Why is pickleball so popular?
I recently played pickleball for the first time. I’ve been hearing about this game a lot in the past five years or more, and pickleball courts are popping up everywhere. Still, I am not particularly athletic…at least when it comes to sports that require hand-eye coordination…so I didn’t pay much attention to all the hubbub around pickleball.
My husband had expressed interest a couple of years ago, so I bought the basic equipment for his birthday gift. I told him I was willing to try it out, but was too self-conscious to go anywhere that uses the open-play style, where I may have to display my lack of talent in front of strangers. Life got busy, and we never pursued it.
Then recently a park near us put in four outdoor courts, and our next-door neighbors started playing there. The courts aren’t too busy yet, especially with the heat we’ve been experiencing, so when they invited us to join them, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
We’ve played a couple of times now, and guess what…I liked it! I’m not good at it, but I’m not as terrible as I thought I would be, and I enjoy playing.
That got me thinking, what is different about pickleball from other sports and why is it so popular?
Why is pickleball so popular?
- It’s a gentle learning curve. The courts are smaller than tennis, and you don’t have to run as much. The balls are large and light, so easier to hit, and the underhand serve is not difficult to master. That’s not to say there is no learning curve, but if I can do it, you can too.
- It’s a game for all ages. Children enjoy it, young adults enjoy it, and seniors do too. This is a game the whole family can get into. It’s low impact and relatively easy on the joints.
- It’s accessible. Courts are going in everywhere…indoors and out. Many, like the one in my neighborhood, are free to use. The basic equipment is inexpensive. All you really need is the paddle and balls. Of course, you will want comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move in.
- It’s a social game. Because the courts are smaller and the pace a little slower than most other sports, you can socialize with the people with whom you are playing. Also, many courts use an open-play style where teams (or individuals) switch off with each other, and you can get to know other people who enjoy the game. That said, for an introvert just learning, like me, that is not a selling point. I prefer the small courts where I can play with the people with whom I am already comfortable.
- It’s good for your health. While pickleball isn’t necessarily a strenuous workout, it is physical activity in a way that is enjoyable without a high risk of injury.
Your turn
- Do you play pickleball? If so, what is it you like about the game?
- Do you enjoy playing team sports in general? Which ones?
- Do you like pickles?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Feature image: https://pixabay.com/users/nils9three-10462208
I have never played pickle ball. I don’t feel confident in sports – at all. 😆 And like you, I’m too self conscious to be watched by others. I do know a lot of people that love it and one of my friends plays several times a week. It can be expensive if you take it very seriously. I almost bought her a cute paddle for her birthday, and was glad I didn’t when I found out she had a very expensive one that she always plays with.
I was surprised to see how much you could spend on paddles, Cindy, but when you’re just playing for fun, you can find inexpensive ones for sure. Next time you visit, weather permitting, we’ll hit a couple of balls. I promise I am no more confident with sports than you are!
I’m in with you! 😃
❤️❤️❤️
I’ve seen pickleball online over the last few years and it seems hugely popular. It’s made small inroads into Australia – but no small courts to have a go like you found near you. I think it sounds like a great alternative to tennis and I’m a little envious of you!
Pickleball is much easier than tennis from what I understand, Leanne. I’ve never played tennis, so I can’t say for sure. I’ll be curious to see if pickleball picks up in Australia over time. From what I read, the game dates back to the 1960s, but took off in the last decade in the USA.
We watched some people play on our cruise but I never felt the need to try it myself. I don’t even like ping pong (which we have set up in our basement) as I have zero hand/eye coordination.
I can relate to the lack of hand/eye coordination, Joanne. That’s why I was so surprised that I liked pickleball. I still miss plenty of shots, but I hit some too!
I don’t play, but my best friend’s husband has played it for years. He’s very good. I would love to play it, but I wonder how my Frankenfoot would handle it. I can’t run very well at all. But, it sounds like a sport that would accommodate it. Thanks, Christie, for the information on it!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yes, Marsha, one of the people we play with has had a hip replacement, and my husband has had a knee replacement! We just don’t do a lot of running or sudden sideways movements. We certainly aren’t going to win any competitions, but we have fun.
Not great for the elderly, there’s been an increase in pickleball related broken hips lately.
That is a good reminder that you need to be aware of your body’s capabilities. If you are a fall risk or have brittle bones, pickleball may not be the game for you. I would say, like all new physical activities, talk to your doctor first if you have any concerns. On the plus side, there are numerous benefits to being physically active in a way that you enjoy, and of course, the social aspects of a game like this are huge.
Until someone I know mentioned playing it about a year ago, I had never heard of it. It hasn’t been around here for that long and it still seems to be a rather small community.
It is a fun game, Cat. If you get a chance, give it a try!
I had just started playing when Covid struck. Took about 3-4 lessons and PC and I played together a few times. Then nothing. The pickleball courts closed. Haven’t played since. Now there are pickleball courts going in around El Paso but none on the northeast side of town where we live. I am so glad you gave the sport a try and found it easier to play than you imagined. I felt the same way. Hadn’t thought about the social aspect but you are right, with the smaller courts, we were able to ‘visit’ more. I made a couple of friends during my lessons but we lost touch when we stopped playing together. Maybe I need to find some place where we can play again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Leslie at https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafteragain.blogspot.com/
So many things came to a stop during COVID, Leslie. Hopefully, you can find a court that’s convenient to you…if you liked it enough to pursue a new hobby. I know you have a lot going already!