Celebrate National Pickleball Month: Why This Sport is Taking Over & How You Can Get In on the Fun
If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, it’s time to crawl out from under that rock and grab a paddle because this sport is taking over gyms, parks, and backyards everywhere. And since April is National Pickleball Month, there’s no better time to jump on the bandwagon.
Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with pickleball? Well, for starters, it’s ridiculously fun. It’s also easy to learn, a great workout, and, unlike more high-impact activities, it goes easy on those knees! Whether you’re a total beginner or already out there dinking like a pro, pickleball is the sport that welcomes all.
Western’s been all about the pickleball hype for a few years now, so whether you’re looking to get competitive or just want an excuse to smack a ball around with friends, we’ve got the courts, the community, and the programs to help you make it happen.
Still not sure? Keep reading and discover why pickleball is probably your new favorite sport!
What Is Pickleball?
For those of us in the audience who have no pickleball experience, let’s start with the basics. Pickleball is what happens when tennis, badminton, and ping-pong get together and have a (very bouncy) baby. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic wiffle-like ball, it’s a sport that’s equal parts competitive and fun.
The beauty of pickleball is its simplicity. The rules are easy to learn (you can grasp the basics in about 10 minutes), and you don’t need to be a pro athlete to play. Games are typically played as doubles, but singles work too. The goal? Hit the ball over the net, keep it in bounds, and avoid the dreaded kitchen (the non-volley zone near the net, not where you make snacks—though that would be an interesting twist).
What makes it so addictive? It’s fast-paced but not exhausting, strategic but not overwhelming, and social without being overly serious. Basically, it’s the perfect blend of fun, fitness, and friendly competition. That’s why everyone from retirees to college kids is jumping on the pickleball train.
The Rules
Okay, okay, but how do you actually play?
1. The Serve
The game starts with an underhand serve (no fancy tennis-style serves here).
The ball must be hit below waist level and sent diagonally across the court.
It has to clear the net and land in the opposite service box—no bouncing before you hit it!
Only one serve attempt is allowed.
2. The Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) are allowed. Basically, you can’t run up and slam the ball back immediately—every rally starts with at least two bounces.
3. The Kitchen Rule
The kitchen (officially called the non-volley zone) is the area within 7 feet of the net on both sides.
You CANNOT volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing in the kitchen.
If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, that’s a fault (sorry, no sneaky toe-dragging allowed).
4. Scoring
Games go to 11 points, but you must win by 2.
Only the serving team can score—if the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t score a point, but they do get to serve next.
When calling out the score, you announce three numbers:
Your team’s score – Opponent’s score – Server number (for doubles). Example: If your team has 5 points, the other team has 3, and you’re the second server, you say: "5-3-2."
5. The Fun Rule
This one isn’t in the official handbook, but we think it’s important: Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously! Pickleball is meant to be social, enjoyable, and maybe even a little silly sometimes, so whether you’re a pro or it’s your first time picking up a paddle, just get out there and play for the fun of it!
The Slang
Pickleball has a language all its own—part strategy and part silliness. Here’s a handy glossary of some pickleball slang to help you talk the talk before you dink the dink.
ATP (Around the Post): A sneaky shot that curves around the net post (without crossing over the top) and lands in. Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.
Bert: Like an Erne (see below), but even bolder. You jump across your partner’s side of the court to smash the ball midair (with their blessing, hopefully).
Body Bag: When you hit your opponent with the ball. Accidentally. Or… maybe not. It still counts.
Dillball: A live ball that has bounced once and is fair game to hit. It’s the opposite of a fault or out-of-bounds shot.
Dink: A soft, strategic shot meant to land gently in the opponent’s kitchen. Think finesse, not power.
Erne: A flashy shot where you leap over the corner of the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air, staying just outside the kitchen boundaries.
Flapjack: A ball that has to bounce before you can hit it, specifically during the first two shots of any rally. After that, it’s game on.
Fly Swatter: When you try to smash the ball…and send it straight into the net instead.
Getting Pickled: Losing a game 11–0. Ouch. Happens to the best of us.
Golden Pickle: Winning a game 11–0 and doing it without ever losing the serve. Basically, the unicorn of pickleball.
Kitchen: The no-volley zone—those rectangular boxes near the net. You can’t step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces there first. It’s not for standing. It’s for dinking.
Let Ace / Lettuced: A serve that clips the top of the net, still lands in, and the returner doesn’t touch it. You just served them some lettuce.
Nasty Nelson: When a server aims for and hits the non-receiving opponent on purpose during a serve. If it lands, the serving team gets the point. Rude, but effective.
Nutmeg (or 5-Hole): Hitting the ball through your opponent’s legs. Humbling and hilarious.
Shake-n-Bake: A doubles move where one player drives a shot, and their partner crashes the net to clean up anything that pops up. Fast, furious, and fun.
Stack: A strategy where doubles partners start on one side of the court and quickly shift to their preferred positions after the serve. Often used when one player has a strong forehand.
Tweener: A tricky shot hit between your legs (usually while chasing a lob). Bonus points for flair, style, and not falling over.
The Pickleball Boom
You’ve probably noticed that pickleball is absolutely everywhere these days. Parks are adding courts, celebrities are playing, and suddenly, your aunt, your neighbor, and your old high school gym teacher are all obsessed. So what caused the new pickleball world order?
It’s Easy to Learn (and Hard to Stop Playing)
Some sports require years of practice just to be okay at them (looking at you, golf). Pickleball? You can pick up the basics in one game. The simple rules and small court make it accessible for beginners of any fitness level, but there’s enough strategy involved to keep things interesting even for more competitive players.
It’s Low Impact, High Fun
Unlike high-impact sports like running or basketball, pickleball is gentler on the joints, making it great for all ages. It’s active enough to break a sweat but low-impact enough that your joints will thank you.
It’s Super Social
Pickleball is basically the group chat of sports—it’s made for socializing. The small court size means lots of interaction (and friendly trash talk), and since doubles is the most popular way to play, you’re always teaming up with someone. Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend game, a competitive league, or just an excuse to hang out, pickleball delivers.
Celebrities and Pro Athletes Are All In
When A-listers and athletes like Michael Phelps, Andre Agassi, Will Ferrell, Billie Eilish, and even the Kardashians get involved in a sport, you know it’s having a moment. But don’t worry, regular folks can still get in on the fun without needing a Hollywood budget.
Pickleball at Western Racquet
Ready to see what all the pickleball buzz is about? Western has eight indoor pickleball courts calling your name! Each session includes up to two hours of play, giving you plenty of time to warm up, compete, or just try to perfect your dink shot. We’ve also got flexible options, no matter how you want to play, including monthly memberships, daily passes, punch cards, drop-ins, and permanent court times.
We welcome both members and non-members, but (pro tip!) it’s more affordable if you join the Western fam.
And if you’re into themed events and the occasional excuse to wear neon, we’ve got you covered there too. Keep an eye out for pickleball tournaments, beginner classes, and fun pop-up events throughout the year—like our glowing fan favorite, the Let It Glow pickleball party. (Think black lights, glow-in-the-dark balls, neon shirts, and fun round-robin play.)
Learn more about pickleball at Western by visiting westernracquet.com/pickleball and celebrate National Pickleball Month with us!
