What Is Pickleball and Why Is Everyone Playing It?

If you’ve been hearing the word “pickleball” more and more lately—you’re not alone. This fun, fast-growing sport has taken the world by storm, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into one accessible and highly addictive game.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or just wondering what all the hype is about, here’s everything you need to know about pickleball—and why it’s quickly becoming Australia’s favourite new outdoor activity.

So, What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport played either indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Players use a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball). It can be played one-on-one (singles) or in pairs (doubles), with doubles being the most popular format.

What makes it so appealing? The rules are simple to learn, the gameplay is easy on the body, and it’s incredibly social—making it a great choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Where Did Pickleball Get Its Name?

One of the most common questions about the sport is, “What’s with the name?”

Pickleball was invented in the U.S. in 1965 by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—looking to entertain their kids during the summer. The origin of the name is debated, but the most popular theory is that it was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball during games.

Another theory suggests the name comes from the term “pickle boat,” which refers to a crew boat made up of leftover oarsmen—much like the sport is a mix of different racket sports.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

In short, pickleball is fun, easy to learn, and physically accessible. Here's why it's taken off:

• Low-impact movement makes it ideal for older adults or those returning to exercise

• Smaller court size means less running compared to tennis

• Fast-paced rallies make games exciting and engaging

• Low barrier to entry – you don’t need years of skill to enjoy it

• Social and community-focused – most games are doubles, encouraging connection

In Australia, the sport has exploded in retirement communities, social clubs, and outdoor recreation centres. And thanks to its adaptability, it’s played by kids, families, athletes, and even celebrities (yes, we’ll get to that in another blog post!).

Sun Protection Is a Must for Outdoor Pickleball

Because many pickleball games are played on outdoor courts, often during peak UV hours, sun protection is crucial—especially in Australia’s harsh climate.

Traditional sunscreen can quickly wear off during intense rallies (especially with sweating), and reapplication isn’t always practical mid-game. That’s why many pickleball players are turning to UPF50+ sun-protective gear like:

• Arm sleeves to prevent sunburn 

• Shoulder wraps for upper body and shoulder protection

• Sun-protective hats, gloves, and gaiters

These options offer long-lasting UV protection without the mess of sunscreen and help keep players cool and focused on their game.

Ready to Try Pickleball?

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay active with friends, or just want to see what the fuss is all about, pickleball might be your perfect match. Just don’t forget to gear up with sun-safe essentials before hitting the court!