Crazy for Pickleball – And Not Just Retirees
Category: Health and Wellness Issues
June 12, 2016 — All over the country there is a craze raging with a very funny name – pickleball. You have probably heard about it, maybe because it is very popular in active adult and retirement communities. But the question is, should it be your next sport? This article will talk about the sport and help you determine whether you should give it a “whack”.
Pickleball got started in 1965 on a modified badminton court. Kids in gym class sometimes play it because it can be played indoors in a fairly limited space with minimum equipment. Since then it has expanded around the globe, but has really taken off as an activity in 55+ and active adult communities.
What is it the game and how is it played
Pickleball is played on a court that is roughly half the size
Comments on "Crazy for Pickleball – And Not Just Retirees"
Laurie says:
Visited several active adult communities in central Florida over the past couple years. They all have multiple pickleball courts - seems like something to have to at least try. I am probably the least coordinated person on the face of the earth, but I'm looking forward to at least giving the game a shot next year when we retire.
Art Bonds says:
Started playing pickleball early this year, I used to play tennis in high school and various times in my life (SS age now). I have lost several pounds, overall fitness is up, feeling much better, love the competition. Same with my slightly younger wife, she loves it to. When wife and I finally retire and move to an active community, the only amenity that it MUST HAVE will be pickleball. They ain't gettin' our money unless they have courts. Period.
says:
If you're just starting out playing pickleball here is a rule you should keep in mind: Don't back up.
We've had a number of injuries where people playing tried to back up quickly, tripped and hit their head. Remember the "terrible too's:" We tend to do too much, too soon and too often.
Lizzie says:
I enjoyed the game this winter for the first time, but it messed up my tennis game. So for now, being at tennis has been a life long passion, I have to skip pickle ball.
Basil says:
I played pickleball for the first time last fall at the high school adult education. I loved it from the start. It's good exercise but more importantly it"s FUN! Those tedious days at the gym were not wasted as it allowed me to actually move around the court. If my retirement community doesn't have it I'll start it.
Arun s says:
Pickleball is virtually an elixir for life. As it stands right now, it's referred to as: an emerging sport, a game/sport, a sport for all ages and both genders, an indoor and outdoor sport, a fun sport that's also healthy, a sport with a funny name (fun name), the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and on and on. Yes, it's popular across the pond as well, thanks to people like Vavalkar, India.
More and more new courts springing up virtually overnight. It's popularity has reached a fever pitch here in the U.S. it's birthplace. Another example of American entrepreneurship, ingenuity and free spirit. One thing if any, that really stands out when observing it, is the FUN factor.
People seem to be connecting with each other with how much fun they are having playing it recreationally or competitively. One thing to remember is it's constantly evolving. Both, in terms of equipment as well as with the demographic getting younger and younger, and more and more skilled. Competition can be somewhat fierce at times. Cheers!