It seems like everyone views Main Line pickleball courts as fun things to do with kids in the local area. Over the past few years, the game has exploded in popularity, seemingly out of nowhere. Where did Pickleball come from? Who invented Pickleball? What does a pickle have to do with it?

Pickleball could be a new family activity to try this summer.

Main Line Parent spoke to Trang Nguyen, a Narberth coach and pickleball pro who’s won over 30 gold medals in tournaments nationwide, for pickleball advice for beginners. Plus, we share the location of great Main Line pickleball courts.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a sport that uses two paddles and a light ball that’s sort of like a whiffleball, since it’s also lightweight, plastic, and has holes.

Players grab their paddles and hit the pickleball courts. Similar to tennis courts, pickleball courts are smaller.

The rules of pickleball are much like tennis. However, in pickleball, players must have the first back-and-forth serve bounce once. After that, a bounce is no longer necessary. Players also have to keep the ball out of the “kitchen,” or the front marked off block.

When Was Pickleball Invented?

It turns out that pickleball has been around longer than people typically think. In the summer of 1965, a couple of dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, devised the game to entertain their bored children.

They improvised with what they had on hand, using a mash-up of elements from other sports: a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a wiffle ball.

Over time, this much-loved pastime evolved beyond these two families into a game with set rules and official equipment. However, the original purpose remains: a game that the whole family can play together.

Why Is Pickleball Called Pickleball?

But what about the name Pickleball? Where did the name Pickleball come from? Apparently, the wife of one of the creators named the game after the “pickle boat” in the sport of rowing. A pickle boat is one where the crew is a random mix of rowers thrown together. A rather fitting name for this hybrid game that was “thrown together” from an arbitrary assortment of sports, for fun. 

Fast forward several decades. Thousands of pickleball courts have sprung up all around the country.

Pickleball continued to be America’s fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row, with an estimated 8.9 million players over the age of six, according to the 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association. It took almost 50 years, but pickleball has arrived.

Why Do People Love Pickleball? Interview

Trang Nguyen is super enthusiastic about playing pickleball because it has so much to offer — it’s fun, competitive, and social. She says it’s easy to make friends with other Main Line pickleball players. Better yet, Trang says families can have a great time playing pickleball together.

How old does someone have to be to play pickleball? There’s no age limit. Kids as young as the age of six can play pickleball, according to Trang.

Trang began playing pickleball in 2018, soon after she emigrated to the US. Within a few years of starting, she earned her certification as an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Level 2 instructor and professional pickleball player status.

When she’s not playing or teaching pickleball, Trang, a mother of two sons, is a therapist at Narberth Chiropractic Center. Main Line Parent asked Trang why she loves pickleball, and she was more than happy to share her experiences with the game.

Why Do You Love Pickleball?

“In 2018, I came from Vietnam to live in America, and I have had my share of challenges assimilating into a new culture. Pickleball gave me a new language and common ground with my community. The social aspects of this sport helped me create more ties with new people.”

“I love competition, and pickleball has an amazing amount of competitive events for participation. I also love the strategies of pickleball and how quickly you can improve with hard work. Mostly, anyone and every level can play pickleball together. I can play with my kids as easily as a pro. Both are fun,” Trang said.

How Did You Get Started Playing Pickleball?

“I have a tennis background. While I was playing in my tennis group, I noticed an older man practicing pickleball by himself. I invited myself over, and he gave me some pointers. We started to play and I fell in love with it,” Trang said.

Trang enjoyed the game so much that it transformed her friend group.

Pretty soon, the entire tennis group turned into a pickleball group. On that day, I found a new passion. What’s more, I got a new boss. That man, Dr. Arnold Weinberg of Narberth Chiropractic Center, is now my friend and employer. Sometimes, curiosity pays off,” Trang said.

Why Do You Recommend Pickleball for Families with Autistic Children?

“I have an autistic child, and I am always worried about his health and well-being. My son needs to be pushed when it comes to exercise. Pickleball is easy to pick up, and you can become proficient quickly. We think autistic kids are not good at sports, but they can play. My son has become very good,” Trang said.

Trang believes it has helped give her family a bonding activity. Pickleball could be a great way for families with neurodivergent kids to find support. Racquet sports are a good choice to try playing with autistic kids, especially pickleball, which is easier than tennis, according to Trang.

“[Playing together as a family] creates a common language between my kids and me. It is very social and requires focus and attention, which provides a good stimulus for kids. Most of all, it is a fun activity that we can do together,” Trang said.

What Are Great Tips for Beginner Pickleball Players?

Trang Nguwen shared her favorite tips for new Main Line pickleball players:

• Practice is more important than gameplay. Drilling and practicing shots will progress your skill faster than playing games. 
• Stretching and warming up are essential, as pickleball injuries are on the rise. 
• Mastering the short game is important and will advance your game faster than just hitting hard. Bending your knees and shortening your swing will help. 
• Smiling and relaxing on the court are helpful when dinking (a strategic move where you softly tap the ball just over the net, creating a difficult return for your opponent). 
• Pickleball and tennis are different games. Analyze the differences and get better at the less familiar skills needed to play.

Like any new skill, it can take time to progress. Have fun with it.

What Are the Benefits of Pickleball?

“Pickleball is a wonderful source of stress relief and recreation. I am very centered when practicing pickleball. Socially, I have made so many friends, and I have also met many clients for my business,” Trang said.

When Trang made the leap into playing professional pickleball, it added an unexpected positive benefit.

“Financially, I have been sponsored by some pickleball companies because of my tournament play. I became a professional pickleball player and coach, as well as an IPTPA Level 2 instructor, so my family has benefited from that,” Trang said. “But most of all, my family has benefited because of the fun we have playing. It’s a common interest that brings us together.”

Where To Find Free Pickleball Courts Around the Main Line

Pickleball is a family-friendly sport with many Main Line locations. View the list of public Main Line pickleball courts below. Don’t forget to check with the local township parks and recreation department for new outdoor pickleball court openings.

With so many new pickleball players out there, many townships now have “blended” courts that include both pickleball and tennis lines. It’s important to note, however, that the net in tennis is approximately two inches higher.

Serious pickleheads may bring their own net, but many pickleball players play casually on a tennis court, unfazed by the height difference.

Ashbridge Memorial Park

1301 W Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont

Ashbridge Memorial Park is a 28-acre park that offers two blended tennis and pickleball courts.

Bala Avenue Park

33 Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd

Bala Avenue Park features four permanent courts. Nets are set for tennis height.

Bo Connor Park

590 S Devon Avenue, Wayne

There is one pickleball court at the 17-acre Bo Connor Park. Access restrooms seasonally, May through October, with the combination 1-2-3.

Bob White Park

485 Falcon Road, Wayne

With six permanent courts, Bob White Park attracts lots of pickleheads. Check with Upper Merion Township if you need to bring your own net.

Clem Macrone Park

810 Conestoga Road, Bryn Mawr

Open from dawn until dusk, thw nine-acre Clem Macrone Park features multiple blended courts with both tennis and pickleball lines.

Manavon Street Park

50 Tyson Street, Phoenixville

Enjoy access to eight permanent courts that share nets with the tennis courts at Manavon Street Park.

Paddock Park

214 W Hillcrest Avenue, Havertown

A fantastic place to play, Paddock Park has eight dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. This Havertown park has restrooms and water.

Teegarden Park

440 Old State Road, Berwyn

The 22-acre Teegarden Park includes one outdoor pickleball court.

Wynnewood Valley Park

1505 Remington Road, Penn Wynne

Wynnewood Valley Park features multiple dedicated pickleball courts.

Main Line Pickleball Fun

Pickleball is a fun sport that all kinds of kids can enjoy. The equipment is simple, and getting started is easy. Look to this list of Main Line pickleball courts and take Trang Nguyen’s advice for a fine beginning to a great, new hobby.