Many people wonder, why play pickleball, but the fast-paced, social nature of the game makes it a fun and accessible sport for all ages.
If you’re looking for a fun, social, and engaging sport to try, look no further than pickleball! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete novice, pickleball offers an accessible and enjoyable way to stay active. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is easy to learn and play.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines aspects of several racket sports. It’s played on a court similar in size to a badminton court with a modified tennis net. Players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a polymer ball with holes, like a wiffle ball, over the net. The game can be played in singles or doubles format, making it versatile for any number of players.
The objective of pickleball is simple: score points by successfully hitting the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court without them returning it. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the ease with which new pickleball players can pick it up, yet it still offers depth and complexity for those looking to master it.
Introduction to why play pickleball
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, has captured the hearts of players of all ages and skill levels. Originating on Bainbridge Island in 1965, thanks to Joel Pritchard, this exciting new sport has rapidly spread across the nation. With its simple rules and accessible nature, pickleball is played on courts found in parks, recreational centers, and communities everywhere. It’s a great way to stay active, improve blood pressure, and enjoy great exercise, especially for older adults. Using a pickleball paddle, players engage in fun and competitive matches that bring together family members and new friends alike.
USA Pickleball and the Association of Pickleball Professionals have played significant roles in promoting the sport, emphasizing its appeal to people of all ages. From beginners to advanced players, everyone can enjoy open play sessions and friendly matches. Pickleball not only enhances physical health but also fosters social connections, making it an excellent way to meet new people and build lasting relationships. Whether you’re looking to become a good player or simply want to have fun, pickleball offers a unique blend of fitness, community, and enjoyment.
Live & Age Well Over 60 Interview: Margaret
Margaret is a soon to be retired nurse with over 35 years of dedicated service in the healthcare industry. As a single mom, Margaret successfully raised her three children, who are now all grown and leading fulfilling lives of their own. As an empty nester, she is looking forward to retirement and embracing new adventures and opportunities. Known for her boundless energy and passion for helping others, Margaret is committed to staying active and engaged in her community. In her quest to remain active and healthy, Margaret became a pickleball enthusiast, playing regularly with friends and working toward participating in local tournaments. The sport not only keeps her physically fit but also satisfies her competitive spirit and love for social interaction.
Mobility
“I firmly believe in moving to maintain flexible joints and retain mobility. The more the body sits and stagnates, the less likely it is to maintain longevity in my joints and bones. My son introduced me to the game of pickleball. I was surprised as I thought it was a game for people much older than me. I played tennis in the past and have always been active.
My son, who is in his thirties, told me it was an amazing game and worth a try. He and my nephew took me to a court and introduced me to the game. One of the first things I noticed was the pickleball court measured about a fourth of the size of a tennis court. This required a smaller area for running to hit or catch the ball. This made me feel better about my ability to keep up with the pickleball ball.”
How does pickleball help with mobility
Pickleball is an excellent sport for improving mobility due to its dynamic and fast-paced nature. Played on a smaller, badminton-sized court, the game requires frequent changes in direction, quick lateral movements, and short bursts of speed. These movements engage various muscle groups and joints, enhancing flexibility and coordination. As players constantly adjust their positions to hit the perforated plastic ball, they work on their agility and balance, which are essential components of mobility. The repetitive nature of these actions helps strengthen the lower body, particularly the legs, hips, and core, leading to improved stability and mobility over time.
Additionally, pickleball’s low-impact nature makes it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and ages, including those who may have joint concerns or are recovering from injuries. Unlike high-impact sports, pickleball puts less strain on the joints, allowing players to engage in physical activity without excessive risk of injury. Regular participation in pickleball can lead to increased range of motion in the joints, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced overall physical fitness. The combination of these benefits makes pickleball a fantastic way to maintain and improve mobility while enjoying a fun and social sport.
Camaraderie
“The sport is very much a comradery endeavor. This is a multigenerational sport. The groups are very open, the players love playing and are open to play anyone at any time. The players are very courteous regarding the rules. It’s not cutthroat. There’s no stratification of skill sets, age groups, demographics, none of that. It doesn’t matter who you are or what level you are. There is always someone who is willing to play with you. To me, that was important as well being a single mom. And not having a lot of outside activities other than work that the comradery really drew me to the game.”
How does pickleball help with camaraderie?
Pickleball is a fantastic way to foster camaraderie due to its inherently social and inclusive nature. The game can be played in singles or doubles, encouraging interaction and teamwork among players. The doubles format, in particular, requires effective communication, cooperation, and strategic planning between partners, which helps build strong bonds. As players cheer each other on, celebrate victories, and navigate challenges together, they form connections that extend beyond the court. These shared experiences create a sense of community and belonging, making pickleball not just a sport, but a social activity that brings people together.
Moreover, pickleball is widely played in recreational centers, parks, and community events, offering ample opportunities for meeting new people and making friends. The sport’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse range of participants, from beginners to advanced players, all coming together to enjoy the game. Pickleball clubs and leagues often organize social events, tournaments, and mixers, further enhancing the sense of camaraderie among players. This environment of mutual support and enjoyment fosters lasting friendships and a strong sense of community, making pickleball an excellent way to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
Concerns
“As a new player, I was concerned that I was too old and would have difficulty playing the sport of pickleball. Concerns such as my weight, whether I could keep up, whether I had the endurance, and whether my hand-eye coordination would impact my ability to return the ball over the net. One additional concern I had was not understanding the rules. I discovered the rules can be complicated, just trying to keep score is harder than learning how to play the game in my opinion. As a first-time player fitting in was also a concern as I was a single player without a partner and didn’t know anyone. These are all things that I thought about as I entered the sport.”
“In some respects, my concerns were valid. The endurance mostly because I would fatigue faster than other players so I couldn’t play as often. I discovered there are times when running is necessary. It’s not a long distance, it’s typically short spurts. Thankfully, there are periods of time that you can recover in between each spurt of energy.
However, I discovered the pickleball community is typically courteous and welcoming to new players. People who play pickleball love the sport and they are very open about sharing tips.
Believe me every person you play has advice.
Some of it’s helpful, some of it’s not so helpful, but you have to find your own way. I learn something new every time I play. It’s been a journey. I feel as though I have improved a great deal from where I started. I’m happy to say that includes my endurance. It’s good exercise, it’s a lot of fun, and really great people are involved in the sport. They just want to have fun.”
Conclusion on why play pickleball
Pickleball, with its funny name and reputation as one of the fastest-growing sports, has provided Margaret with a new passion. She spends hours on the pickleball courts, enjoying the blend of racquet sports that pickleball offers. It’s the best way for her to stay connected with her community and maintain her health. The good thing about pickleball is that it accommodates players of all ages and skill levels, making it easy for Margaret to find a game at any time. As she transitions into retirement, Margaret is excited about the new experiences that lie ahead as she embraces the game of pickleball.