The sport that is catching the wave in popularity is tons of fun for all levels because anyone can play it!
In the summer of 2021 two of dear friends came for a visit us for what I hoped would be a long weekend. “You guys can stay until Monday, right?” Amy shot Steve a knowing look and responded, “We can’t. We have to get back for pickleball Sunday night.”
"What? What's pickleball?" I asked. a question that would change the trajectory of my life forever. I mean, what could be so important about this thing that they would cut short our visit?
I hid my offput snarl and, after asking more questions and watching some YouTube videos on the sport, I sped past curious and went straight to Amazon to order paddles, balls and a cute bag. After just a little searching, I found a group in our community, and signed up for a Beginner clinic that upcoming Thursday.
Make sure you are in the right group before you fake a phone call to get out of it.
The day of that first pickleball clinic, I sat nervously in my car for a few minutes. After some deep breathing, and a what do you have to lose converstaion with myself, I pulled up my big girl skort and went in. I didn’t know anyone, and I was actually nervous. I could leave, I thought, and just come back next week. No one would know that I had chickened out.
The session started at 10:00 and I got there a quarter hour early to change my shoes and size up the other rookies. What I saw gave me angina. There were 4 men on the court slamming, skidding and jawing around with sweat flying from every terry cloth headband. It was geriatric Wimbledon and I was terrified. Clearly I had read the wrong time slot. How could I get out of here with no one noticing my bright white brand new court shoes and my fresh-out-of-the-amazon-box pickleball paddle with matching tote in heather grey and lime green accents?
“Are you here for the clinic?” Crap. I was made. Now what? “I think so, but that looks a little out of my league,” I tilted my head toward the fast-moving play with a half grimace.
“Oh that’s the 8:30 group. They’re almost done.” That end of high school gym-class feeling of relief rushed over my whole body.
Getting out of my car that morning was in the top ten best decisions I have ever made.
Between the pop of the ball coming off the paddle, the niceness of the instructors and the roaring bely laughs, I was hooked.
I had been itching for something sporty and athletic to do again. Tennis is off the table because of MY knees and hips. Golf is just not my forte. And we live in a place with narrow roads that makes it difficult to bike. I do like the gym, but that lacks a social aspect and, well, fun. Pickleball to the rescue. It’s great exercise, a perfect way to make new friends, and a healthy addiction.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a unique and exciting paddle sport that is taking the country by storm. It’s like badminton meets ping-pong with an element of tennis and a dash of wiffleball. The court is smaller than tennis’ area of play. I love tennis, but I can’t quite cover the court anymore without needing a full day of ice, rest and ibuprofen.
Sidebar: do not call your pickleball paddle a racquet or you will immediately out yourself as a rookie.
The ball is plastic and has holes in it, so when it hits you in the thumb, face and chest you can keep playing. Also there is a section of the court called the kitchen that you have to stay out of most of the time. Can it get any more ideal?
Because of the ratio of the paddle and ball size and how slowly it moves when you lightly hit it, literally almost everyone can play pickleball. It's up to you if you choose to become an intermediate or advanced player, or if you wanna be a fundamental pickler who goes out for camaraderie, movement and brain health. However you decide to play it, you're in!
What’s so great about Pickleball?
1. You will actually love to exercise.
When it’s fun, it doesn’t seem like a “workout.” When you do 30 minutes at the gym on the treadmill, you really feel all of those minutes. If you are doing something you love, an hour and a half of exercise flies by. I get 5000 steps and burn 350 calories per hour when I play. At the end of a session, I am always planning my next one.
2. It Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
I just read this and threw it in here because heart disease is still the leading cause of death for women. A recent study in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology found middle-aged and older adults who played one hour of pickleball three days per week for six weeks improved their blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Shazam!
3. Social Tool
Because pickleball is a doubles sport, you get to know the people you are playing with. Now, I don’t mean there’s a Keurig and a coffee klatch out there on the court, but small time lapses do open the door for striking up conversations in between games. Plus you rotate a lot so if one person isn’t your jam, you will meet plenty more. You may even exchange numbers so you can play with the gals you really like more often. One of my groups calls it Giggleball because we snort and laugh so much. The social aspect of pickleball is what sets it apart from other sports – the camaraderie and friendly banter can quickly turn strangers into friends. It's likely you will meet some of your ride or die friends on the court.
Pickleball doubles
4. It’s Age Defiant
“Pickleball is a great sport for active living across the lifetime,” says Jonathan Casper, Ph.D., an associate professor of sports management at North Carolina State University. “Because it’s similar to other racquet sports, you can learn the game pretty quickly, and you can play for as long as your body will let you.”
I have declared Pickleball to be the fountain of youth. I am on the younger side of the player median in my hood, and I am by far the least best. Currently in my club, the highest aged female is 85 and she plays 3 to 4 days per week. The tournament winners were all in there 60’s. And the regular players all look ten years younger than they are. I don’t believe this is a coincidence.
Pickleball improves reflexes and balance and may also improve your range of motion, which can help ease arthritis symptoms. You also have to think about strategy when you are playing and continually use hand-eye coordination. If you’re sedentary, you’re not doing any of that.
5. Supportive People
From that beginner clinic on, I have played as much as my schedule and joints would allow. Players are super encouraging to each other-especially the women! Government and all Real Housewives groups should operate like pickleball clubs. Everyone would be much happier.
It's wonderfully ironic that something with such a quirky name can make you feel so vibrant and alive. When you find something physical that you love to do, it’s incredible to see how much you enjoy life and want to do more, be more, and learn new things.
6. Mental Stimulation
Pickleball is not just physically engaging; it also requires mental acuity and strategic thinking. From anticipating your opponent's moves to executing targeted shots, pickleball challenges your mind and keeps you on your toes.
Dr. Daniel Amen, renowned brain studier, touts that people who play pickleball, or racquet sports in general, actually live longer. The reason for this? The cerebellum is responsible for ten percent of the brain function, but more than half of the brain's neurons. Racquet sports require a lot of thinking-reflexes, strategy, physical activity and it does all of this!!
Here is the paraphrased article from Dr. Amen. Read the full article here
1. Improves blood flow to the brain.
Running around on a pickleball court gets your heart pumping, which boosts blood flow to the brain.
2. Enhances cerebellum function.
The footwork and hand-eye coordination required to play pickleball activate the cerebellum,
3. Increases gray matter.
Research from Brazil shows that physical activity that requires planning—such as deciding whether to smash the ball or dink it softly over the net—and complex movements result in higher gray matter volume.
4. Strengthens the hippocampus.
Getting your body moving protects the hippocampus and gives your memory a workout by making players remember the score and whose serve it is. Sounds simple, but scoring in this sport isn’t as easy as it seems, and it can be a real head-scratcher for beginners.
5. Produces mood-boosting neurochemicals.
Playing heart-pumping sports like pickleball allows more of the natural mood-enhancing amino acid L-tryptophan to enter the brain. The researchers also say that physical activity is an effective treatment alternative for anxiety disorders.
6. Reduces cognitive impairment.
Physical exercise of any kind, such as pickleball, helps protect against cognitive decline and dementia.
7. Keeps the brain younger.
The social bonding that comes with playing a group activity like pickleball helps combat loneliness and boosts mood.
Anyone Can Play
One of the most appealing aspects of pickleball is its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, pickleball offers something for everyone. The rules are straightforward, and the court is smaller than a tennis court, making it easier for players of all ages to navigate and enjoy.
Creating Unlikely Champions
In the world of pickleball, anyone can become a champion. You don’t need years of training or exceptional athletic ability to excel at this game. Pickleball is all about strategy, precision, and having fun on the court. It’s not uncommon to see players of different ages and backgrounds coming together to compete and medal.
How to Get Started
Excited to dive into the world of pickleball? Here's how you can get started:
Talk to a Pickleballer friend: It's likely you know someone who plays who can point you into a good place to get started.
Find a local pickleball court : Many community centers, recreational facilities, and even some parks have dedicated pickleball courts. They will ususally have websites that describe open play times and for what levels.
Join a pickleball group : Connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts by joining a local pickleball group or club. This is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, improve your skills, and participate in friendly matches.
Take lessons : If you're new to pickleball or want help with your mechanics, consider taking lessons from a certified instructor. Learning the fundamentals of the game can boost your confidence and enhance your overall experience.
Invest in quality gear : While pickleball equipment is relatively simple – a paddle, ball, and appropriate footwear – investing in quality gear can significantly impact your game.
Footwear: It's VERY IMPORTANT to wear court shoes so you don't roll your ankles. Go to a place where you can try some on. Skechers, KSwiss and Asics are well made and comfortable.
Paddles: There are so many paddles out there and with technology advancing, more will keep coming. Try before you buy. Usually friends will let you try out a spare they have. I love the demo programs at Pickleball Galaxy and Gearbox where you can rent paddles for a week and try them out.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is more than just a game; it can almost be considered a lifestyle that promotes social interactions, physical fitness, and mental well-being. Whether you're looking to make new friends, stay active, or simply have a great time, pickleball offers a whole new world of benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle, hit the court, and uncover the sassy magic of pickleball today!
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