The game’s world governing body, the International Federation of Pickleball, now counts 63 countries as members. Malaysia has been an associated member since November 2019.

Thanks to its low cost of entry, adoption of players of all ages and fitness levels, and easy-to-follow rules, pickleball has exploded with an almost viral-like popularity over the past two years, particularly in the United States.

The US Sports and Fitness Industry Association recently named it the fastest-growing sport, with almost five million players battling it out on the court in tournaments and leagues sprouting across the globe.

Joining NBA great Lebron James and the NFL’s Tom Brady, pro basketball superstar Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is one of the latest athletes to purchase a Major League pickleball team.

Played on a 6m x 13m court, or the size of a doubles badminton court, pickleball should be a natural fit in any country.

Opposing players are armed with a paddle that’s a cross between a racquet and oversized ping-pong paddle, and are separated by a slightly sloping 86cm net (91cm on each end post).

The perforated ball is similar to a wiffle ball, which was originally used, but two specific balls – one with 26 holes and the other with 40 – have since been adopted to standardise the game globally.

Although either sanctioned ball can be used, the one with 40 smaller, evenly spaced circular holes is commonly used outdoors to minimise the effects of windy conditions.

There are only a few basic rules to pickleball:

1. The ball must stay inbounds

Like all sports from tennis to volleyball, the pickleball must stay inbounds during a match. Only the serving team can win a point and, if they lose a rally when the ball goes out of bounds, a side-out occurs, giving the non-serving team possession and the opportunity to serve.

2. The two-bounce rule

At the start of each rally, the ball must bounce twice – once on each side of the court, for both the serve and the return of the serve. After the second bounce, either side can play the ball in the air without a bounce (or volley), or let it bounce once.

3. Serve from the baseline

Players must serve from behind the baseline at the back of the court. All serves must be underhand and below the waistline, and must cross the net diagonally. Serves from the right side must enter the opponent’s right-side service area, and vice-versa.

4. The no-volley zone

The no-volley zone, affectionately referred to as the kitchen, are the two 2m boxes closest to the net. The pickleball cannot land in the no-volley zone during serves, and no player can volley the ball while standing in the zone either before or after the volley.

5. Scoring the game to 11, 15 or 21 points

When playing singles, 11 or 15 points are the most common totals to win, but the victor has to defeat the opponent by at least two points. When playing doubles, playing until 15 and 21 points is more common.

There are several terms and rules like “the 10-second rule”, where the server has 10 seconds to serve once the score is called, that makes this sport unique and fun for everyone.

Could Malaysia’s love for racquet sports spill over and fuel a pickleball craze?

Find a game or event near you by visiting the Malaysia Pickleball Federation, or learn more from the International Federation of Pickleball here.

Reg Ching is a walking quadriplegic (OKU), digital nomad, business consultant, medical cannabis advocate, and cryptocurrency enthusiast. Follow his journey at regching.com.