Pickleball has taken the world by storm, with millions of people playing all over the globe; it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The growing popularity of pickleball is due to its easy-to-learn nature and broad appeal to players of all ages and fitness levels. The sport is similar to tennis, played with a paddle (racket of pickleball) net, and ball. It checks all the right boxes for a fun, competitive, and social game.
Let’s take a closer look at pickleball to understand its growing popularity.
1. What is Pickleball? An Overview
Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends the elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis but it features specific rules, smaller court dimensions, and unique equipment.
It can be played both indoors and outdoors with two or four players using solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net.
Pickleball rules are simple, making the game easy for beginners to pick up. With practice, pickleball can evolve into a fast-paced, competitive sport.
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2. History of Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. But how was it invented, and where did it originate?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard as a children’s backyard game in the United States.
The game was created by Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, a short ferry ride from Seattle. In 1965, upon returning from golf, Pritchard and Bell found their kids bored. They attempted to play badminton on an old court but couldn’t find proper equipment. This led them to improvise, using a table tennis paddle and a perforated plastic ball. They started playing with a badminton net, volleying the ball back and forth over it.
This is where pickleball came from and was introduced to the world.
3. How Did Pickleball Get Its Name?
The term ‘pickleball’ often brings an instant laugh, as no actual pickle is involved. However, the origin of the name is debated, with two separate accounts.
In the first account, Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, started calling the sport “pickleball” because its blend of various sports reminded her of a “pickle boat crew,” where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Another account suggests the game was named after Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickles.
However, some argue that Pickles was named after the game, as he didn’t join the Pritchard family until a few years after pickleball was invented.
4. Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball has become a rage all across the globe. It is renowned for its easy-to-learn nature, suitability for all ages and skill levels, and inherent inclusivity. Over the years, pickleball has gained significant popularity across all age groups. Here are some reasons for its widespread appeal:
Suitable for All Skill Levels
Pickleball rules are similar to tennis and easy to learn for everyone. So, whether you are a beginner looking to try a new sport or a seasonal professional seeking a competitive sport, pickleball is the game for you.
Social Interaction and Community
The court size pickleball is smaller than tennis court, which allows players to interact with each other and enjoy a competitive and fun game. It is a great leisure activity to take a break from routine activities. Pickleball is an ultimate social sport that brings communities together, so whether you bond with family and friends or break a sweat, it offers endless ways to engage with others and foster social connections.
Health Benefits of Pickleball
Pickleball helps maintain an active lifestyle by improving agility and cardiovascular health. It’s a complete package, whether you are looking for fun exercise for your body or mind. Playing pickleball involves constant movement—forward, backward, and lateral agility—as well as hand-eye coordination. These movements improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness..
Pickleball’s low-impact nature also makes it a excellent sport for older adults or recovering individuals with limited mobility.
Increasing Pickleball Courts
Another reason for pickleball’s global popularity is the increasing number of courts. Today in India, pickleball courts are easily accessible, with nearly 1,000 courts and over 50,000+ players. The number of pickleball courts around the worldwide is multiplying every day, underlying the sport’s rapid accessibility, even at the grassroots levels and, demonstrating its popularity.
5. What is the Main Difference Between Pickleball and Padel?
Pickleball and Padel are popular racket sports similar to tennis in terms of gameplay and equipment. Both have gained immense popularity recently. While both offer great workouts and are fun to play, several key differences set them apart.
- Court Dimensions: The standard padel court size is 20 meters or (65.6 ft in length) and 10 meters or (32.8 ft in width). A standard pickleball court size is 20ft or (6.10m wide) and 44 ft or (13.41m in length).
- Court Layout: Pickleball courts are slightly shorter than Padel courts. They feature a ‘non-volley zone’ that extends 7 feet from both sides of the centre. Padel courts, on the other hand, include a ‘backcourt’ comprising the last 3 feet of the court’s length, near the baseline and service line.
- Racket: In pickleball, paddles should be 17 inches in height. Padel rackets, however, should be 17.5 inches in height.
- Ball: The main difference in balls is that pickleball uses perforated balls, which allow for better control and movement. In contrast, Padel uses rubber balls with lower pressure than standard tennis balls .
- Scoring System: In pickleball, only the serving team can score points, and the game is played until a team reaches a score of 11, requiring a two-point lead to win. In Padel tennis, both teams have the opportunity to score points during a round.
6. What is the Main Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?
Pickleball and tennis are quite similar in terms of courts and equipment, but just like names, these sports have several differences that make them unique. Let us understand the differences in these racquet sports, shedding light on why pickleball has become so popular.
Pickleball Court Size vs. Tennis Court Size:
Pickleball courts are relatively smaller than tennis courts, measuring 20’x44′ for both singles and doubles. In contrast, tennis courts measure 78’ in length and 27’ in width for singles, and 36’ in width for doubles.
Pickleball Net Height vs. Tennis Net Height:
The pickleball net dimensions are 36″ at the edges & 34″ in the middle of the court, while the tennis net is 3 feet high at the center.
Pickleball Equipment vs. Tennis Equipment:
Paddle/Racket: The paddle used in pickleball is solid and features a flat striking surface. In contrast, tennis rackets are larger and made of strong woven surfaces from synthetic or natural materials.
Ball: Pickleballs are perforated with a diameter between 2 ⅞ inches to 3 inches, weighing between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces. Tennis balls have a fibrous felt cover, weighing between 1.975 and 2.095 ounces
7. What Paddle Do You Use for Pickleball?
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, you must use the right pickleball racket or paddle. Here is a quick guide on choosing a perfect pickleball paddle:
- Shape: Many pickleball players use a traditional paddle with a width ranging from 7.0 to 8.25 inches. However, if you want to increase your reach, choose an elongated pickleball paddle.
- Weight: Another important consideration is the weight of the paddle. A heavier paddle provides greater power, while a lighter paddle offers better accuracy, control, and grip. If you are a beginner, choose a medium-weight paddle that offers a perfect balance between accuracy and power.
- Face Material: Paddles are made of different materials like graphite, wood & fibreglass. Graphite is quite popular for its excellent precision; it is lightweight and can reduce strain during gameplay. Wood-faced pickleball paddles are ideal for beginners as they are budget-friendly and durable.
Become a part of the rage of pickleball in India and know what the hype is all about. So what are you waiting for?
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