Getting Started

Welcome to Pelham Pickleball: The Story Behind America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Pickleball may feel like it exploded onto the scene overnight, but the story of this quirky, fast-paced game goes back nearly 60 years—with roots on a little island just a ferry ride from Seattle.

It was the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, a local congressman, and his friend Bill Bell, a businessman, returned from a day of golf to find their families restless and, frankly, bored. Determined to invent a way to entertain everyone, the two dads rummaged through the garage and pulled together whatever sports equipment they could find: a badminton net, ping pong paddles, and a wiffle ball.

With some creativity and rule-making on the fly, they created a game on their backyard badminton court. The net was lowered to 36 inches to accommodate the bouncing ball, and the casual backyard activity soon captivated their families and neighbors. Barney McCallum, another friend with a knack for craftsmanship, joined them to help formalize the rules and carve handmade wooden paddles in his workshop. This trio of inventive neighbors unknowingly founded what would one day become a global phenomenon.

So, why the odd name—pickleball? While many people love the charming story that the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, was reminded of “pickle boats” in rowing—crews made up of leftover rowers from other teams. Since the game was pieced together from different sports, “pickleball” seemed like the perfect playful name for this new mishmash of fun.

From its humble island origins, pickleball spread by word of mouth—especially appealing because it was easy to play for all ages and abilities. By 1972, demand for paddles, balls, and nets led to the creation of Pickleball Inc. In 1976, the first official tournament was held, and by 1984, the USA Pickleball Association was formed to foster its growth nationwide.

Today, pickleball is played in all 50 states, with nearly 5 million players in the U.S. alone. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Jamie Foxx have been spotted enjoying the game, and there’s even a serious conversation about making pickleball an Olympic sport by 2028.

Here in Pelham, our pickleball community is thriving—thanks to new courts, vibrant local tournaments, and an inclusive, social atmosphere that welcomes players of all skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or perfecting your spin serve, there’s a place for you on the court.

So come join us, and become part of a story that started with a bit of boredom, a lot of creativity, and a name that has kept people smiling for decades.

How to Play

Serving the Ball
  • Every game starts with a serve from the right-hand side of the court.
  • The serve must be underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.
  • You serve diagonally across the court and the ball must clear the non-volley zone (also called the “kitchen”).
  • Players keep serving until they lose a point.
The Two Bounce Rule
  • After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before any player can hit it out of the air (called a “volley”).
  • This rule prevents the serving team from rushing the net right away, making the game fairer for both sides.
The Kitchen Rule
  • The non-volley zone or “kitchen” is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
  • You can’t hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen.
  • You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
Scoring
  • Points can only be scored by the serving team.
  • Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
  • At the start of each serve, the server announces the score with three numbers: your team’s score, the opponent’s score, and whether you are the first or second server (for example: “3-2-1”).
How To Win
  • Play continues until a team reaches 11 points, with at least a 2-point lead.
  • If the score is tied near the end (like 10-10), teams continue playing until one side leads by 2 points.
Faults
  • A rally ends when a “fault” happens, such as:
  • Hitting the ball out of bounds.
  • Hitting the net and the ball doesn’t go over.
  • Volleying before the two-bounce rule is satisfied.
  • Stepping into the kitchen when volleying.
Common Shots in Pickleball
  • Serve: Starts the rally; always underhand.
  • Drive: A strong shot hit after the bounce.
  • Dink: A soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen to keep them from attacking.
  • Volley: Hitting the ball out of the air (but not while in the kitchen).
  • Lob: A high shot designed to push opponents away from the net.
  • Drop Shot: A soft shot that lands in the kitchen, typically used to reset a rally.
Tips for Beginners
  • Practice the two-bounce rule to master when you can volley.
  • Stay out of the kitchen unless the ball bounces in it.
  • Communicate with your partner in doubles.
  • Practice dinks and drop shots—they are key to controlling the game.
  • Take a beginner lesson to learn proper technique and strategy.
Where to Learn More

We offer lessons for beginners and skill-building sessions at Pelham’s 8 Nashua Road courts. Check our Lessons & Clinics Page section for details on how to sign up!