The worst thing about pickleball — reputedly the fastest growing sport in North America — is its name. It sounds childish. Rightly so. A trio of men initially devised the game to amuse their children, on a summer’s afternoon in 1965 on Bainbridge Island WA, a short ferry ride from Seattle. They named it after a dog, Pickles, who interrupted the play by running off with the ball.
Pickleball is like badminton because it uses the same size court, it resembles tennis because players hit a ball back and forth across a net, and it’s similar to ping-pong in the paddle action. It follows simple rules and is easy to learn. Anyone who’s played a racquet sport can pick it up in about an hour. Don’t assume, however, this game’s for wusses. Pickleball — played outdoors and indoors, in singles and doubles — can progress into a vigorous, competitive game for experienced players.
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), formed in 1984, promotes the game’s growth and development, nationally and internationally. The USAPA provides official rules, instruction, ratings (1-5), and tournaments. Pickleball Canada followed in 2009, though the game had already been played for many years thanks to ‘snowbirds’ returning home with much enthusiasm for a sport they’d learned in the sunny south.
Although intended for all ages and skill levels, pickleball does attract primarily an older demographic: 75% of players are 55 and above. Here’s why:
PERKS
- Pickleball can be strenuous or casual depending on the level of play. Generally, however, it gives a good aerobic workout with less stress and strain on joints and muscles than, say, tennis.
- The endorphins released with any exercise aid in elevating self-esteem and combating depression – challenges that can occur with aging.
- Because the game is quick and unpredictable, players must be alert, responsive, with sharp reflexes. Such engagement helps maintain cognitive function and memory.
- Pickleball offers ample opportunity for socializing so can reduce loneliness, another potential pitfall in getting older.
- Power and brawn don’t always win. Strategy reigns supreme, and there are plenty of strategic maneuvers to master in this game.
Players tend to be evangelistic about pickleball, always eager to recruit new acolytes. Indeed the USAPA has volunteer ambassadors promoting the sport in their regions. At the risk of (additional) proselytizing, I will confirm pickleball hooks us because we can learn it later in life (only superior athletes will take up tennis at age 55), set personal performance goals (is a 4.0 rating in my future?), make new acquaintances, and, quite simply, have great fun!
In the comments below, please share your thoughts about or participation in the pickleball craze. •
Ken McLean says
I second your praise of pickleball Pam. I took it up in August, and now play 3 times a week at 3 different locations, including Bishop’s. I had encountered only one other Anglophone playing here, but then Lillian was at last Sunday’s BU session. It’s increasing popularity in Quebec is actually a problem, in that it is difficult to find enough venues. It is necessary to register as soon as a venue is announced.
Pam McPhail says
Some places are painting pickleball lines onto the tennis courts so both sports can be played. Could you convince Lennoxville to paint lines on the courts at LES? Would BCS do the same? A tennis net is 2” higher at its centre but that doesn’t deter pickleball enthusiasts.
Ken McLean says
BCS is currently building 3 new tennis courts. Unless they decide to introduce PB to their students, they are unlikely to go for painting the lines. The outdoor one here, that I know of, is played on rinks.
Ian Wallace says
Good post, Pam. Pickleball is definitely a fun and social game that anyone can play to a reasonable standard after an hour or two of instruction. Of the various racquet sports it is undoubtedly the easiest to master and it seems highly likely that Pam will soon reach her goal of a 4.0 USAPA rating. Personally, I do not object too much to the name ‘pickleball’. The unusual name piques one’s curiosity and is more descriptive than the names of some other sports. It remains to be seen how far pickleball will rise. Will we one day watch, in the millions, a Wimbledon-like pickleball championship featuring brilliant stars such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
Pam McPhail says
Another positive about pickleball, as you know Ian, is that it can be played as an additional sport to tennis or badminton etc. The choice is not either or. Interestingly, some skilled players talk about trying to get pickleball designated an Olympic sport, by 2028.
Sonya Bardati says
Yes, pickleball is wonderful. I started playing in 2009, the only place available at the time was in Esquimalt Rec. Centre. Even Juan de Fuca rec centre in Colwood had been begged by us to convert one of their 6 tennis court to a pickleball court, which they finally did. But probably in this day and age, a lot more pickleball courts are opening on Vancouver Island. When our RV resort built our sport complex 5 years ago, they built 8 pickleball courts and 4 tennis courts. Last year, because of the demand, they took one tennis court away and built 3 more pickleball courts.
The trend.
Pam McPhail says
You’ve been playing several years, Sonya. A 10th anniversary next year for you. I started two years ago in Scottsdale. I wonder if you picked up the game first in AZ or on the Island?
Sonya says
I started on the Island. It was brought over from some snowbirds, and Esquimalt Rec. centre used a gym with a wooden floor where they taped the lines and were nice enough to supply the nets. They were avant-garde.
Linda W says
A sport I think about often, I just have to get off my —- and do it. Perhaps one day I can play against you.
Pam McPhail says
See you at Coal Harbour Community Centre next spring, Linda. Before then, just do it!