What the Heck Is PickleBall?
A Lively Racket Game for all Ages and Abilities
PickleBall was created with one thing in mind: fun. The fast-moving sport, played on a small surface, provides plenty of aerobic exercise, stretching, friendly competition and opportunities for social engagement. It was designed to be easy to learn and play whether you’re five, eighty-five or somewhere in between.
Court and Gear- PickleBall is traditionally played on a badminton-sized court with special Pickle Ball paddles, made of wood or high-tech aerospace materials. The ball used is similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller. The lower net and wiffle ball allow the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, while still allowing more competitive players to test their mettle.
Rules of the Game- In addition to the modified net and gear, there are several key rules in PickleBall that help make the game more accessible. In tennis, and many net sports, games are often won and lost by the power of the serve. In PickleBall, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This opens the game to more players and extends play for added fun. See a complete breakdown of rules.
History of PickleBall- PickleBall was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, outside Seattle, WA. The goal then and now was to create a game that was as fun as can be for every member of the family. While there are many variations to the story, the general consensus is that it was developed as a means to address boredom. Two paddles were cut out of plywood, a badminton net lowered and, when no suitable ball could be found, a neighbor's wiffle ball used. Word got around and before long a new sport was born. There were rumors the sport had been named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, but Pritchard's wife, Joan, said in an interview years later that the more likely source was a comment she made at the time about the game reminding her of the pickle boat in the sport of crew, where oarsmen are chosen from the leftovers of other boats.
You could say PickleBall is a hybrid of Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Played with a paddle similar to a table tennis paddle, games take place on a court that looks like a tennis court but is similar to a badminton court. Instead of a shuttlecock, players hit a 3-inch wiffle ball.
The cost to play is minimal- Today's paddles range from simple wooden models that cost about $10 to carbon fiber and other high-tech versions costing as much as $100. Kings Point and Valencia Lakes SE of Tampa have pickleball clubs and courts of their own. Hillsborough County Parks Recreation and Conservation has recognized the exploding nature of the sport and is introducing programs at some of its community centers. It's definitely an up-and-coming sport for all ages. PickleBall is very popular with active adults and the biggest event in the Tampa Bay Senior Games every October.
Comments(2)