Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining popularity all over the world. In Australia participation has overtaken that of rugby union, baseball and billiards and the Australian Open tennis championships included a Pickleball slam for the first time in 2025. Numerous pickleball clubs have opened up near Avoca Beach, including at Terrigal, Woy Woy and Gosford.

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a court similar to that of badminton, but with a lower net. It has been described as a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong with some quirky rule differences. The game has proved popular with retirees and the sport's simplicity and accessibility make it suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels. But it is not just for mature players - professional athletes compete at a high level in the Australian Pickleball League and can make a decent living playing the sport.

[Watch a short video about pickleball]

How did it start? The game was invented in the 1960s by American Joel Pritchard and his friends in Washington State, USA. They were looking for a game that all members of their families, old and young, could play together. They tried badminton but couldn’t find a shuttlecock. Instead they grabbed a lightweight perforated ball they had lying around, and used wooden planks for bats. They lowered the badminton net, began to play, and the rest is history, as they say. Today the game is played in over 60 countries with 16,000 registered players in Australia alone.

Why is it called pickleball? No one knows for sure but the most likely reason is that Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickle, used to join the games by grabbing the ball and running off with it. An alternative but less charming explanation is because the game is a mix, or pickle, of various racquet sports.

What’s the appeal? Pickleball is fast and fun, yet low impact and easy to learn. Men and women and people of all ages and abilities can play together. The rules are familiar to people who have played other racquet sports, though there are some quirky differences to learn about such as the ‘non-volley zone’ or ‘kitchen’ and the mandatory underhand serve.

Sarah Newton from Avoca Beach plays pickleball once a week at Saratoga Community Hall. She explains:, “I quit alcohol about 10 months ago and playing pickleball on a Friday evening has dulled the old routine of reaching for a drink on a Friday night. It’s fun, social and I like the way we can always play, regardless of the weather. And the court is smaller than a tennis court which makes for a faster game.”

*Sarah Newton from Avoca Beach hitting a winning shot*

Wendy Coggins, also from Avoca Beach and an ABCA committee member, has been playing pickleball for the past three years. “I play twice a week at Bateau Bay PCYC,” she explains “I enjoy the game because at an intermediate level it’s a great cardio workout while having fun and socialising with a wide range of like- minded people. Plus, there are always ways to improve and build on your game."

As of the time of writing this article, there is nowhere in Avoca to play pickleball. Some tennis clubs have expanded to include pickleball but that is yet to happen in Avoca. However, there are several places near Avoca Beach with availability at different times on a variety of days of the week to fit every schedule. Keep your eyes peeled as more venues are popping up all the time as demand for the game continues to grow. New players are advised to sign up for beginners classes first to learn the rules and build up some basic skills.

Sport Central Coast (www.sportcentralcoast.org.au) provides a useful, and seemingly up-to-date list of local venues to learn, play and compete at pickleball.

Have you caught the pickleball bug?

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