What Is Pickleball—and Why Is Everyone Playing It?

It’s not tennis. It’s not ping-pong. It’s somewhere in between—and somehow more fun.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and if you’ve heard of it lately, it’s probably because someone you know won’t stop talking about how much fun they’re having. We agree! It’s active without being intense. Social without being awkward. Fun without needing to keep score.

And the best part? You don’t need lessons, a membership, or fancy gear to start. Just paddles , a ball, some space,  a net and someone to rally with.

Wait… What Is Pickleball?

In simple terms: pickleball is a paddle sport played on a small court with a lightweight, wiffle-style (perforated) ball. You can play one-on-one or in doubles, and it’s usually played with a net at 34-36 inches height.

The rules are easy to learn, the pace is chill, and the gear is super beginner-friendly—which is exactly why it’s catching on like wildfire. You don’t need to be athletic. You just need to be curious. 

Why Is Pickleball Suddenly Everywhere?

There’s a reason your neighbor, your coworkers, and your aunt are all playing pickleball. It’s ridiculously accessible.

• Smaller courts mean less running around (but still plenty of movement).
  
• The ball moves slower than a tennis ball, so you can actually keep it in play.
  
• The rules are simple enough to learn in one go.
  
• You can play casually without feeling like you’re bad at it (which is a rare find in the sports world).
  

Basically, it’s the most beginner-welcoming game out there. And the social part? That’s what keeps people coming back. Whether you’re playing in a cul-de-sac or a local park, it’s low-pressure fun that feels good.

Who Can Play Pickleball? (Spoiler: Everyone)

Pickleball is one of the few games where kids, teens, parents, and grandparents can all play together—and have a good time.

• Kids don’t need to be coordinated.
  
• Grown-ups don’t need to be sporty.
  
• Teens get to show off a little (but not dominate the whole thing).
  
• And grandparents? They might secretly be the most competitive ones out there.
  

It’s perfect for backyard get-togethers, weekend hangouts, or spontaneous after-dinner movement. No scoreboard required. There’s enough structure to feel like a real game, but with the flexibility to just play.

Do You Need a Court or Club to Start?

Nope! And that’s kind of the whole point of Anywhere Pickleball.

You don’t need a reservation, a club membership, or an official pickleball court. If you’ve got a flat surface—a driveway, a schoolyard, a quiet street, a parking lot—you’ve got a game.

Our Anywhere Pickleball Full Court Set includes everything you need to set up a match in minutes, no court required. It’s light, portable, and designed for real life. We even made a tool to make creating a court super easy! Think: between school drop-off and dinner, or while the grill heats up.

How to Start Playing (This Weekend)

You really don’t need a game plan. But if you want one, here’s your 3-step checklist:

1. Grab your Anywhere Pickleball Full Court Set – It’s got paddles, balls, a portable net, court tape, and a tool created by us to make setting up a court super easy! Just add people.
   
2. Find a flat space – Driveway, cul-de-sac, sidewalk, skate park. If it’s flat, it’s fair game.
   
3. Rally with whoever’s around – Your partner. Your kid. Your neighbor who saw you setting up and came over.
   

✅ Want to try it this weekend? Shop the kit here and be game-ready in minutes.

Quick Pickleball FAQs

What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?
Just a paddle, a ball, and something to hit over. Most beginners use a kit that includes everything—paddles, balls, a net, and even court tape.

Can I play pickleball without a court?
Yes! That’s the beauty of it. Anywhere Pickleball is made for non-court play—driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, schoolyards, you name it.

Is pickleball beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. The rules are simple, the gear is intuitive, and it’s one of the few sports where beginners can actually rally and have fun right away.

What ages can play pickleball?
All ages. Kids, teens, adults, grandparents—it’s a low-impact sport that meets everyone where they are.

Is pickleball good exercise?
Yes! It’s low-impact cardio disguised as fun. You’ll get movement without feeling like you’re “working out.”