Pickleball

Origin and rules

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who improvised a family backyard game. Two or four players hit a perforated plastic ball over a low net using solid paddles.

How it plays

Games are typically played to 11 points, won by two. Only the serving side scores. A non-volley zone near the net, the kitchen, limits attacking smashes. Underhand serves and a two-bounce rule slow down rallies.

Competition

The PPA Tour and the APP Tour lead professional pickleball in the United States. The sport has become one of the fastest-growing in America. Pickleball is not yet part of the Olympic programme.