Rapidly Gaining Popularity: Sport with an Humorous Nickname - Pickleball
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis, is rapidly gaining popularity in North America. With its simple yet engaging rules and accessible equipment, the game is becoming a favourite pastime for many.
The game is played on a court similar in size to a badminton doubles court, with a net that stands at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The ball, a hollow, perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball, is hit with a paddle that is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle.
The basic rules of pickleball are straightforward. After the underhand serve, which must be made diagonally from behind the baseline and clear the non-volley zone, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley. The non-volley zone, a 7-foot area on each side of the net, prohibits volleying. Only the serving side can score points, with games typically played to 11 points, requiring a two-point spread to win.
Pickleball is not just a court game. Indoor and outdoor courts are scattered across North America at 9,524 locations, according to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). The sport has also gained international recognition, with the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) boasting membership in over 60 countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Spain.
The sport's popularity is evident in its growing number of players. In 2021, more than 4.8 million people in the U.S. were playing pickleball, with the number of U.S. pickleball players growing by an impressive 39.3 percent between 2019 and 2021.
The name "pickleball" has an interesting origin, with conflicting stories circulating. Some believe it was named after Joel Pritchard's dog, Pickles, while others suggest it was named after the pickle boat in crew, a boat comprised of oarsmen selected from the leftovers of other boats.
Pickleball's future looks bright, with the IFP aiming to make the sport ubiquitous around the world. Some even speculate that pickleball may one day become an Olympic sport, especially if the IFP achieves its goals.
The first pickleball-themed restaurant, Chicken N Pickle, opened in Kansas City in 2016 and now has six locations, with three more scheduled to open in 2022. The restaurant features food, alcohol, outdoor lawn games, and both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, providing a unique dining and entertainment experience.
In conclusion, pickleball is a fast-paced, enjoyable sport that is easy to learn and offers a great workout. With its growing popularity and international recognition, it's clear that pickleball is here to stay. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual player, pickleball offers a fun and engaging experience for all.
The accessible equipment and simple rules make pickleball an enjoyable sport for many, contributing to its rapid popularity in North America. Indoor and outdoor courts for pickleball are available at various locations, reflecting the sport's growing international recognition.
