More than 13.6 million people across the U.S. will be playing Pickleball in 2023, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).That's a 65 % increase from last year, when 8.9 million players picked up a racquet. Overall, participation has increased by an average of 223.5% over the past three years. In fact, for the second year in a row, this badminton/tennis/table tennis mash-up topped the list of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Pickleball was founded in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. Three neighbors originally came up with the idea - using some old ping pong paddles and a perforated ball on a badminton court - as a game to keep bored kids busy on rainy days.
By 1967, the first permanent piquet court was built, and in 1972 the first company was formed to preserve the creation of piquet balls. By 1984, the USA Pickleball Association governed the sport. Today, what was once a rainy day activity has grown into a global phenomenon.
Why did Pickleball's Popularity Suddenly Peak?
What sparked the dramatic growth of Pickleball? As a pandemic-friendly activity, COVID-19 has not hindered its growth at all.“During the epidemic, many Americans were looking for ways to stay healthy and active close to home,” said Laura Gainor, Director of Media Relations for USA Pickleball. “Since a Pickleball court is one-quarter the size of a tennis court, it's easy to build one in a driveway, parking lot or gym, so many people were exposed to the sport during those unprecedented playing periods their family of four in the driveway.”
But even before the pandemic, Pickleball's popularity was on the rise. In fact, the number of participants has doubled in the last five years. Many players describe it as a great workout that doesn't feel like a workout. In addition, pétanque is said to be easier on the body (especially the hips and knees) than tennis and other racquet sports. The fact that anyone can play is also a big draw.
What Equipment do I Need to Play Pickleball?
The requirements to play Pickleball are minimal, but you do need some basic equipment to get started. Pickleball is played with a flat racket, rather than the stringed rackets used in tennis and badminton. Today's modern versions come in a variety of sizes and thickness levels to suit your style of play. However, paddles should be no longer than 17 inches (43.18 cm). Most Pickleball paddles are between 7 inches (17.78 cm) and 8 inches (20.32 cm) wide and 15 inches (38.10 cm) to 16 inches (40.64 cm) long.
The balls are plastic and have between 26 and 40 holes. These holes create more resistance and are lighter and easier to hit than tennis balls. They also result in a slightly slower pace of play. Ball sizes are usually 2.87 (7.2 cm) to 2.97 inches (7.54 cm) in diameter, and the ball must be monochromatic (except for any logos).
The sport also requires a net, which should be 34 inches (86.36 cm/2.83 ft) high at the center and 36 inches (91.44 cm/3 ft) high at the sidelines. Another net dimension to keep in mind is that the length of the net from one post to the other should be at least 21 feet. You will also need a court space that is approximately 44 ft. long and 20 ft. wide. (13.41x6m).
Pickleball Goes to the Future
A revolution is taking place on American tennis courts. Tennis players are putting down their racquets and picking up Pickleball rackets, and tennis courts across the country are permanently resurfacing their surfaces for Pickleball balls.
There is no doubt that Pickleballs are here to stay. With approximately 70 countries worldwide participating in the International Pickleball Federation, and even rumors of an attempt to include Pickleball as a performance sport in the 2028 Olympics, it may not be long before Pickleball becomes popular around the world.