Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America - and Canada is no exception. If you've heard about it and want to know what all the fuss is about, this guide covers everything you need to get on the court for the first time.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It's played on a smaller court (about a quarter the size of a tennis court) with a plastic perforated ball and solid paddles. Games are fast, social, and surprisingly addictive once you play your first few points.
It's especially popular in Canada because it's easy on the joints, easy to learn, and can be played year-round - indoors in winter, outdoors in summer.
The Basic Rules
- Games are played to 11 points, win by 2. Tournament games go to 15 or 21.
- Only the serving team can score points.
- The serve must be hit underhand and land in the diagonal service box.
- The two-bounce rule: the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley.
- The "kitchen" (non-volley zone) is the 7-foot area in front of the net - you can't volley from inside it.
- Doubles is the most common format, though singles is played competitively too.
What Equipment Do You Need?
The Paddle
Your paddle is the most important piece of equipment. As a beginner, look for:
- Fibreglass or composite face (more forgiving than raw carbon fibre)
- 16mm core thickness (larger sweet spot, more forgiveness)
- Weight between 7.5-8.2 oz
- Standard or mid-length handle (4-5 inches)
Our top beginner picks at Performance Pickleball:
- Head Radical Elite 2024 - Our #1 beginner recommendation. Forgiving composite face, great sweet spot, and one of the best entry-level paddles on the Canadian market.
- Onix Z5 Graphite - A Canadian classic. Affordable, reliable, and a great first paddle for players of any age.
- Wilson Fierce Max - Great for players coming from a tennis background. Familiar feel, solid performance.
The Ball
Outdoor pickleballs (like the Franklin X-40) are harder with smaller holes for wind resistance. Indoor balls are softer with larger holes. Most Canadian players use outdoor balls year-round. Grab a 3-pack to start - you'll go through them faster than you think.
Where to Play Pickleball in Canada
Most major Canadian cities now have dedicated indoor and outdoor pickleball facilities. Community centres, recreation complexes, and tennis clubs across Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec have all added pickleball courts in the last few years. Pickleball Canada maintains a national club directory at pickleballcanada.org where you can find open play sessions near you.
In Ottawa specifically, there are multiple dedicated indoor facilities running drop-in sessions year-round - check out our guide to where to play pickleball in Ottawa this winter.
How to Improve Faster
- Play drop-in / open play before joining a league. You'll face different playing styles which accelerates improvement faster than playing with the same people every week.
- Focus on your third shot drop first. It's the most important shot in pickleball for advancing from beginner to intermediate, and most beginners skip it entirely.
- Upgrade your paddle when you're ready. Your first paddle doesn't need to be expensive, but moving to an intermediate paddle at the 6-12 month mark makes a real difference as your technique develops.
- Watch pro matches on YouTube - APP and MLP streams are free and watching elite players teaches you positioning and shot selection faster than any drill.
Questions about getting started? Our team at Performance Pickleball plays the game and can help you find the right gear for your skill level and budget. Get in touch - we'd love to help you get on the court.