What is pickleball? The sport Virat Kohli was seen playing – rules and how to play

Pickleball, a sport recently highlighted by cricketing icon Virat Kohli on May 21, 2025, integrates elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Kohli was seen smiling and holding a pickleball paddle, which certainly had people asking, What is pickleball? And how is it played? In this brief article, we will discuss its origins, rules, and gameplay, and the reasons for its popularity.

What is Pickleball? A Brief Overview

By borrowing a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created pickleball on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965, to entertain their families. Pritchard's wife, Joan Pritchard, called it pickleball because she thought the game was similar to the "pickle boat" in crew racing, which is a mix of leftover elements. It is played on a 44x20-foot court, with a 34-inch-high net in the center of the court, as singles or doubles (indoors or outdoors). Pickleball's accessibility has proven to make it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with nearly 20 million players by 2024.

See Also: Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma play pickleball with Dinesh Karthik ahead of RCB vs SRH clash

Pickleball Rules: How It Works

Pickleball rules are fairly straightforward but strategic. The game begins with an underhand serve, diagonally across the court, and must land out of the 7-foot non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”) at the net. Next, according to the “two-bounce rule,” one bounce must occur on the receiving side and one bounce on the serving side before the ball may then be volleyed. Players may not volley when standing in the kitchen, which encourages soft shots (the “dink”) to defend and control the rally. Only the serving team scores a point (one point for a Rally won). Game play is to 11 points and win by 2. Faults include hitting the ball out of bounds and into the net. Either faults end the rally with a change of serve or award points.

How To Play Pickleball: A Guide for Beginners

In pickleball, you’ll need a paddle (usually composite or graphite), a perforated plastic ball, and a court. Simply begin with an underhand served ball from a player starting on the right side of the baseline (this is also team one). The serve needs to land in the diagonal service area. After the serve, hit your pickleball and follow the two-bounce rule before volleying or letting the ball bounce. Position yourself closer to the kitchen line to dominate the rally. Use dinks (soft shots) to create uncertainty at home and force your opponent into unstable shots. Keep your paddle up for quick reactions, and focus on placement over power. In doubles, each player serves once per turn (except the first serve), switching sides after scoring. The first team to 11, leading by 2, wins.

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Fitness Routine After Retirement Includes Pickleball?

Why Pickleball Is Taking the World by Storm

Pickleball’s appeal lies in its simplicity and inclusivity, which will appeal to kids through seniors. Pickleball offers tactical depth as you play. It is inexpensive - equipment is cheap, and you can put up courts anywhere. Foldable nets make it versatile. Pickleball is friendly, particularly in doubles; there is a camaraderie, as exhibited by the excitement Kohli's fans felt by his participation. Pickleball has great potential to improve your cardio without the same strain as tennis. The sport is taking off worldwide; professional leagues are emerging. Pickleball's unique combination of inclusivity, strategy, and enjoyment makes it a sport for all - just grab a paddle and play!