As Americans, we’re always searching for the next big thing. Recently, pickleball has begun to gain popularity. Star athletes like Kevin Durant and Draymond Green have already invested in the sport, as have celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Drake. Although many people are aware of the popularity surrounding pickleball, one question remains: What exactly is it? Here are some quick facts on the fast-growing sport and why it’s a great workout option.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport where two or four players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball over a 34-inch-high net. The ball remains in play until one side cannot return it or commits a rule infraction.
The sport began to see an uptick in popularity in 2021. Not too long after the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Major League Pickleball (MLP) advertises itself as “the standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States.” The league consists of 24 teams — 12 in its “Premier Level” and 12 others in its “Challenger Level.” It is similar can to England’s soccer system within the Premier League.
What is the Difference Between Pickleball, Badminton, and Tennis?
Although the sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and features a paddle and a ball, it is not the same.
Pickleball differs from tennis and badminton in several ways. For starters, the court on which it is played is smaller than in the other two sports. The net is also lower than in tennis, which makes a big difference in gameplay.
In addition, pickleball uses a different type of ball and paddle. Regarding gameplay, Pickleball is generally slower-paced than tennis and requires less running. The game also emphasizes accuracy and strategy compared to tennis, which values power and speed.
What Level of Skill Do I Need to Play Pickleball?
One of the best things about pickleball is that you don’t have to be astronomically physically gifted to play the sport. It is a sport that people of all ages and abilities can play. Pickleball utilizes smaller courts and has a reduced pace compared to tennis. Because of this, the sport is easier for beginners to take on. Once novices reach an advanced level, they can level up with more complex strategies and techniques.
Do I Need to be at a Certain Level of Fitness to Play Pickleball?
You do not need to be at a peak fitness level to play Pickleball. If you work out at the gym often, you are in good enough shape to play the sport. Pickleball is a low-impact sport. It is much less strenuous on your joints and muscles than higher-impact activities like running. It also provides a full-body workout that can help improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.
What Equipment Do I Need to Play Pickleball?
Another benefit to playing pickleball is that you don’t need extensive equipment to get started—a complete contrast from other sports such as hockey and football. The gist of what is needed is a court, net, paddle, and ball.
Even better is that the equipment is pretty reasonably priced. Most paddles are about $50 on the cheap end. However, you can pay up to $250.00 for a higher-quality paddle. And you can get a pack of balls for around $30.00 or less.
Franklin Activator Wooden Pickleball Paddle Set $34.99 Dick Sporting Goods
Pickleball nets tend to be on the more expensive side. A good quality net starts at around $300. But it is much more feasible for you to find a court to play on. Websites such as the USA Pickleball website allow you to look up multiple locations to play based on your geographical location.
Now that you know everything you need about the sport, the only thing left to do is start!