Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm. What started as a backyard pastime has exploded into one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. In 2025, millions of players across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia are picking up paddles and hitting the courts. This guide to pickleball will walk you through everything you need to know about the sport, from rules and gear to scoring, ratings, and even betting.
If you’ve recently found yourself playing a game or two and now feel obsessed, you’re not alone. This article is designed for the new fan or player who wants to understand why pickleball is growing so quickly and how to dive deeper into the game.
Why Pickleball Is Growing So Quickly
One of the most fascinating things about pickleball is how inclusive it is. Players from age 8 to 80 can pick up the sport quickly. The smaller court size compared to tennis makes it easier on the body, while the slower-moving ball allows beginners to rally from the very first game.
But accessibility is only one piece of the puzzle. Across the U.S. and around the world, entire pickleball centers are opening in cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. Former warehouses, malls, and empty parking lots are being transformed into state-of-the-art pickleball facilities. These venues often include restaurants, bars, and pro shops, making them community hubs as much as sports centers.
In 2025, many municipalities are also converting underused tennis courts into pickleball courts, meeting the demand for places to play. With celebrity investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady backing professional pickleball leagues, the sport has gained legitimacy and media attention that fuels its growth.
For anyone becoming obsessed, this guide to pickleball will help you understand why the sport has become both a social activity and a competitive pursuit.
The Basic Rules of Pickleball
Pickleball is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The game is played on a 20-by-44-foot court with a net set at 34 inches in the middle. Here’s a simple overview of the rules:
- Serving: The serve must be underhand, with the paddle making contact below the waist. It’s served diagonally, and only one serve attempt is allowed.
- Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Players cannot volley while standing in the 7-foot zone near the net. This prevents constant smashing and keeps rallies longer.
- Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11, but must be won by 2.
These rules make the game easy to learn, yet they also allow for strategic depth at higher levels of play. If you’re just starting, this guide to pickleball should give you a good foundation before hitting the court.
Singles vs. Doubles: What’s the Difference?
The majority of pickleball is played in doubles format, with two players per side. Doubles emphasizes teamwork, communication, and court positioning. It’s also easier physically, since players cover less ground.
Singles pickleball, on the other hand, is more demanding. One player must cover the entire court, leading to longer sprints and a higher level of endurance. Singles scoring and serving rules are slightly different, with players serving from the right when their score is even and from the left when it’s odd.
Both formats are fun, but doubles is more popular among recreational players. As you read through this guide to pickleball, you’ll see why understanding both formats is important if you want to fully enjoy the sport.
Scoring and How to Count Points
One of the first challenges for new players is understanding how to keep score. Unlike tennis, pickleball uses a three-number system in doubles. For example, if the score is announced as “4-2-1,” it means:
- The serving team has 4 points.
- The receiving team has 2 points.
- The server is the first (or second) server of the team.
In singles, scoring is more straightforward: only two numbers are called, representing the server’s score and the opponent’s score.
Games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2), but tournament matches can go to 15 or 21. Knowing how to score is a critical step in any guide to pickleball because it ensures games are fair and structured.
Essential Pickleball Gear
Pickleball gear is relatively simple, but having the right equipment makes the game more enjoyable.
Paddles
- Wood paddles: Cheap but heavy, ideal for beginners.
- Composite paddles: Lightweight and versatile, with better control.
- Graphite paddles: High-performance and preferred by advanced players.
Balls
- Indoor balls: Have fewer, larger holes and are softer.
- Outdoor balls: Have more, smaller holes and are harder for windy conditions.
Shoes
Pickleball requires lateral movement, so proper shoes are important. Tennis or court shoes with good traction are best. Running shoes don’t provide enough side-to-side support and can increase injury risk.
Clothing: Men vs. Women
Men typically wear athletic shorts and moisture-wicking shirts. Women often choose skirts or dresses with built-in shorts, similar to tennis attire. Both prioritize comfort, mobility, and breathable fabrics. As pickleball grows, brands are releasing dedicated clothing lines tailored to the sport.
If you’re building a gear list, this guide to pickleball should give you confidence about what’s essential and what’s optional.
The Pickleball Rating System Explained
Like many competitive sports, pickleball uses a rating system to measure player skill levels. In 2025, ratings matter more than ever, especially as leagues and tournaments expand. Many clubs and centers use these ratings to match players fairly, and apps such as DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) are becoming the standard for tracking progress.
Understanding ratings is a key part of any guide to pickleball because it helps players set goals, find suitable competition, and measure improvement.
Beginner (2.0–2.5)
This level is for those who are just learning the rules and basic shots. Beginners may struggle with consistency but are building the foundation of their game.
Intermediate (3.0–3.5)
Players at this level can rally consistently, understand basic strategies, and enjoy competitive recreational play. They may still make unforced errors but are noticeably improving.
Advanced (4.0–4.5)
Advanced players bring a wide variety of shots to the court and execute strategies with precision. They typically participate in local and regional tournaments and demonstrate strong control under pressure.
Pro (5.0+)
The highest level, reserved for elite competitors who play at national and international events. Pros combine athleticism, strategy, and experience to dominate the game and often serve as role models for the pickleball community.
Top Players to Watch in 2025
Pickleball’s rise in popularity has also created household names within the sport. In 2025, both the men’s and women’s tours feature a mix of dominant stars and rising talents who are helping push the game into the mainstream.
Men’s Division
- Hunter Johnson (USA, Age 31) – Currently holding the No. 1 spot with 13,800 points, Johnson has cemented himself as one of the most consistent and dangerous players on tour. His ability to control rallies with precision makes him a must-watch in every tournament.
- Federico Staksrud (Argentina, Age 29) – Ranked No. 2 with 11,950 points, Staksrud is a global ambassador for the sport. His quick hands and strong court coverage have made him one of the most formidable opponents internationally.
- Connor Garnett (USA, Age 28) – Sitting at No. 3 with 9,450 points, Garnett is known for his aggressive style and relentless energy. He has quickly risen through the ranks and is becoming a fan favorite.
- Christian Alshon (USA, Age 25) – Ranked No. 4, Alshon brings youthful intensity and sharp strategy to his matches. With 8,300 points, he’s already proven that he can contend with the best.
- Ben Johns (USA, Age 26) – Once the face of pickleball dominance, Johns now ranks at No. 6 with 5,887.5 points. While no longer at the very top, his experience, skill, and championship pedigree still make him one of the most dangerous players in the game.
Women’s Division
- Anna Leigh Waters (USA, Age 18) – The undisputed queen of pickleball, Waters sits at No. 1 with an astonishing 17,000 points. Despite her young age, she’s already transformed the sport with her aggressive style and fearless play.
- Kate Fahey (USA, Age 28) – Ranked No. 2 with 13,300 points, Fahey is known for her consistency and tactical awareness. She’s one of the most balanced players on tour and a strong contender in every major tournament.
- Kaitlyn Christian (USA, Age 33) – With 11,300 points, Christian brings tennis experience into pickleball, blending power and finesse. She’s quickly becoming one of the most respected players on tour.
- Parris Todd (USA, Age 27) – Currently ranked No. 4 with 8,600 points, Todd has surged into the spotlight thanks to her all-around game and ability to handle pressure in big matches.
- Catherine Parenteau (Canada, Age 31) – One of the most technically sound players on the women’s side, Parenteau sits at No. 6 with 6,850 points. Her smart play and composure under pressure make her a threat in every draw.
Betting on Pickleball: A New Frontier
As professional pickleball continues to grow, so does the interest in sports betting. Once seen as purely recreational, the sport now features structured tours, professional rankings, and international tournaments — all of which attract betting attention from fans and sportsbooks. In 2025, more online betting platforms are beginning to offer lines on pickleball matches, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, where legalized sports betting markets are expanding rapidly.
Moneyline Bets
The simplest and most popular type of wager, a moneyline bet allows fans to pick who they think will win the match outright. For example, if Anna Leigh Waters is favored against Kaitlyn Christian, a bettor can choose whether to back the favorite or take the underdog for a bigger potential payout.
Spread Bets
For more balanced odds, sportsbooks also introduce spread bets (sometimes called handicap betting). Instead of just choosing who wins, bettors wager on whether a player will win by more or less than a set margin. For instance, if Ben Johns is listed at –2.5 games, he must win by three or more games for the bet to cash. This levels the playing field when one competitor is heavily favored.
Over/Under Bets
Another popular option is the over/under, where fans bet on the total number of games or points played in a match. If a sportsbook sets the line at 38.5 points, you can bet on whether the final combined score will go over or under that number. These bets appeal to fans who may not want to pick a winner but enjoy predicting the overall pace and competitiveness of the match.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets, or prop bets, go beyond the final outcome and focus on smaller details within a match. In pickleball, this could include wagers such as:
- Which player will win the first rally
- Total number of unforced errors by a player
- Whether a match will go to a third game in a best-of-three format
Props add excitement for fans who want to engage with the action on a play-by-play level.
Futures Bets
Futures bets allow fans to wager on long-term outcomes, such as who will finish the season ranked No. 1 or who will win the PPA Tour Championship. These bets are typically made weeks or even months in advance and carry higher payouts due to the uncertainty involved.
Live Betting
As technology evolves, live or in-play betting is becoming more common. Fans can place wagers while the match is happening, with odds shifting after each rally. This dynamic style of betting makes watching matches even more engaging, as every point can impact the odds.
The Social Side of Pickleball
Beyond competition, pickleball thrives because of its social aspect. Communities are forming around leagues, drop-in sessions, and dedicated pickleball centers. It’s common for players to meet lifelong friends on the court, and many centers include restaurants and bars to extend the social experience beyond the game.
The sport’s inclusivity and social nature explain why so many people are becoming hooked after only a few games.
Pickleball’s rise shows no signs of slowing. With new centers opening globally, a clear rating system, professional stars, and even betting markets, 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for the sport.
Whether you’re here to play recreationally, follow the pros, or even place a wager, this guide to pickleball gives you the foundation you need. From the rules and gear to the top players and social culture, pickleball has something for everyone.
As you dive deeper, remember this is just the beginning. The next step is to explore equipment, local tournaments, and ways to improve your rating—all of which will make your pickleball journey even more rewarding.
