PaddleSmash is the paddle game that’s taking over backyards

It’s the latest outdoor game people are setting up in backyards, at beaches, and even on camping trips.

Imagine if pickleball and Spikeball had a baby: the paddles, rallies, and satisfying “smack” of one mixed with the compact teamwork and bounce of the other.

I’ve had a set here for testing, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a fast favorite. It’s portable, simple to set up, and keeps everyone laughing (and slightly competitive) for hours.

From one dad’s garage to Shark Tank

PaddleSmash started in a Utah backyard with Joe Bingham, a structural engineer and dad of seven who loved pickleball but hated the logistics of driving twenty minutes to find an open court.

His kids also loved the intensity of Spikeball, so he began experimenting with a way to mix both; something fun, fast, and playable right on the grass.

After months of tinkering with plastic sheets and makeshift nets, he landed on the concept: a small hexagonal court split by a low net where players bump, set, and smash a ball using paddles.

Neighbors joined in, word spread, and soon Bingham realized he had something special but not the manufacturing know-how to take it further.

That’s when Tim Swindle (of Utter Nonsense fame) and Scott Brown (founder of Marbles: The Brain Store) entered the story. Both had deep experience in the toy and game world and instantly saw the potential.

Together they raised $500,000 from private investors, refined the design with industrial engineers, and turned it into a foldable, lightweight set that could go anywhere.

The Shark Tank bump

When Swindle and Brown appeared on Shark Tank (Season 15, Episode 4), they pitched PaddleSmash as “pickleball meets Spikeball,” asking for $250,000 for 10 % equity.

The Sharks were intrigued, especially Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec, both owners of pro pickleball teams. They offered a joint deal of $250,000 for 20%.

Even though the deal never officially closed, the exposure sent sales soaring: $300,000 in the first week and nearly $2 million in revenue by year’s end.

That momentum turned a backyard prototype into a national brand now sold for $200 at the PaddleSmash store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Scheels, and Academy Sports + Outdoors.

What’s inside the box

The full set costs $200 at paddlesmash.com, and can be setup within 1-2 minutes.

Here’s what’s in the box:

• Court base: Foldable hexagonal mat (approx 3×3 ft) that doubles as the carrying case
• Net system: 6 adjustable poles and low-profile net that sits across the middle
• Paddles: 4 wooden paddles
• Balls: 2 hybrid pickleballs

Everything fits neatly into the court mat itself, which has nice carry handles on it, so you can throw it in the car alongside your running gear or beach chairs.

How to play

The PaddleSmash game is designed for 2 vs 2, though it can be played solo, 1 vs 1, or in rotating groups.

• Serve: The youngest player serves first by hitting the ball into their own court so it bounces up and over the net.
• Rally: The opposing team gets 2–3 hits (both teammates must touch the ball) to return it. Think bump-set-smash like volleyball, but all hits must bounce on your court first before crossing the net.
• Scoring: Rally scoring to 11 points; win by 2.
• Faults: Missing the net, sending it out of bounds, or failing to complete at least two hits.

Games typically last 20–40 minutes, and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up. Within minutes, everyone’s hooked.

Why it’s catching on

For the same reason pickleball exploded, it’s accessible. You don’t need a big court, fancy shoes, or hours of rules to learn.

PaddleSmash compresses the fun into a small footprint, where quick reflexes and teamwork matter most.

It’s a perfect match for people who love to move but also like low-pressure, high-laugh energy. Set it up at a family BBQ, the beach, a park, or your backyard, and you’ve got instant entertainment for teens, adults, and anyone with decent hand-eye coordination.

My early take

Even without a full four-player crew, I can say the build quality feels solid, and the foldable court is very clever.

The setup genuinely takes under two minutes, and it’s satisfying to hit the ball and watch it pop up predictably, the design just works.

It’s clear that Bingham, Swindle, and Brown hit on something here: a sweet-spot mix of movement, teamwork, and simplicity that turns downtime into active play.

Where to find it

Available now at paddlesmash.com and major sporting retailers, PaddleSmash retails for around $199, which I think is good value for money considering the years of fun you’ll get out of it.

If you’re already into pickleball, volleyball, or just like having a reason to move after a long run, this one’s worth a look.