With a simple yet captivating appearance, this sport has won over both the elite and those who enjoy challenging themselves in a fresh environment.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, attracting 4.8 million players and experiencing an impressive growth rate of 39.3% in just two years, from 2022 to 2023.
The flexibility of the game, along with the ability to play in various locations from backyards to parking lots, has helped it draw a large number of new participants, even as the player base has doubled over the past five years.
Pickleball was created in 1965.
The Sport that Rose to Fame During the Pandemic
Originating from Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, in 1965, pickleball has evolved from a rainy-day pastime into a globally popular sport.
The origin of the name “pickleball” has two theories: one suggests it was inspired by the “pickle boat” crew, as the wife of one of the game’s creators associated it with that, while the other theory claims it was named after the family dog, Pickles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought ways to stay healthy and engage in safe sports at home, pickleball became extremely popular in the U.S.
According to player Parris Todd, a former professional tennis player who transitioned to pickleball during the pandemic and has no regrets: “This game is social, incredibly fun, and easy for the whole family to play—everyone from young children to grandparents. Additionally, the health benefits go beyond just exercise; it brings joy as well.”
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton.
Simple Gameplay and Rules
Pickleball is a hybrid sport that incorporates elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, played with a smaller paddle than a tennis racket but larger than a table tennis paddle. The sport is played on a smaller court, with simple rules that are easy to learn and play for beginners:
How to Play:
- Each pickleball match can be played as singles or doubles on a court measuring 6.1 x 13.4 meters, divided in half by a net that is 91 cm high at the ends and 86 cm high in the center. The pickleball court is the size of a quarter of a standard tennis court.
- The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net in a way that the opponent cannot return it.
- The serve must be made diagonally and must bounce once before being returned; after that, the ball can be hit volley (without touching the ground). There is a non-volley zone in the center of the court that prohibits hitting the ball in the air.
- Two teams (singles or doubles) will hit the ball back and forth without it touching the sidelines and going out of bounds until one team wins.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people played this sport, and it gradually gained popularity.
Rules of Play:
- Scores can only be counted for the serving team; if the serving team does not score, the serve switches to the opposing team.
- During the serve, players must keep both feet behind the baseline and must hit the ball from waist height or above.
- A pickleball match is typically played to 11 points and must be won by a margin of 2 points. If the score is tied at 10-10, the teams will continue playing until one team wins by a 2-point margin.
Lightweight Paddle and Ball, Anyone Can Play
Pickleball is a racket sport, requiring only two pieces of equipment: a pickleball paddle and a ball. Both the paddle and the ball are lightweight, making it suitable for everyone from children to seniors.
Paddle and ball specialized for the sport of Pickleball.
Pickleball Paddle:
The pickleball paddle is specially designed to provide balance and control when hitting the ball. The weight of the paddle typically ranges from 200 to 250 grams. Pickleball paddles come in various materials like graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and wood, each suited for different playing styles:
- Graphite is lightweight and offers a uniform feel, while carbon fiber is stiffer and more durable, ideal for control and spin.
- Fiberglass is popular for its high durability, suitable for powerful shots.
- Hybrid paddles combine multiple materials, balancing power and control.
- Wooden paddles are the most traditional but are less commonly used today due to their heavier weight.
Pickleball Ball:
The pickleball has a diameter of about 73 mm and weighs between 22 to 26.5 grams. Pickleball balls are made to suit both indoor and outdoor playing conditions.
- Indoor balls have fewer holes and are generally softer than outdoor balls.
- Outdoor balls are designed to withstand wind and weather, with more holes and are firmer.
Health Benefits and Precautions While Playing
Playing pickleball offers numerous mental and physical health benefits. Beyond being a fun game, playing pickleball has been shown to reduce levels of depression, improve concentration and cognition, as well as enhance agility and overall body coordination. Additionally, it helps to build muscle strength and improve core function, providing cardiovascular benefits due to its moderate but continuous intensity throughout the game.
Playing pickleball provides many mental and physical health benefits.
However, like any physical activity, playing pickleball does come with risks. Common injuries include falls, strains, sprains, and tendonitis, often occurring when players backpedal to try to catch high balls. To minimize these risks, players should turn and run backwards on the court instead of simply stepping back.
Simple measures like thorough warm-ups, wearing appropriate clothing, and supportive athletic shoes can help prevent injuries. If injuries do occur while playing, it is advisable to seek medical advice for proper treatment and to return to the court only after complete recovery.
