Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis characteristics of the emerging ball games, originated in 1965, the United States Seattle Benbridge Island. The sport has quickly become popular worldwide, particularly in North America, and has attracted participation in over 60 countries. Pickleball has been included as a demonstration sport for the 2024 Paris Olympics, signalling it could become an official sport in the future.
Pickleball has a paddle that is larger than a table tennis racket but smaller than a tennis racket, which makes it easier to play and suitable for people of all ages. The ball is lighter than a tennis ball and heavier than a badminton. This design allows the ball to be played at a moderate speed, neither too fast nor too slow. It is suitable for players of all levels. Pickleball can be played in singles, doubles or mixed doubles, and can be played indoors or outdoors. Due to its low threshold and easy to play characteristics, pickleball has become a national sport, attracting a wide range of participation from children to adults.
