, and courts are popping up all over Australia. It’s far more accessible than sports like golf or tennis, both in cost and learning curve.

5. Pickleball is SO Addictive... in a Good Way

That first satisfying rally? That moment you win a point with a well-placed shot? It hooks people fast. You don’t need to be an expert to have fun or feel competitive. That balance keeps people coming back again and again.

Who Can Play Pickleball? (Hint: Pretty Much Everyone)

One of the biggest reasons pickleball has exploded in popularity is because it’s genuinely for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re young, old, fit, rusty, or have never picked up a paddle in your life, you can play.

Kids to Grandparents

Kids love it because it’s fast-paced and easy to grasp.
Older adults love it because it’s low-impact and less intense than tennis.
And when you see grandparents playing doubles against teenagers (and winning) you realise how rare that is in a sport.

No Sporty Background Required

You don’t need to be “sporty” to play. In fact, many people who start with pickleball haven’t done anything active in years. You’ll find people of all ages, shapes, and skill levels on the same court. The vibe is inclusive, not intimidating.

Great for Couples, Friends & Families

Because it’s so easy to learn and enjoy, pickleball makes for a brilliant group activity. Whether you’re looking for a new date night idea, a family bonding activity, or just something to do with your mates that doesn’t involve sitting at the pub, this is it.

A Friendly Boost to Your Fitness

Want to move more, but hate the gym? Pickleball gets you active without feeling like a workout. It’s movement with purpose and fun, and you’ll probably end up smiling more than sweating.

In short: if you can hold a paddle and walk onto a court, you can play. And chances are, you’ll enjoy it more than you expected.

Is It For Competitive People?

Well, we wouldn't have a website dedicated to tournaments and competitions if this wasn't the case. Pickleball can get extremely competitive (especially Singles), so if you like winning (and learning from losses), this is your sport.

Personally, I come from a Mixed Martial Arts background. I enjoy hard sports, and a true challenge. Although Pickleball has a quick learning curve and can accommodate anyone, it can be really challenging when you start to improve. It's certainly not an easy sport when you take things to the next level, and personally, that's what I love about it.

How to Start Playing Pickleball

You don’t need much to get going with pickleball, which is one of the best things about it. Whether you're looking for a casual hit around or something more competitive, getting started is quick and painless.

What You Need:

A Pickleball Paddle: Lighter than a tennis racket, sturdier than a ping-pong paddle. You can grab an affordable one from AliExpress to start, no need to go pro-level right away.
A Pickleball (yes, it’s a real thing): It’s a lightweight plastic ball with holes.
Comfortable Trainers: Any non-slip, court-friendly shoe will do the trick. No fancy gear required.
A Place to Play: You’ll find courts in leisure centres, local parks, and sports clubs. Just Google “pickleball courts near me” and you’ll likely be surprised.

How to Get Involved:

Join a Local Club or Session: Loads of places offer beginner-friendly open play or intro sessions. If you're in the South Coast, we would recommend Figtree Pickleball or North Gong Pickleball (Beaton Park).
Bring a Friend: Don’t want to go alone? Grab a mate and try it together. Most people on the court are super welcoming, especially to new faces.
Get Better and Compete: If you find as you play that you're thirsty for the competition, check out our weekly competitions.

Your first few hits might feel awkward, and that’s normal. But by the end of your first session, you’ll be laughing, moving, and wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.

Why You’ll Probably Get Hooked on Pickleball

You came here wondering what pickleball is and now you know it’s a sport that’s easy to learn, surprisingly addictive, and made for real people. Not elite athletes, not just gym-goers, just everyday folks who want to move more, laugh more, and do something a bit different.

That’s why pickleball isn’t just a trend. It’s a movement, built around connection, community, and fun. And once you step onto the court, there’s a good chance you’ll get it straight away.

So if you’re still on the fence, here’s your sign: give it a go.

And when you’re ready to compete? South Coast Pickleball is here to help you get started.

pickleball what is pickleball

Luca Troise

Luca Troise is one of the founders of South Coast Pickleball, a competitive pickleball organisation focused on building high-quality tournaments, structured competitions, and a clear pathway for players to improve and compete. After discovering pickleball and quickly recognising its explosive growth overseas, Luca saw a major opportunity to elevate the sport locally through professionally run events that challenge players, reward skill development, and create real competitive standards. South Coast Pickleball was created to move beyond casual social play and deliver organised leagues, divisions, and tournaments designed for players who want to take the game seriously, whether they’re stepping into competition for the first time or pushing toward higher-level play. Luca’s mission is simple: grow pickleball on the South Coast through well-run competitions that make the sport more exciting, more professional, and more rewarding for players at every level.

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