Pickleball: A Lifelong Sport

Pickleball is a great game for people of all ages and abilities. The sport was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, who wanted to create a sport that could be played by older adults who couldn't play tennis or racquetball. Pickleball became popular in senior communities, but it's now enjoyed by people of all ages and some are saying it will soon be an Olympic sport!

Pickleball is played on a court similar to those used for tennis or badminton. It's played with a perforated plastic ball and wooden paddles that are similar to racquets. The object of the game is to keep the ball in play by hitting it over the net with your paddle. As long as you hit it back over the net onto your opponent's side of the court, you can keep playing until one player misses.

The game has become so popular that there are thousands of courts across North America alone and spreading faster by the day! The game can be  played by two or four people (singles or doubles), on a court that measures 20 feet by 44 feet. A net separates the court into halves. The ball is made of plastic and only weighs about 4 ounces (110 grams), making it similar in size to a tennis ball but lighter. The ball is hit with a paddle, which can be made of wood, plastic, carbon, graphite and other materials. Having a good paddle or racket is essential for numerous reasons, including avoiding injury.  If you're looking for the best pickleball balls and pickleball rackets, we tested many. Our favorite, of course, is The Big Dink paddle and paddle sets  from The Big Dink.com

The game can be played by both men and women--from young to old. It can be played as a singles or doubles game, and tournaments are held throughout the year if you want to compete.  Pickleball is an excellent form of exercise that promotes agility and hand-eye coordination. It also provides an opportunity for people to socialize with one another through friendly competition on the court.

Anyone of any age can play. Whether you are retired and need something to keep you occupied, or a parent trying to get your kids outdoors, pickleball may be the answer. It's a fun sport that's easy to learn, but can still provide entertaining tournaments for even the best players

The game of pickleball has exploded in popularity in the past few years. Most people, when they think of pickleball, have no idea what they're looking at. There are usually two things going through a beginner's mind: First, “What is this strange sport?” Second, “Will I be good at it?” The short answer is yes, you will be good at it. Pickleball is a game that can be played by anyone regardless of sill level. There's a reason it's so popular! Some are even hinting the 2028 Olympics!