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Pickleball for All: Everything but the "Kitchen" Sink – A Lively Guide to the Wacky History and Expert Strategy of America's Fastest Growing Sport
An entertaining and comprehensive look at the America’s fastest growing sport, Pickleball for All is the ultimate primer for any level of player interested in the wacky history, unique rules, and exciting future of pickleball.
Bainbridge Island, Washington State. On a sleepy summer vacation, three dads with bored kids started a game with handmade equipment and rules that were even more hastily constructed. Pickleball—an accessible and engaging combination of sports like ping-pong and tennis—was born, and a rich history began to take shape. Fifty years later, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to quarantine and hunt for new activities, Americans of all ages and athletic ability discovered pickleball, turning to the rapidly growing phenomenon as a way to stay active, safe, and entertained. With its unique rules, wacky terminology, and inclusive gameplay, pickleball caught the attention of the likes of the Kardashians, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and quickly became the world’s fastest growing sport with Olympic games potential. Few have followed pickleball’s ascent in American life as closely as New York Times writer and pickleball enthusiast Rachel Simon. Now Simon shares her fascination with the world in this lively, energetic primer for anyone wondering what in the world a dink is or why their neighbors have had a net up in their driveway since May 2020. From the history of the game to the basic rules (hint: you do not want to be caught in the “kitchen” during a volley), Simon offers a complete overview for casual and expert players alike. With easy-to-follow steps and expert advice, readers will learn everything they need to know, including information like:
Where and how to set up a court
Scoring, gameplay, and equipment
Strategies to win at any skill level
The difference between a dink, a drive, and a drop shot
In addition, Simon weaves in inspiring stories from the world’s top players during their most exciting pickleball moments. An immersive look at a global phenomenon that’s only gaining momentum, Pickleball for All paints a vivid portrait of a new American pastime.
Bainbridge Island, Washington State. On a sleepy summer vacation, three dads with bored kids started a game with handmade equipment and rules that were even more hastily constructed. Pickleball—an accessible and engaging combination of sports like ping-pong and tennis—was born, and a rich history began to take shape. Fifty years later, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to quarantine and hunt for new activities, Americans of all ages and athletic ability discovered pickleball, turning to the rapidly growing phenomenon as a way to stay active, safe, and entertained. With its unique rules, wacky terminology, and inclusive gameplay, pickleball caught the attention of the likes of the Kardashians, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and quickly became the world’s fastest growing sport with Olympic games potential. Few have followed pickleball’s ascent in American life as closely as New York Times writer and pickleball enthusiast Rachel Simon. Now Simon shares her fascination with the world in this lively, energetic primer for anyone wondering what in the world a dink is or why their neighbors have had a net up in their driveway since May 2020. From the history of the game to the basic rules (hint: you do not want to be caught in the “kitchen” during a volley), Simon offers a complete overview for casual and expert players alike. With easy-to-follow steps and expert advice, readers will learn everything they need to know, including information like:
Where and how to set up a court
Scoring, gameplay, and equipment
Strategies to win at any skill level
The difference between a dink, a drive, and a drop shot
In addition, Simon weaves in inspiring stories from the world’s top players during their most exciting pickleball moments. An immersive look at a global phenomenon that’s only gaining momentum, Pickleball for All paints a vivid portrait of a new American pastime.
- GenresSportsNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published August 30, 2022
26 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 5, 2022
Rachel Simon’s debut was an informative but also a fun and clever read. I thought I knew what I needed to know about pickleball but boy was I wrong!! This book, which is perfect for any coffee table, is easy to read, eye-appealing (I couldn’t get over the blue font) and tactfully laid out. It shared everything about the sport from the the gameplay, rules, strategies to the history, inclusivity and popular players. For a nonfiction piece, I was surprised by how engaed I was !! Now I just have to order my paddles !!
Many thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy!!
Many thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy!!
September 4, 2025
“Pickleball for All” is a nonfiction book focusing on immersing the reader into the world of pickleball by providing the history of pickleball, game basics, drills, strategies, finding a pickleball community as well as exploring national and international growth of the pickleball.
The book consists of an introduction, nine chapters, conclusion, acknowledgements, a glossary, notes, and resources.
In the introduction, author Rachel Simon describes how her and boyfriend Kurt (now husband) playing pickleball during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic after Kurt was given a pickleball set for his birthday. After watching some YouTube videos, Simon and Kurt played a game in their driveway and weeks later become pickleball enthusiasts along with Kurt’s parents. As COVID-19 spread throughout the country, pickleball becomes a much-needed pastime to breakup bored since it had easy rules, accessible for all ages, fitness levels, physical abilities, and provides built in social distancing. As a write, Simon writes an article asking if pickleball was the perfect pandemic pastime and two years later is still contacted by people regarding how pickleball changed their lives during and after the pandemic.
Prior to chapter one, Simon provides a timeline showing the history of pickleball from its creation in 1965 to 2022 with pickleball bring played by 4.8 million people.
Chapter one, “How It Began,” describes how pickleball began on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965 by Barney McCallum, Joel Pritchard, and Bill Bell. It was interesting to learn that pickleball was created to stave off boredom for their family members and created a game combining Ping-Pong, badminton, and tennis. As the chapter progresses, the reader learns the inspiration for the pickleball name, the growth of pickleball by teaching it in schools, the first official pickleball tournament in spring 1976, and the creation of the United States Pickleball Association( USAPA) in March 1984, and the creation of the USA Pickleball database to include 430 official places to play in 2005 the creation of an international federation, professional pickleball tournaments, and its surge in popularity during COVID-19.
Chapter two, “Pickleball 101,” begins by introducing the reader to the basics of pickleball, fifteen must know pickleball terms, specific components of pickleball gameplay, adaptive rules for wheelchair pickleball, gameplay for players of mixed ability, and the golden rule of courtesy before, during, and after the game.
Chapter three, “Courts and Equipment,” begins with Simon writing of her and Kurt early days of playing pickleball, how to build a pickleball court, finding the right equipment, the pros and cons of pickleball paddle weights, pickleball paddler material, grip circumference, how to choose the appropriate pickleball based on whether you will be playing indoors or outdoors. Additionally, Simon informs the reader on the importance of picking a sturdy net, lighting up the court, buying the proper shoes based on indoor or outdoor pickleball play, and wearing protective eyewear in case of colliding with other players.
Chapter four, “Growing Your Game,” begins with Simon telling the reader that although she loves pickleball, she is not athletic or an expert. While writing this book, Simon decides to find a pickleball coach to improve her technique. In her search of a pickleball coach, Simon went online, visited a few websites and chose a coach who was a high level pickleball certified coach with six years of coaching. During Simon’s pickleball lesson, she practiced volleying and serving. The chapter ends with Simon providing the reader with alternatives to one-on-one pickleball coaching including group and online training programs.
Chapter five, “Strategy,” begins with Simon lamenting that although pickleball is each to learn, it takes a lot of effort to become a stronger player. Within this chapter, Simon provides six great pickleball drills to try out, four crucial pregame tips including warming up as well as viewing pickleball as its own sport, seven playing technique suggestions, five midlevel strategies for players ready to get competitive, and three strategies for players looking to go from good to great.
Chapter six, “Competitions,” highlights an eight-year-old junior pickleball champion. It was interesting to learn the pickleball rule that juniors can play in adult brackets if the other player is over eighteen. It was encouraging to learn that prize money at PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) sanctioned tournaments is equal for both male and female athletes and approachable to players. Within the chapter, Simon provides the pickleball rating system from 1.0-5.5+, discusses how tournaments brackets a broken down by age, gender and skill level as well as instructing the reader on how to register for tournaments including fees, how to sign up for brackets, clothing during and after the tournament, and pre-competition diet.
Chapter seven, “Going Pro,” provides the reader with information on how to transition from an amateur pickleball player into a professional player, gaining sponsorship and financial prizes. As recently as 2016, there were no professional pickleball players leading many to work side jobs. With the popularity of pickleball as a national sport, top players are gaining large fan bases, appearance fees, and global name recognition.
Chapter eight, “The Pickleball Community,” begins with the story of a sixty-year-old pickleball player who found a new community after switching to a different court and being assisted by a friendly stranger she later discovers to be a professional pickleball player. Within the chapter, Simon guides the reader on how to develop relationships in the pickleball community which can transform into genuine friendships via social media platforms such as Facebook, apps such as PicklePlay, a directory of Pickleball Club through the USA Pickleball website, or joining a highly organized pickleball league. For players wanting the community feel without joining a pickleball club or league, Simon suggests that the player becomes a member of USA Pickleball or apply to become a voluntary pickleball ambassador.
Chapter nine, “The Future of Pickleball,” Simon expresses excitement over the current growth of pickleball from a local sport to a global phenomenon. Also within the chapter, Simon discusses how pickleball has spread to lead to the creation of pickleball bars, restaurants, themed vacations, international tours, and pickleball being taught in schools.
The book ends with Simon expressing hope of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport, providing resources to the reader including how to throw a pickleball party, pickleball merch, pickleball magazines, podcasts, and welcoming the reader to the friendly and large global pickleball community.
As I finished reading this book, I liked Simon’s friendly, conversational writing style which makes the book both informative and enjoyable to read. With each chapter beginning with a quote from various pickleball players and works to the sport of pickleball as a welcoming sport for anyone curious enough to play the game.
The book consists of an introduction, nine chapters, conclusion, acknowledgements, a glossary, notes, and resources.
In the introduction, author Rachel Simon describes how her and boyfriend Kurt (now husband) playing pickleball during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic after Kurt was given a pickleball set for his birthday. After watching some YouTube videos, Simon and Kurt played a game in their driveway and weeks later become pickleball enthusiasts along with Kurt’s parents. As COVID-19 spread throughout the country, pickleball becomes a much-needed pastime to breakup bored since it had easy rules, accessible for all ages, fitness levels, physical abilities, and provides built in social distancing. As a write, Simon writes an article asking if pickleball was the perfect pandemic pastime and two years later is still contacted by people regarding how pickleball changed their lives during and after the pandemic.
Prior to chapter one, Simon provides a timeline showing the history of pickleball from its creation in 1965 to 2022 with pickleball bring played by 4.8 million people.
Chapter one, “How It Began,” describes how pickleball began on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965 by Barney McCallum, Joel Pritchard, and Bill Bell. It was interesting to learn that pickleball was created to stave off boredom for their family members and created a game combining Ping-Pong, badminton, and tennis. As the chapter progresses, the reader learns the inspiration for the pickleball name, the growth of pickleball by teaching it in schools, the first official pickleball tournament in spring 1976, and the creation of the United States Pickleball Association( USAPA) in March 1984, and the creation of the USA Pickleball database to include 430 official places to play in 2005 the creation of an international federation, professional pickleball tournaments, and its surge in popularity during COVID-19.
Chapter two, “Pickleball 101,” begins by introducing the reader to the basics of pickleball, fifteen must know pickleball terms, specific components of pickleball gameplay, adaptive rules for wheelchair pickleball, gameplay for players of mixed ability, and the golden rule of courtesy before, during, and after the game.
Chapter three, “Courts and Equipment,” begins with Simon writing of her and Kurt early days of playing pickleball, how to build a pickleball court, finding the right equipment, the pros and cons of pickleball paddle weights, pickleball paddler material, grip circumference, how to choose the appropriate pickleball based on whether you will be playing indoors or outdoors. Additionally, Simon informs the reader on the importance of picking a sturdy net, lighting up the court, buying the proper shoes based on indoor or outdoor pickleball play, and wearing protective eyewear in case of colliding with other players.
Chapter four, “Growing Your Game,” begins with Simon telling the reader that although she loves pickleball, she is not athletic or an expert. While writing this book, Simon decides to find a pickleball coach to improve her technique. In her search of a pickleball coach, Simon went online, visited a few websites and chose a coach who was a high level pickleball certified coach with six years of coaching. During Simon’s pickleball lesson, she practiced volleying and serving. The chapter ends with Simon providing the reader with alternatives to one-on-one pickleball coaching including group and online training programs.
Chapter five, “Strategy,” begins with Simon lamenting that although pickleball is each to learn, it takes a lot of effort to become a stronger player. Within this chapter, Simon provides six great pickleball drills to try out, four crucial pregame tips including warming up as well as viewing pickleball as its own sport, seven playing technique suggestions, five midlevel strategies for players ready to get competitive, and three strategies for players looking to go from good to great.
Chapter six, “Competitions,” highlights an eight-year-old junior pickleball champion. It was interesting to learn the pickleball rule that juniors can play in adult brackets if the other player is over eighteen. It was encouraging to learn that prize money at PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) sanctioned tournaments is equal for both male and female athletes and approachable to players. Within the chapter, Simon provides the pickleball rating system from 1.0-5.5+, discusses how tournaments brackets a broken down by age, gender and skill level as well as instructing the reader on how to register for tournaments including fees, how to sign up for brackets, clothing during and after the tournament, and pre-competition diet.
Chapter seven, “Going Pro,” provides the reader with information on how to transition from an amateur pickleball player into a professional player, gaining sponsorship and financial prizes. As recently as 2016, there were no professional pickleball players leading many to work side jobs. With the popularity of pickleball as a national sport, top players are gaining large fan bases, appearance fees, and global name recognition.
Chapter eight, “The Pickleball Community,” begins with the story of a sixty-year-old pickleball player who found a new community after switching to a different court and being assisted by a friendly stranger she later discovers to be a professional pickleball player. Within the chapter, Simon guides the reader on how to develop relationships in the pickleball community which can transform into genuine friendships via social media platforms such as Facebook, apps such as PicklePlay, a directory of Pickleball Club through the USA Pickleball website, or joining a highly organized pickleball league. For players wanting the community feel without joining a pickleball club or league, Simon suggests that the player becomes a member of USA Pickleball or apply to become a voluntary pickleball ambassador.
Chapter nine, “The Future of Pickleball,” Simon expresses excitement over the current growth of pickleball from a local sport to a global phenomenon. Also within the chapter, Simon discusses how pickleball has spread to lead to the creation of pickleball bars, restaurants, themed vacations, international tours, and pickleball being taught in schools.
The book ends with Simon expressing hope of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport, providing resources to the reader including how to throw a pickleball party, pickleball merch, pickleball magazines, podcasts, and welcoming the reader to the friendly and large global pickleball community.
As I finished reading this book, I liked Simon’s friendly, conversational writing style which makes the book both informative and enjoyable to read. With each chapter beginning with a quote from various pickleball players and works to the sport of pickleball as a welcoming sport for anyone curious enough to play the game.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
A good basic overview.
March 14, 2023
This was a short book about some pickleball basics and tips and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I wasn't particularly engrossed in it, but it helped pass the time over two longer car trips. I also felt like the author seemed to have done a great amount of research into the history of the sport, all the rules, interviewed several important people, and explained just what people like her love about it. I just started playing pickleball occasionally last year and thought it was fun. I'm still trying to understand all the rules for the next time I play. I'm planning on reading some other pickleball books when I can.
July 7, 2024
I’m not sure who this book’s target audience is. It’s too much for someone who knows nothing about the game, but not nearly enough for anyone with any passing knowledge. It almost seems to be written for the spouse/partner/best friend of someone really into pickleball so they can learn more about something their significant other is passionate about. 🤷🏻♀️
Still, it was engaging and not the worst way to spend an afternoon.
Still, it was engaging and not the worst way to spend an afternoon.
Read
January 4, 2023I took up pickleball in early October 0f 2022 and wanted a book on it. This book was on sale at bookoutlet.ca so I bought it. It's an easy read and I got some good ideas from it including the URLs of some useful web sites. It also has a history of pickleball and explains the rules of the sport.
November 1, 2024
I had other things to do so I will re-borrow. This book did have things a person needs to know. In PB etiquette, a person doesn't just have to be polite, there is a way you are expected to be polite. I have to rate later.
October 9, 2022
A useful read for those like me who are new to pickleball and curious to know its origins and potential. The fundamentals and tips were less explicit than I could have used though.
February 4, 2023
Covers all the bases
February 20, 2023
A decent book about Pickleball and information about learning to play pickleball.
March 7, 2023
Very nice ce short book for the beginner Pickleball player.
April 2, 2023
Good reference book for Pickleball enthusiasts...or those just starting to get on the court.
July 30, 2023
The book you read when:
A. You’re 2 books behind in your yearly reading challenge; and
B. You’re waiting for your next book from Libby.
Parts were interesting and yes it a great fun game.
A. You’re 2 books behind in your yearly reading challenge; and
B. You’re waiting for your next book from Libby.
Parts were interesting and yes it a great fun game.
July 31, 2023
The anthem of an older slower generation?
December 21, 2023
A good, basic primer for the crazy good sport Pickleball. Covers topics like courts and equipment, strategy, competitions, and the future of Pickleball.
November 7, 2024
Good introduction
May 17, 2025
Good all-around introduction to the sport and culture of pickleball.
June 3, 2025
I loved this history/how to improve book about pickleball. As a mediocre player, I found some helpful practical advice to hopefully improve my game.
December 30, 2022
some good interview data and anecdotes in this book, but overall this info is probably better suited for a different medium. there are some outdated pickleball rules and data on pro players in here, and as a seasoned player I’m not really clear on who the target audience is
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews