What is pickleball? The trendy racket sport that's coming to France
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Introduction
Pickleball is much more than just a sporting phenomenon: it's an ingenious blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong . Accessible to all, fun, friendly, and strategic, it appeals to both beginners and experienced athletes.
Born in the United States in the 1960s, it quickly established itself as the fastest-growing sport in North America . Today, pickleball is firmly established in Europe, and particularly in France, where it appeals to clubs, families, and schools.
Let's discover together this fascinating sport, its rules, its equipment and why it is becoming the new must-have racket sport .
The origin of pickleball: an American story
Pickleball originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, thanks to three friends: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum . Their idea was simple: to create a fun and accessible game for their children.
They improvised a court in their garden, with a badminton net, a plastic ball and homemade rackets. It was an immediate success.
The name “pickleball” is thought to have two possible origins:
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According to some, it comes from the “ pickle boat ”, a nautical term referring to a crew made up of players from different teams;
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Others claim that the name comes from the Pritchard family dog, “Pickles” , who loved to chase after the ball.
Regardless of the version, pickleball has now become a structured, codified and internationally recognized sport .
The rules of pickleball: simple and addictive
The field and the equipment
The pickleball court measures 13.41 m long by 6.10 m wide , which is about the size of a badminton court.
The net is lower than that of tennis: 0.91 m on the sides and 0.86 m in the centre .
The game is played with:
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a rigid racket (paddle) , without strings;
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a perforated plastic ball , lightweight and hollow;
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court shoes offering good stability.
The service
The serve is made diagonally , below the waist , and the ball must bounce once on each side before the volley exchanges.
Only the player serving can score points .
The no-fly zone: the “kitchen”
At approximately 2.13 m from the net , an area called “kitchen” prohibits any volleying.
This unique rule makes the game more strategic and prevents overly powerful rallies near the net.
The points system
A game is usually played to 11 points , with a minimum margin of 2 points required to win.
The score is often close, making every exchange thrilling.
Why pickleball is becoming so popular
Pickleball attracts a wide audience for several reasons:
A sport accessible to all
Unlike tennis, it requires less physical effort and can be played at any age.
The movements are smooth, the exchanges are quick, and the rules are easy to learn from the first game.
A social and convivial dimension
Pickleball promotes interaction and doubles play , creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
It is also an excellent family sport: children, parents and grandparents can play together.
An activity that's good for your health
When played regularly, pickleball improves:
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coordination and reflexes,
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balance and flexibility,
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cardiorespiratory condition.
It is therefore an ideal activity to stay active while having fun .
Essential equipment for playing pickleball
To get started, you will need four essential elements:
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A pickleball paddle – lightweight, maneuverable and sturdy.
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Perforated balls , suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
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A regulation-sized net .
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Comfortable and stable court shoes .
💡 If you want to get started easily, you can opt for a complete pickleball kit , which includes all the necessary equipment to play immediately.
👉 Discover the pickleball kits available on ThePickleballer-Shop.com :
https://thepickleballer-shop.com/collections/kits-pickleball
These sets are perfect for getting started with friends or family , without having to worry about choosing each item separately.
Pickleball in France and around the world
Pickleball is currently the fastest growing racket sport in the world .
In the United States, the number of regular players is estimated at over 8 million . Stars like LeBron James and Tom Brady have even invested in professional leagues.
In Europe , the momentum has begun: Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and France are developing their national federations.
In France, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) now oversees the sport, organizes tournaments and trains instructors.
Many multi-sports halls and tennis clubs are adapting their infrastructure to accommodate this sport, proof of its growing success.
How to get started with pickleball?
Find a plot of land
You can play in:
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affiliated clubs ,
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municipal gymnasiums ,
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or even in your garden with a portable kit .
Learn the basics
A few hours are enough to master:
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the service below the waist,
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on-the-fly exchanges (outside the “kitchen”),
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and the double positioning.
Playing for fun or in competition
Whether you are an amateur or a competitor, pickleball adapts to your level.
There are now regional and national tournaments , and even international championships.
The future of pickleball: a sport firmly established
Pickleball ticks all the boxes of a modern sport:
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accessible ,
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intergenerational ,
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inexpensive
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and respectful of health .
With its rapid development in France and Europe, pickleball is likely to become as popular as recreational tennis in the coming years.
Specialized brands, such as those available on ThePickleballer-Shop.com actively contributes to making this sport accessible to everyone.
Everything you need to know about pickleball
1. What is the main difference between pickleball and tennis?
The court is smaller, the net lower, and the rallies faster. Pickleball is also less physically demanding, making it more accessible.
2. Can you play pickleball outdoors?
Yes, there are balls and nets suitable for outdoor use, ideal for playing in a garden or park.
3. What is the average price to start?
A complete pickleball kit (paddles + balls + net) costs between €80 and €150 , depending on the quality.
👉 See the models on ThePickleballer-Shop.com .
4. Is pickleball a good sport for seniors?
Yes, it is excellent for maintaining fitness, coordination and sociability, without risk of injury.
5. Are there pickleball clubs in France?
Yes, the French Tennis Federation lists clubs in most major cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc.
