If you already own a decent forehand, pickleball will feel oddly familiar and refreshingly different all at once. It is the fastest-growing racket sport in the UK, and a huge slice of new players are arriving straight from the tennis court.
Quick answer: Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, a perforated plastic ball and a solid paddle (no strings). You serve underarm, obey a "double-bounce" rule, stay out of the non-volley "kitchen" zone near the net, and play to 11, win by 2. Think tennis tactics compressed into a smaller, softer, more sociable game.
Where pickleball came from
Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s in the United States as a back-garden game for families. What began as a bit of fun has become a serious sport with national governing bodies, professional tours and a rapidly expanding club scene across Britain. The appeal is simple: it is quick to learn, kind on the joints and genuinely fun within minutes.
How pickleball differs from tennis at a glance
| Feature | Tennis | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 23.77m long | Badminton-sized (much smaller) |
| Net height | 0.914m at centre | Lower than tennis |
| Ball | Felt-covered, pressurised | Perforated hard plastic |
| Racket | Strung frame | Solid paddle, no strings |
| Serve | Overhead, powerful | Underarm only |
| Scoring | Games and sets | First to 11, win by 2 |
The rules that catch tennis players out
Three rules tend to trip up anyone crossing over from tennis.
- The double-bounce rule. The ball must bounce once on each side before either player is allowed to volley. So the serve bounces, the return bounces, and only then can you take the ball out of the air. This kills the serve-and-volley instinct instantly.
- The kitchen (non-volley zone). The 2.13m zone either side of the net is a no-volley area. You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in it. Your net game becomes about soft "dinks", not put-away smashes.
- The underarm serve. No booming first serves here. The serve is struck underarm, below the waist, which levels the playing field and puts the emphasis on rallies rather than aces.
Why tennis players take to it so quickly
Your hand-eye coordination, footwork and court sense all transfer. What changes is the tempo and the touch. Rallies are closer, reactions are faster at the net, and the soft game rewards finesse over raw power. Many tennis players find pickleball scratches the competitive itch without the pounding that hard-court tennis puts through the knees and shoulders.
The kit is refreshingly simple, too. No stringing, no tension debates, no restringing bills. You pick a paddle, grab a tube of balls and you are playing.
What you need to start
- A paddle. Beginner-friendly paddles pair a polymer honeycomb core with a fibreglass or carbon face. Fibreglass gives a little more pop and power; carbon leans towards control and spin.
- Balls. Indoor balls are larger and softer with fewer holes; outdoor balls are harder with more, smaller holes. Choose to match where you play.
- Court shoes. Proper court shoes give you the lateral grip and stability the game demands. Running trainers are a false economy and an injury risk.
Browse our full pickleball collection to see paddles, balls and shoes in one place.
FAQs
Is pickleball easier than tennis? It is easier to pick up. The smaller court, slower ball and underarm serve mean you will be enjoying real rallies far sooner than you did with tennis. Mastering the soft game and strategy still takes time.
Do I need a tennis background to play pickleball? Not at all, but it helps. Existing racket skills and footwork transfer well, so tennis players often progress quickly through the early stages.
Can I use a tennis racket for pickleball? No. Pickleball requires a solid paddle with no strings, and the ball behaves completely differently. You will need dedicated kit.
Is pickleball good for older or injury-prone players? Yes. The smaller court and lower-impact movement make it popular with players who find tennis hard on the joints, without losing the competitive edge.
Ready to try it?
Pickleball is the easiest racket sport to fall in love with, and if you already play tennis you are halfway there. Explore our pickleball range to get set up, then read our guide to the rules for beginners before your first game.
Gear up with AIXO
Ready to give it a go? Our house brand AIXO builds carbon pickleball paddles with tennis players in mind, from friendly first paddles to tournament-legal thermoformed models. Browse the full AIXO paddle range or let the paddle finder quiz place you in five questions.
Shop this guide at Central Tennis
All in stock now, with expert stringing and racket fitting available in store.
Browse more: Pickleball · Grips and overgrips
Not sure what suits your game? Talk to our team — we fit, string and demo rackets every day.
