What Is Pickleball? By Mary Pat Higley

Introduction

An experienced pharmaceutical professional, Mary Pat Higley currently works as an independent medical consultant. In her free time, Mary Pat Higley enjoys a range of activities, including playing pickleball.

Pickleball is a sport that incorporates elements of ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. Its unique name comes from Pickles, the family dog of one of the sport’s inventors. While the game was being developed, Pickles would chase stray balls and then hide with them in the bushes. The inventors began calling the sport Pickle’s ball, which has since been shortened to pickleball.

About the Game

The game is played on a modified badminton court, with players using wooden or fiberglass paddles to volley a baseball-sized wiffle ball across a net in an attempt to score on the opposing team. As is the case with ping-pong, the ball is served diagonally, and players must allow the ball to bounce once before returning the serve. The serving side scores when the opponent faults by failing to return the ball or hitting it out of bounds. The game is over once one of the sides reaches 11 points.

Easy to learn and play, pickleball can be played in singles or doubles by players of all ages and ability levels. The sport has grown in popularity since it was invented in 1965 and is currently played in thousands of schools and recreation centers across the country.