Pickleball, a sport that combines elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has become a favorite pastime due to its accessibility and inclusive nature. It caters to a wide range of physical abilities and ages, making it an appealing choice for many.
What is Pickleball?
Basics: This game is played on a badminton-sized court with a tennis-style net, using a perforated plastic ball and paddles that are larger than those for ping-pong. It's known for being beginner-friendly while still offering a fast-paced challenge for experienced players.
Playing Style: Suitable for both singles and doubles play, it's easy to learn and doesn't require special sports attire, just comfortable, movement-friendly clothes.
History of the Game:
- Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, pickleball was created by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. The game was initially a children's pastime but quickly evolved into a popular sport across North America and now globally.
- The name “pickleball” has an amusing origin. While some say it was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, others suggest it was named after the pickle boat in crew racing.
The Court:
A pickleball court measures 20’ (6,09m) x 44’ (13,41m), with the net set at 36” (91,44cm) high at the ends and 34” (86,36cm)in the middle. The "kitchen" or non-volley zone extends 7’ (2,13m) from the net on each side.
Rules of the Game:
Scoring: Pickleball can be played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and the winner must lead by at least 2 points. Points are scored only by the serving side when they win the rally.
Serving: The serve is made underhand and must be hit in an upward arc. The server’s feet must be behind the backline, and the ball must land in the diagonal service court.
Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed. This means the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return shot bounce before playing it.
Non-Volley Zone: Players are not permitted to volley the ball (hit it in the air) while standing in the non-volley zone, to prevent ‘spiking’ the ball over the net.
Faults: Faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, or volleying before the double bounce.
Physical Requirements:
Accessibility: One of the reasons for pickleball’s popularity is its accessibility. It requires less running and exertion than tennis, making it ideal for players of varying ages and physical conditions.
Low-Impact Sport: Pickleball is considered a low-impact sport, which means it's easier on the joints and body. This aspect makes it particularly popular among older players or those who may not have the physical conditioning for more strenuous sports.
Skill Over Strength: The game places more emphasis on strategy and skill rather than brute strength or extreme fitness, opening the door for a wide range of participants to enjoy competitive play.
USAPA Skill Rating Definitions:
Equipment:
Paddles: Made from materials like wood, composite, or graphite. Wooden paddles (altough very rare to see them around) are heavier and more durable, ideal for beginners. Composite and graphite paddles are lighter and offer better control and power, preferred by intermediate and advanced players. Paddles come in a range of sizes, typically around 8 inches wide and 15 inches long, with variations to suit different playing styles. Thickness has been a very particular aspect to choose for your paddle. Thicker paddles gives more power to shots and thinner gives more speed and motion ability.
Balls: There are two main types of pickleball balls – indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, designed to accommodate smoother surfaces and less wind resistance. Outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes, made to withstand rougher, outdoor court surfaces and windier conditions.
Where to find a community to play?
Pickleball is becoming a very popular sport worldwide and the playing field is evolving rapidly. From our experience the best opportunities to find the best place and community to play is with local associations but also there are a lot of communities in social networks such as Meta and reddit.
Player Demographics:
Globally: 36.5 million players participated in the sport at least once between August 2021 and August 2022
Average Age (2023): 34.8 years.
Distribution:
18-24 years: 18%
25-34 years: 40%
55+ years: 19.9%
Core Players: Average age 47.5, with 32.7% being 65 years or older
Gender Distribution:
- Men: 60.5% of players.
- Women: 39.5% of players, with a higher growth rate compared to men (17.6% for women vs. 13% for men in 2021).
Our “DINQ” shot:
Pickleball offers a unique blend of fun, strategy, and community involvement, suitable for a variety of physical abilities. Its increasing popularity is a proof of its accommodating nature, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to participate in a social and active sport, regardless of their fitness level.