Pickleball is increasing in popularity as millions of people learn the game and enjoy playing it with others. This fast-growing game is a combination of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. People can play as singles or as part of a doubles team. While the game was introduced in 1965, it has become a phenomenon in recent years.
Why is pickleball so wildly popular? What are the reasons people enjoy it so much? Here are some answers to those questions.
Pickleball Requires Little Equipment
To play pickleball, you don’t need a lot of equipment. You can get a game going with a ball, paddle and court with a net.
The paddle was traditionally made of wood, but today they are made from lightweight composite materials. The balls have holes in them. Indoor and outdoor balls are made of different materials.
When choosing between various Selkirk pickleball paddles, the essential factors are weight, grip and feel. You can choose from different sizes and a myriad of colors. The main thing is to be comfortable with the paddle.
Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts — you can fit four on a standard tennis court. Some tennis courts have markings for pickleball so that you can use the same court for both sports. Because the court is relatively small — about the size of a badminton court — many gyms and facilities have indoor pickleball courts, so you can enjoy playing without the weather affecting you.
Pickleball Is Good for the Joints, Heart and Coordination
Pickleball is a low-impact sport. You don’t need to run long distances or hit the ball hard, making it easy on your joints. However, it’s still a great workout. Playing pickleball gets your heart rate up to a moderate level, which is beneficial to the heart. Thirty minutes of pickleball burns more calories than 30 minutes of walking. The aerobic exercise pickleball provides can help you lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Because it is a healthy sport that gets the body moving without much impact, it is popular among older adults. The movements you make while playing improve balance, an increasingly important skill as people age. Hand-eye coordination also improves as people play.
Pickleball Is a Social Sport
Pickleball increased in popularity during the pandemic. It allowed people to be together while remaining socially distanced and outside. As the physical restrictions of the pandemic eased, people were having fun and continued to play.
Because people of all ages enjoy playing, it’s a great way to meet those outside your usual circle. It is common to see pickleball players stand around and talk as much as they play. If you want to make friends while staying active, pickleball is an excellent way to do so. There may be a club or league in your area if you don’t know anyone who plays.
Pickleball Keeps You Mentally Sharp
While pickleball’s physical benefits are terrific, the sport requires brain power. The game’s strategy can help you win even if you don’t have speed or power. Staying active and socializing are also good for the brain. These activities help ward off depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones throughout the body.
You feel better about yourself as you learn the game and your skills increase. It is good to learn a new skill and become better at it. Scoring a point or getting a tough shot just right can raise your self-esteem. Combine that feeling with the fact that you’re increasing your activity, and you can see why plenty of mental benefits are packed into pickleball.
These are just a few reasons pickleball has taken off in the past several years. As more people learn the benefits of playing and how much fun it is, they get the answers to why people love the sport. One way to learn the benefits of playing pickleball is to try it yourself and join them.