Have you heard that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America? The rising popularity has left many people wondering what they’re missing. Isn’t it just another sport involving a ball, net, and paddle? What’s so fun or unique about this sport compared to tennis, ping pong, or badminton?
If there is any doubt in your mind, take a drive by the tennis courts in our local park. Chances are very good that many of them will have been re-purposed for Pickleball.
About Pickleball
In some ways, there’s nothing unique about pickleball as the sport combines all the elements of the game listed above. It includes features of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. The paddle is slightly different, the ball has holes in it, and the net is a bit lower.
What makes pickleball so great for people (particularly families) is that it’s an awesome introductory sport. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, which means that you can play a match between grandparents and grandkids. However, if you’re young, fit, and experienced, you can also up the stakes and make it much faster-paced or competitive game.
Top 7 Reasons Pickleball is Popular
1. It’s ideal for all skill levels
Have you ever had someone try to explain a game or sport to you and you simply could not understand the rules? No matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it.
Games with complex rules often aren’t fun for people. There’s a high barrier to entry, and this makes people give up before they can truly enjoy the time they’re spending on the activity. Pickleball has a simple set of rules and nearly anyone can learn how to play the game. Additionally, because the rules are so similar to ping-pong, there’s a decent likelihood that you may already have some concept of how to play.
2. It’s a social activity
Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, the game allows conversation. If you’re looking for a casual, social activity that allows you to catch up with your family members or friends after a long week, then this is a great activity to try out. Likewise, if you’re new to an area or looking to expand your social circles, you may consider pickleball. It’s an ideal way to meet someone who enjoys playing the same sport! Roughly 60 percent of pickleball players say they play for social reasons.
3. It’s great exercise
Pickleball is amazing exercise for both your mind and body. It helps you work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without straining your body. If you used to play tennis but now have physical limitations (i.e., hip, shoulder, knee, or joint problems), pickleball can serve as an alternative.
4. It’s perfect for parks and recreation departments
Due to its fast growth, park and recreation departments are starting to respond to the demand for pickleball facilities. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, which makes it easy to accommodate in public parks and facilities.
Many areas are repurposing old tennis courts for pickleball games. If you have a tennis court available, consider transforming it this summer with a pickleball pole so a net can be easily installed. You can also install tri-sport recreational poles to convert the court between badminton, mini-volleyball, and pickleball depending on your needs.
5. It’s casual or competitive
Are you looking for a sport that could be fun or competitive? Not everyone wants to feel that adrenaline-filled rush every time they step onto a field or court. Sometimes they just want to play a game for the exercise or social aspect and then go out to brunch with their friends afterward. Pickleball can easily fill this desire.
Likewise, if you’re dying to have a sport that can push you to improve your performance or satisfy your need to win, it can absolutely provide that as well. Some players crave that competitive thrill and step on the court hoping to win!
6. It’s an all-ages sport
If you’ve been searching for a sport you can play with your children or aging parents, this is it. It was specifically designed for the whole family to be able to play. If each player is strong enough to swing a paddle, they can play pickleball.
7. It’s affordable
If you’re looking for a new hobby, this is fairly inexpensive. You can purchase a paddle for less than $30 and a six-pack of balls for less than $10. While you’ll want to get quality shoes eventually, they’re not a necessity until you know you’ll stick with the sport.
After that, you can play on public pickleball courts in your area. You may also check into pickleball leagues in your area depending on the membership fee that they impose.
Final Thoughts
Are you interested in getting started with pickleball? Read Pickleball for Beginners: What You Need to Know.
