Pickleball has taken the world by storm, with millions of people playing all over the globe; it is one of the fastest-growing sport in the world. The growing popularity of pickleball is due to its easy-to-learn nature and appeal to players of all ages and fitness levels. The sport is similar to tennis, played with a racket (paddle) net, and ball, and checks all the right boxes for a fun, competitive, and social game.
Let’s take a closer look at pickleball to gain insights into its growing popularity.
What is Pickleball? : An Overview
Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends the elements of tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis but has specific rules, smaller court dimensions, and equipment.
It can be played indoors as well as outdoors with two or four players using solid paddles (pickleball rackets) to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net.
Pickleball rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners. With practice, pickleball can be developed into a fast-paced, competitive play.
Where to play pickleball in India ?
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History of Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. But how was pickleball invented, and where does it come from?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard as a children’s backyard game in the United States.
The game was created on a short ferry from Seattle on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell. In 1965, when Pritchard and Bell returned from golf, they found that their kids were bored. They sought to play badminton at the old court but could not find proper equipment. This is when improvised and played with a table tennis paddle and perforated plastic ball. They started playing with a badminton net and volleyed the ball & forth over the net.
This is where pickleball came from and was introduced to the world.
How Did Pickleball Get Its Name?
The term ‘pickleball’ brings an instant laugh, as there is no pickle involved. However, there is a debate on how pickleball is named, as there are two separate accounts.
In the first account, Joan Pritchard’s wife, Joel Pritchard, started calling the sport pickleball because a blend of various sports reminded her of the pickle boat crew, where the oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Another account suggests that 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.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball has become a rage all across the globe. It has been renowned for its easy-to-learn nature, suitable for all ages & skill levels, and inclusivity. Over the years, pickleball has gained popularity amongst players of all age groups. Here are some reasons for pickleball’s popularity:
It is Suitable for All Skill Levels
The pickleball rules are similar to tennis and easy to learn for everyone. So whether you are a beginner looking to play a new sport or a seasonal professional who wants to enjoy a competitive sport, pickleball is the game for you.
Social Interaction with Community
The court size pickleball is smaller than that of a 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 to 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, backwards, and lateral agility, hand-eye coordination, and movements to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Pickleball’s low-impact nature makes it a great sport for aged or recovering individuals with limited mobility.
Increasing Pickleball Courts
Another reason for the popularity of pickleball around the world is the increasing number of pickleball courts. Today in India, one can easily find pickleball courts, as there are nearly 1000 pickleball courts with over 50000 players. The number of pickleball courts around the globe is multiplying every day, underlying the rapid sport’s accessibility even at the grassroots levels, demonstrating its popularity.
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:
The pickleball courts are relatively smaller than tennis courts. They are 20’x44′ for singles and doubles. While tennis courts measure 7’8 length & 27′ in width for singles and 36’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 height of the tennis court is 3 feet at the center.
Pickleball Equipment Vs Tennis Equipment:
Racket: The racket used in tennis is different from pickleball. The pickleball racket is solid and features a flat, striking surface. The racket used for tennis is larger and is made of strong woven surfaces made from synthetic or natural material.
Ball: Pickleballs are perforated with a diameter between 2 ⅞ inches to 3 inches, weighing between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces, while the tennis ball has a fibrous belt, weighing 1.975 and 2.095 ounces.
What is the Main Difference Between Pickleball and Padle?
Pickleball and Padle tennis are popular racket sports similar to tennis in terms of gameplay and equipment. Both these sports have gained immense popularity in recent times. They are great workouts and fun to play, but some differences set them apart.
- Court Dimensions: The standard size of the paddle tennis is 50 feet in length & 20 feet in width. The standard court size pickleball can have the same width but is 6 feet shorter in length.
- Court Layout: Pickleball courts are slightly shorter than paddle tennis courts. They feature a ‘non-volley zone’ that extends 7 feet from both sides of the centre. Paddle features a ‘backcourt’ comprising the last 3 feet of the court’s length, near the baseline & service line.
- Racket: In pickleball, the rackets should be 17 inches in height, and the paddle tennis height should be 17.5 inches.
Ball: The difference between pickleball and paddle ball is that pickleball uses perforated balls, supporting better control & movement. In contrast, the latter uses rubber balls with lower pressure than standard tennis balls. - Scoring System: In pickleball, the serving team gets the chance to collect points, and the game is played until the team reaches a score of 11 with the requirement of 2 points to win. In paddle tennis, both teams get the chance to score points during a round.
What Racket 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 pickleball paddle:
- Shape: Many pickleball players use a traditional paddle with a width from 7.0 to 8.25 inches. But 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 & grip. If you are a beginner, choose a medium-weight paddle that offers a perfect balance between accuracy & power.
- Face Material: Paddles are made of different materials like graphite, wood & fibreglass. Graphite is quite popular for its excellent level of 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?
Grab your pickleball paddles and head to the courts near you!
