Pickleball is a fantastic new sport, and you might have seen people of different ages playing pickleball, but who exactly plays pickleball?
If you’ve been outside in the last few years, you may have seen people playing a strange new game that looks like a tennis-badminton hybrid. It’s called pickleball, and it’s gaining in popularity. But who plays this sport, and what makes it so engaging?
Pickleball is a relatively easy-to-learn sport, so it is not limited to a certain age group. Children from six years to senior citizens to over 70 years can enjoy the sport. It is also easy on the body due to a smaller court and lighter equipment, so people of all ages can enjoy playing pickleball.
Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport that is enjoyed by many. The game can be played as singles or doubles and is typically played on a badminton-sized court with a low net. The rules are simple, and players of all ages and abilities can enjoy the game. If you’re looking for a new way to get active, give pickleball a try.
As pickleball enthusiasts, we have put together this guide to discuss who plays pickleball and why it is popular in all age groups.
So, Who Plays Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It is a great way to get some exercise, and it can also be a lot of fun. Pickleball is played on a court similar to a tennis court, but it is smaller. The nets are lower than those used in tennis. The game is played with paddles, and the ball is similar to a whiffle ball.
Pickleball is a great game for people of all ages because it is not too strenuous, but it still provides a good workout. It is also relatively easy to learn how to play. Even if you have never played tennis or pickleball before, you should be able to pick up the basics of the game fairly quickly.
One of the best things about pickleball is that it can be played indoors or outdoors. This means that you can play it year-round, no matter the weather. Pickleball is also a very social game, so it is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Due to pickleball being an extremely accessible sport, it has grown tremendously over the years. According to the USA Pickleball Association, the game of pickleball has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2013, there were an estimated 2.8 million players nationwide. By 2017, that number had tumbled to over 3.5 million. And by 2019, it is estimated that there are now over 4.8 million pickleball players in the United States alone!
Pickleball is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a fun, challenging, and social sport. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, you will have a great time playing pickleball.
Reasons for Pickleball Being So Popular
Pickleball is Easy to Learn
Pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to see why - the game is played on a badminton-sized court with net-like tennis, but the players use paddles and hit a perforated plastic ball instead of a tennis ball. Pickleball is easy to learn because it uses basic rules from these familiar sports. Plus, the game can be played doubles or singles, so you can choose whichever format you’re more comfortable with. In addition, pickleball is less physically demanding than other racquet sports, so it’s perfect for all ages and abilities.
Pickleball is a great option, whether you’re looking for a new challenge or just want to have some fun with friends.
Pickleball is a Social Activity
Pickleball is a social activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It is a great way to meet new people and get some exercise while having fun. Pickleball is a relatively new sport, but it quickly gains popularity due to its simple rules and easy-to-learn gameplay. The game can be played with either two or four players, making it perfect for both small and large groups. Pickleball is also a great way to stay active during the colder months when other outdoor activities are impossible.
Moreover, pickleball is highly social because many players are looking for new friends to play with. People of all skill levels always look for game partners, so it is easy to find someone to play with. The social aspect of pickleball is one of the main reasons many people enjoy the sport so much.
Pickleball is a great option, whether you are looking for a new sport to try or just want to meet some new friends. So get out there and give it a try!
Pickleball Courts Don’t Require Much Space
Pickleball is one of the most popular sports globally, and part of the reason for its popularity is that it requires very little space. A pickleball court is just 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, which means it can be set up almost anywhere. This makes it ideal for people who live in small apartments or houses and those who want to play in their backyard or on a tennis court.
The smaller size of the pickleball court is easier for people of all ages and skill levels to play, and it also makes the game more fast-paced and exciting. Pickleball is a great way to stay active and have fun, and the small court size is one of the reasons it is so popular.
Pickleball Is Affordable
There are many reasons why pickleball has become so popular in recent years. One of the main reasons is that it is an affordable sport. You don’t need expensive equipment or a membership to a fancy club to play. All you need is a paddle and a ball, and you can play on any flat surface.
Pickleball paddles are made of different materials, including wood, composite, and aluminum. They range in price from around $20 to $200. The type of paddle you choose should be based on your skill level and playing style.
A wooden paddle is a good option if you’re just starting out. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Composite paddles are more expensive but offer more power and control. On the other hand, aluminum paddles are the most expensive but offer the best performance.
The size and weight of the paddle also play a role in how it performs. A heavier paddle will provide more power, while a lighter paddle will offer more control. Choose a size that feels comfortable in your hand and is the right weight for your playing style.
Playing Pickleball is Healthy
Another big reason pickleball is so popular is that it’s a very healthy activity. Here are some of the ways that playing pickleball can benefit your health.
Pickleball is a great cardio workout. The game is played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court, so you’re constantly moving around, and your heart rate stays up. A study published in the Journal of Applied Research found that pickleball can help improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Playing pickleball can also help improve your balance and coordination. Because the game is played on a smaller court, you have to readjust your position and make quick movements constantly. This helps improve your proprioception (your body’s sense of where it is in space) and helps prevent falls in older adults.
So if you’re looking for a fun and healthy activity, pickleball may be just what you’re looking for.
Pickleball Does not Require High Physical Fitness
Pickleball is a relatively low-impact sport, making it popular among people of all ages and physical abilities.
One of the reasons pickleball is so popular is because it does not require high physical fitness. The game can be played at any pace, and there are no jumps or special moves required. This makes pickleball accessible to people of all fitness levels. In addition, pickleball is a low-impact sport, so it is easy on the joints.
Pickleball gets your heart rate up and helps you burn calories, but it’s not as high-impact as other sports like tennis or basketball. This makes it a great option for people looking to get in shape but may not be able to handle the physical demands of other sports.
Pickleball Has Unique Rules
another big reason is that pickleball has unique rules that many people find interesting.
For example, one of the unique aspects of pickleball is the “no volleying zone”. This means that players cannot hit the ball more than once before it goes over the net. This rule encourages players to keep rallies going, making the game more fun and exciting.
Another interesting pickleball rule is that players can only score points when serving. This adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must decide when to go for aces and when to play it safe.
Finally, pickleball is one of the only sports where “dinking” is allowed. Dinking is a soft shot that goes just over the net and is used to keep rallies going. This rule makes pickleball even more fun and exciting, as players can extend rallies for a long time.
All these unique rules make pickleball an enjoyable and interesting sport to play. If you have never played before, we highly encourage you to give it a try!
Pickleball Court Maintenance is Cheaper
One of the reasons it is so popular is that it is relatively cheap to maintain a pickleball court. Pickleball court maintenance costs are much lower than other sports, such as tennis or basketball. This makes the sport more accessible to people who might not be able to afford to play other sports.
Pickleball Can be Played Indoors and Outdoors
Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors on any flat surface, making it versatile and suitable for all weather conditions. Whether it is too hot or cold, raining or snowing, you won’t be disappointed. You can always move indoors where the temperature is controlled to enjoy the game despite the weather conditions.
However, courts are typically made of concrete, asphalt, or other hard materials. Indoor courts are typically smaller than outdoor courts, allowing faster-paced games. Outdoor pickleball courts are often larger and have more room for players to move around. Many parks and recreation centers have public pickleball courts that can be used for free or for a small fee.
About THE AUTHOR
Michael Stevens
Since initially playing at the collegiate level, I have amassed several decades of experience playing racquetball, tennis, and pickleball. I have played thousands of matches and games, and won medals and awards in multiple tourantments. I am constantly improving my game and enjoy mentoring and coaching other players in strategy and technique. I have authored dozens of articles on the sport.
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