I love pickleball. I have heard it said on many occasions that one can easily become “addicted” to the sport – and I got to tell you – I understand why. I have wanted to compile a list like this for a while now – and now seems to be the perfect time.
In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I recall playing Pickleball for the first time in Physical Education Class in 7th or 8th grade. I didn’t pick up the sport again until about two years ago when my mother-in-law invited me to play at our local church, Woodside Bible Church, in Troy, Michigan. I’ve been hooked ever since – and perhaps some (particularly my wife) would even say I’m addicted to it.
So what is it that engenders such a deep love for the game played with a paddle and Whiffle ball? Without further ado, here are ten reasons why I love pickleball.
- Pickleball does not have a steep learning curve. Although playing tennis, racquetball or squash previously certainly helps, the game can be picked up quite quickly by most – and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be having some great rallies in no time.
- Pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If fact, it’s likely that if you partner with your grandma or grandpa you will dominate the competition.
- Scoring is much more intuitive than tennis. Unlike tennis, there is no such thing as love, deuce or ad – and the game isn’t scored with the arbitrary numbers of 15, 30, and 40. Rather, most games are simply played to 11 points, win by 2. The only wrinkle is that you can only win points on your own serve or your partner’s serve.
- The Pickleball court is much smaller. An official pickleball court has an area approximately 3-4 times smaller than a tennis court. This means longer rallies and less real estate to cover – ideal for those of us who don’t move as well as we once did.
- It’s portable and mobile – In addition to playing pickleball at dedicated facilities, you can also bring your own net (or something to use as a make-shift net such as lawn chairs, bicycles, blocks of wood, etc.) to your venue of choice. Then simply chalk in some lines and grab your paddle and ball and you’re ready to play. If you don’t have pickleball courts nearby don’t fret. You can play on your local tennis courts, your driveway or your dead-end street. If you’re really gung-ho, build your own pickleball court in the backyard! There’s really no shortage of options.
- Pickleball has a great fun/social aspect to it. Whether you are socializing with your doubles partner, your opponents or those playing on other courts, pickleball is downright fun – and laughter is bound to ensue. Laughter not only provides one with a sense of well-being but it also helps to reduce stress. Pickleball definitely provides ample opportunity for laughter and fun.
- Pickleball can be competitive. In addition to the fun/social aspect, pickleball can also quench the competitive thirst for those who are a bit more “cutthroat.” Whether it is participating in the Senior Olympics, playing in a USAPA sanctioned event, or just competing against your Tuesday afternoon “nemesis,” pickleball provides an opportunity for spirited competition.
- Pickleball has numerous health benefits. This may come in the form of lower blood pressure, a boosting of the immune system, stress reduction, improved mental acuity or just getting/keeping one in shape. It sure beats getting on the treadmill for an hour!
- Pickleball is relatively inexpensive to play. Courts are popping up all over the place where you can play – outdoor parks, churches, schools, and tennis facilities where they have converted tennis courts into pickleball courts. With paddle prices less than $100 and courts that are becoming more ever-present, the cost is typically not a factor. Most places to play are either free or have a relatively small charge for “court-time.”
- Pickleball can break up the monotony of golf in the morning and dinner on the patio in the evening – it’s a rough life for those retired folks, isn’t it?
Tweet ThisSo these are my ten reasons why I love pickleball. Please let me know why you love the sport by commenting below. I would love to hear from you!
As a “senior”, it keeps me movin’ movin’ movin’ and keeps my mind “alert” planning the return shot or placing a served ball. Also meeting really great people!
I love it. Thanks for chiming in, Elaine.
Why I still love pickleball: the anticipation of the next play day, the fact that I will be accepted no matter how good I play, the chance to use your ‘outside voice’, in screams of laughter and JOY..it’s like the Fountain of Youth on those courts! They should make over the movie COCOON, with Pickleball added, OSCAR WINNER.
I love it, Janet. Thank you for sharing!
Pickleball Players are friendly and very welcoming when you are visiting from out of town. We always take our paddles, shoes and gym clothes on all our trips. We just look up places to play on the USAPA web site. We have met many wonderful people on our travels. We are beginning to play in more tournaments, and that is fun !
Yup. That’s precisely why I love the great sport of pickleball!!! Thanks for chiming in.
I, too, now always pack my paddle when I travel and search beforehand where the PBall courts are!! It doesn’t matter where I go to play….the people are ALWAYS very welcoming and friendly and seem so happy you’re there to join them. I LOVE that!
Eight years ago I suffered a very bad brain stem stroke. After a year or so of rehabilitation I saw people playing Pickleball in our senior center gym and thought I might be able to play. Picked up a wood paddle and joined in and that is all she wrote. I have been playing now for about four years and my balance, eye-hand coordination and reaction time have so much improved that I will play with any group and can hold my own. Played my first tournament last Setember and when asked how I did I say “well I think I came in at about the bottom of the barrel, but at least I was in the barrel”.
For me Pickleball is not only a great sport but the perfect combination of socialization, great fun, exercise, competition and rehabilitation all rolled into one.
Thanks for listening, Chris Cherry
Chris, That is so wonderful! So glad you found this sport. Thank you for sharing your story. It will be motivating to many!!!
“….at least I was in the barrel”. CHRIS!! ha! I LOVE that comment! What a great and positive attitude you have. I’m happy to hear you have recovered well after your stroke and are able to be out playing in the most FUN sport that exists!
Love your reasons to love the game. I agree with all of them. A minor point – volleyball went to rally scoring some years ago. Now, a point is scored on every serve – no matter which team served. Some advocate rally scoring for pickleball. It would prevent interminable side outs in matches where the teams’ defensive skills far exceed their offensive skills. But, I don’t favor that approach – it would change the nature of the game. Good list!
Hi Ron, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I agree that implementing rally scoring would change the nature of the game, although I am tempted to use it from-time-to-time when managing the pickleball program at our local rec center. See you on the courts!
We’ve used rally scoring when the number of players is much more than the available court capacity. Rally matches to 11 points, win by one, only take 21 serves – usually fewer than 8-10 minutes. It moves players on and off quickly, but it’s not as much fun, and big comebacks are much more difficult because points are scored on defense. Give it a try sometime and see if you agree.
I’ve been playing Pickleball for around three years now. Instantly loved it after injuries kept me off the tennis and badminton courts. Played them for decades and retain a lot of the skills needed in those sports. With the proliferation of PB it’s easy to play indoors and out 5 to 6 days a week…
Thanks, Arun, for your comments. Glad you love the sport as well! See you on the courts!
I love it because it’s fun, and I laugh through the game. What a blast!! GREAT exercise and great people.
Hi Patty, I couldn’t agree more. Glad you love it! Thanks for stopping by.
It’s more courteous than tennis. No disputed line calls. We just accept the other teams call. I am addicted!
It is certainly addicting! I think you’re right. Generally speaking, it is more courteous… but not always! HA! Thanks for the feedback. See you on the courts!
11. There is no disgrace in losing. There are no losers. You either come in first or second. If you play pickleball you are a winner. Stanley
Sometimes we all need that reminder, Stanley. Thanks for the comment. Hope to see you on the local courts real soon!
Pickleball is a way to meet all kinds of new people from many different places.
It’s the only sport where 4 people don’t know [can’t remember] who served last and what the score is — and as it gets figured out, nobody really gets upset about it.
Lots of grace in the sport, Michell. I like that too!