What is Pickleball?

Discover the sport that's stealing hearts and building communities across America

Ever wonder why your neighbors are suddenly obsessed with a sport that sounds like it belongs in a deli? Welcome to the wonderful world of pickleball—a game that's part tennis, part ping-pong, and completely addictive!

The Magic Behind the Name

Despite what you might think, pickleball wasn't named after pickles (though that would be deliciously fitting). The sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three families wanted to entertain their kids during summer. They grabbed ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and lowered a badminton net—and accidentally created America's fastest-growing sport.

How to Play: Simple Yet Strategic

Picture a tennis court shrunk to about one-quarter size with a net that's slightly lower. You'll use a lightweight paddle (bigger than ping-pong, smaller than tennis) to hit a plastic ball with holes. The magic happens in the rules:

The Serve: Always underhand and diagonal, just like in tennis, but much gentler on your shoulder.
The Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before you can hit it in the air—this keeps rallies going and makes the game more social.
The Kitchen: That's the playful name for the no-volley zone near the net. You can't smash the ball while standing there, which creates amazing strategic battles and keeps everyone in the game.
Scoring: Games go to 11 points (win by 2), and only the serving team can score. Don't worry if this sounds confusing—you'll pick it up after a few games!

Why Pickleball Will Change Your Life

It's Instantly Accessible Remember learning tennis and spending hours chasing balls? Pickleball welcomes you with open arms. Most people are rallying within minutes and having genuine fun their very first day. The smaller court means less running, and the underhand serve feels natural immediately.

Your Body Will Thank You

If tennis has become too demanding on your joints, pickleball offers all the competitive excitement with significantly less physical stress. The lighter equipment, shorter distances, and strategic gameplay mean you can play longer and recover faster—many of our members play multiple times per week well into their 80s!

Age Is Just a Number Here's what makes pickleball truly special: a skilled 70-year-old can absolutely beat an athletic 30-year-old. Strategy, placement, and finesse often triumph over raw power. We regularly see grandparents playing competitive matches with their grandchildren—and everyone has a blast.

Community Happens Naturally

Tennis can feel isolating, but pickleball practically forces you to make friends. The smaller courts mean you're chatting between points, the doubles format encourages teamwork, and the welcoming culture means newcomers are embraced immediately. You'll discover that pickleball players are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.

Strategic Depth Keeps You Coming Back

While anyone can start playing immediately, pickleball offers endless room for growth. The "kitchen" creates fascinating tactical battles, shot placement becomes an art form, and the mental game is as important as physical skill. You'll find yourself thinking about strategies long after you leave the court.

The Perfect Gateway to Active Living

Whether you're a former athlete looking for your next passion, someone who's never played racquet sports, or anywhere in between, pickleball meets you where you are. It's competitive enough to satisfy your inner athlete while remaining social enough to feel like a neighborhood gathering.

The sport has exploded from a backyard family game to a nationwide phenomenon with professional tours, Olympic aspirations, and communities being built around courts. But at its heart, pickleball remains what it's always been: pure fun shared with great people.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Here in Port Townsend, we're blessed with five beautiful courts and a welcoming community eager to share this amazing sport. Whether you're curious about a casual game or ready to dive into competitive play, we'd love to welcome you to the pickleball family.

Trust us—once you experience that first satisfying "pop" of paddle meeting ball and see the smile it brings to your face, you'll understand why pickleball isn't just a sport—it's a lifestyle that brings joy, fitness, and friendship together in the most delightful way possible.