Pickleball is growing fast in Australia. If you've heard the name thrown around at your local sports club, seen people playing in the park, or just stumbled across the paddles online, you're not alone. It might sound like a quirky backyard game - and to be fair, it kind of is - but it's also an incredibly fun, fast-paced sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis into one.
Let’s break down exactly what pickleball is, how it works, and how you can start playing right here in Australia.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. It uses a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball), solid paddles, and a slightly lower net than tennis. You can play singles or doubles, and the game is known for being easy to pick up but surprisingly addictive and strategic as you improve.
It started in the US in the 1960s and has absolutely exploded in popularity in the past few years, especially among people looking for something social, accessible and a bit different. It’s been the fastest growing sport in the States for a few years running and it’s now catching on fast in Australia too.
Why is Pickleball Growing in Australia?
There are a few reasons pickleball is taking off:
- It’s easy to learn — You can play a game within 10 minutes of picking up a paddle.
- It’s social — Doubles is the most popular format, and the culture is welcoming and casual.
- It suits all ages — From teens to retirees, the game is low-impact but still competitive.
- It fits our Aussie culture — Outdoor courts, sunshine, mates, fun rallies, low pressure.
Clubs are popping up all over the country, and more councils are building or converting courts specifically for pickleball. There are now thousands of players across every state and territory.
The Basic Rules
Here’s what you need to know to start playing:
- Court size: 6.1m x 13.4m (same for singles and doubles)
- Double bounce rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before you can volley.
- No-volley zone (aka the Kitchen!): You can’t hit the ball out of the air while standing in the 2m zone near the net. If the ball bounces in the Kitchen zone then you can step inside and hit - but no hitting the ball on the full in the Kitchen!
- Serve: Underarm, diagonally, from behind the baseline. Keep serving until you lose a point! Then your partner serves, and once they lose a point as well the other team gets a chance to serve.
- Scoring: Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11, win by 2. Because you and your partner both serve, you often say what number server you’re up to at the end of the score.
- If you’re serving first for our team and we’re winning 7-4, the score is 7-4-1 (because you’re the first server). If you lose that point and I start serving, the score is then 7-4-2 (opposition is still on 4 because you only score on your own serve. The third number is now 2 as I am the second server for our team). If the opposition wins again then the score becomes 4-7-1, and the opposition team’s first server starts things off.
That’s it. There are more rules, but you don’t need to know them all to get started.
What You Need to Play
You don’t need much to play pickleball. Here's the basic kit:
- A paddle — Lighter and more compact than a tennis racquet. Ours are designed for control, comfort and a premium look.
- Pickleballs — Plastic balls with holes in them. They move slower than a tennis ball but bounce lower and are affected by wind. We have those for you too.
- A court — Many public tennis courts now have pickleball lines. Otherwise, check your local pickleball club.
- Good shoes — Any court shoe or runner with decent grip will do.
Optional extras include a paddle cover (we sell these!), a bag (we’ll sell these soon!), and a few mates (we do not sell these!) who are keen to give it a go.
Where to Play Pickleball in Australia
Pickleball Australia (the national association) has a growing list of clubs and venues. Here are a few starting points:
- NSW: Sydney Pickleball Club, Northern Beaches Pickleball
- VIC: Pickleball Victoria, Camberwell Pickleball Club
- QLD: Brisbane Pickleball Club, Gold Coast Pickleball
- WA: Perth Pickleball, Fremantle Pickleball
- SA: Adelaide Pickleball Club, Onkaparinga Pickleball
- TAS/ACT/NT: Smaller but growing scenes, check the national website for updates.
Or just Google "pickleball near me" — you'd be surprised how many places now offer casual sessions.
Can I Play On A Tennis Court?
You sure can. In fact, a lot of Aussie players first try pickleball by setting up on a regular tennis court. Most tennis courts can fit up to four pickleball courts across them if you’ve got portable nets and a bit of space — but you don’t need to go all-out straight away.
For a quick setup, you can use the existing tennis net and play “mini pickleball” across the service boxes. Just mark out the kitchen (the no-volley zone) by placing tape or chalk 2 metres from the net on each side. It won’t be exact regulation size, but it’s pretty close and it’s all you need to get a feel for the game, practice your dinks, and convince your mates it’s worth playing properly.
Some councils are now painting official pickleball lines on shared tennis courts too, so keep an eye out — your local court might already be good to go.
Have other questions that need answering? Our FAQ has everything you need to know.
Why We Love It
At Little Court Co, we started this brand because we genuinely love the game. It brings people together. It's competitive but not intense. It's stylish but not cliquey. And it's something anyone can enjoy, whether you're in it for the rallies or just a bit of a laugh after work.
Our company is 100% Australian owned and all our paddles are designed here in Australia, with a focus on clean looks, durable materials, and a balanced feel. We wanted something that felt like us. Something that looked good, hit well, and didn’t take itself too seriously.
Ready to Give It a Go?
Pickleball is growing fast here, and now's the perfect time to get in on it. Whether you're looking to meet people, get moving, or just try something new, it's the kind of sport that sticks. And we’d love to help you get started.
Check out our paddles, find a court, and we’ll see you out there - but not in the Kitchen!
Little Court Co is proudly Australian-owned and designed. We make paddles that look good, play well, and reflect what this game is all about. If you have any questions, hit us up and we’ll be happy to have a chat.
