What is pickleball, and why is it so popular today?

The pickleball frenzy must have come into your social circles at some point in the past few months. People were suddenly booking out courts and becoming sports enthusiasts as pickleball filled our social media feeds and conversations. But what is pickleball? Why this sudden surge in its social acceptance as a sport? Let’s explore…

What is pickleball?

Often described as a hybrid sport, pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played in a court smaller than a tennis court using a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, quite similar to the aforementioned sports. 

Origin of pickleball

A popular story surrounding the origin of pickleball goes back to the 1960s Washingtom where three families found themselves pretty bored and decided to invent a game of their own. With the help of some old ping-pong paddles and perforated balls, they headed to a badminton court in the backyard. The net and the rules of the game were adjusted according to the game as they started playing. This sport became known as pickleball, believed to have been named after one of the family’s dogs. Another story about the name traces back to how ‘pickle boat’ exists in rowing — a final boat or crew put together from whoever is left over.

Representative image.
| Photo Credit:
Freepik

The rise in social circles

There are multiple aspects to pickleball, which make it an easier sport to pick up compared to tennis or ping-pong. In pickleball, a novice can walk onto a court and be playing competitive, fun rallies within thirty minutes. Because the court is small and the ball is light, it doesn’t require the same level of sprinting or explosive strength as other sports, making it accessible to children and seniors alike.

An increase in social interactions is yet another reason for its rise in popularity. Pickleball communities started building quite quickly due to the ease of playing and accessibility of courts, especially in metropolitan cities where the need for venues to socialise is rising quickly. Thus, in this era of increasing digital isolation, pickleball offers a tangible, face-to-face “third place” outside of home and work. Light yet fun workouts are also another reason people often pick pickleball as a hobby. 

While the sport was growing steadily before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as an accelerant. People were desperate for outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing. Pickleball fit the bill perfectly. Portable nets allowed people to turn their driveways and cul-de-sacs into courts, and once people started playing, they didn’t stop when the gyms reopened.

Pickleball has now become more than just a game in the array of sports events; it is also about the community and the accessibility it gives to its players.