Pickleball; a sport that many may be unfamiliar with, but a sport that is gaining exponential popularity alongside other up-and-coming racket sports like padel tennis. With its somewhat obscure name and exciting blend of elements from tennis, badminton and ping pong (otherwise known as table tennis), it is clear to see why pickleball has begun gaining traction in the world of sports. Having once been considered a niche pastime, pickleball has now become one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Still, the questions remain: What exactly is pickleball, and why is it becoming so popular? Within this blog post, we will delve into the rise of pickleball, the history behind the game, the reasons for its popularity, and most importantly, explore some of the essential equipment you will need to get involved!
A Brief History of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented by three American fathers and good friends – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. During the summer, the dads were looking for a way to entertain their families and keep them occupied. So, using a badminton court, ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they created a makeshift game which would go on to be known as ‘pickleball’. The beauty of it was, as it was relatively easy to learn, the game appealed to all ages of the families (especially the children), which led to endless fun all summer long. The unconventional name of ‘pickleball’ came about after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, loved to chase the ball around while the family played, hence, the name stuck.
Why Pickleball is Becoming So Popular
Along with the reasons listed above, we have pinpointed 5 key reasons for the sport’s explosive growth
1. Accessibility and Ease of Play:
Pickleball is incredibly accessible. The rules are simple, making it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. Unlike other racket sports such as tennis, which requires significant physical exertion and technical skill, pickleball is played on a smaller court with lighter paddles and slower balls, making it easier for beginners to pick up and enjoy.
2. Social Nature
Arguably the biggest draw of pickleball is the social aspect of the game. Games are often played in doubles and/or tournament style, bringing people together and creating a sense of community. Across the UK, many pickleball clubs and communities are popping up, offering players regular opportunities for friendly competition and social play.
3. Versatility
Due to the nature of the game, pickleball can be played almost anywhere. Whether it be dedicated pickleball courts or makeshift tennis courts, indoors or outdoors, the game can be enjoyed all year round, regardless of weather conditions or location.
4. Health Benefits
Pickleball obviously facilitates numerous health benefits. It provides lengthy cardiovascular workouts, improves balance, explosive speed and coordination, and enhances agility. In addition, as the game requires less intense impact on the joints compared to sports like tennis or running, it’s an ideal option for older adults looking to stay in shape.
5. Competitive and Recreational Play
Whether you’re looking for a social game with friends or to test your competitive ability, pickleball caters to all. The sport has a well-organised competitive structure throughout the UK, with numerous local, national and international tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. On the other hand, there is plenty of clubs open welcoming casual players just looking to have fun and stay active.
Essential Pickleball Equipment
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, the basic equipment you’ll need remains the same. Here’s a rundown of the must-haves:
3. Pickleball Court
A standard pickleball court measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a net height of 36 inches at the side and 34 inches in the middle. Towards the front of the court, on both sides, there is a non-volley zone of 7 feet, often known as “the kitchen”. The purpose of this is to prevent players from smashing the ball close to the net, because where is the fun in that! Many parks and leisure centres now have dedicated pickleball courts, so finding one near you shouldn’t be too difficult.
4. Comfortable Attire and Accessories
Wearing clothes you feel comfortable in, that are also lightweight, is one of the most essential things when it comes to enjoying the game. Not only will this help improve your confidence and relaxation, but this will also then transcend into your game and improve performance. In addition, purchasing accessories such as sweatbands, headbands, and grip tapes can help remove any unwanted distractions so that you can focus on your game.
If you are a beginner looking to get into the sport, or even a regular player possibly looking to get the family involved, at Luxbren we offer the perfect pickleball equipment set aimed at making providing you a comfortable and stress-free transition into the game. Our pickleball set includes 2 pickleball paddles, 4 pickleball balls and a carry bag which fits all the gear in! These come in various colours and designs, so click here and get yours today!
The Future of Pickleball
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, the future of the sport really does look exciting. New and existing facilities are constantly popping up with dedicated pickleball courts, making it more accessible than ever. It is clear to see, that with the inclusive nature of the game combined with its health benefits and social aspects, pickleball will remain a beloved pastime but also become a well-recognised sport worldwide.
The competitive scene is also expanding, with professional tournaments attracting top athletes and increasing media coverage. Not only does this visibility introduce the sport to new audiences, but it will also expire people to get into the game for generations to come. So, could this be the sport for you?
