Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers looking to entertain their families, the game has surged in popularity to become one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. It is played either indoors or outdoors on a court roughly one-quarter the size of a standard tennis court, making it more accessible and less physically demanding for players of all ages and fitness levels. The game is played with specialized equipment, including solid paddles made of wood or composite materials and a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. A standard court measures 20 by 44 feet, divided by a net that stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Players can compete in either singles or doubles, though doubles is the more common format, fostering a highly social and community-oriented atmosphere. A unique set of rules defines pickleball's strategic depth, most notably the "Two-Bounce Rule," which requires the ball to bounce once on each side after the serve before players can begin volleying. Another key feature is the "Kitchen" (non-volley zone), a seven-foot area near the net where players are prohibited from hitting the ball out of the air. This restriction prevents players from dominating at the net and encourages longer, more tactical rallies. Matches are typically played to 11 points, and points can only be scored by the serving team.