Seven reasons to take up pickleball

The UK's newest racket sport is gaining fans fast. Pickleball is easy to learn and great fun to play. Find out in this article why you should be early adopter of this fast-paced, fitness-friendly sport that's enjoyable for racket sports experts as for multigenerational families and energetic kids.

It's easy to pick up pickleball

The name might be a bit of a tongue-twister, but the rules are pretty simple. Pickleball equipment is easy to handle and the game has similarities with badminton, racketball, tennis, table tennis and even volleyball. So, there's likely to be an element of familiarity for many players. You don't need much equipment to get started and you can play on exisiting badminton or tennis courts. 

You can play with friends and family of all ages and abilities

The pickleball court is fairly small and the emphasis is on fun, which means younger and older players can enjoy a satisfying game. Hard bats with short handles and wiffle balls are as easy for kids to get to grips with as older players. A casual knockabout works as well as a hard-fought family tournament. 

It's a new way to satisfy your passion for racket sports

If you love tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis or racketball and you still want more, pickleball can feed your addicition! Racket sport enthusiasts will want to be among the early adopters of this fast-growing sport, which now has millions of players in North America and a fast-expanding fan base around the world and in Europe.

Pickleball keeps the costs down

There are more than 100 pickleball courts in England and many more than that in Europe and round the world, but you don't even need to join a club if you want to play. Chalk or mark out a court on a flat area (find the dimensions here along with the basic rules), put up a portable net and borrow or buy some entry-level pickleball bats and a plastic ball - you're all set. 

It's great for fitness and agility

Playing in a space just one third the size of a tennis court challenges your ability to stop, turn and rebalance rapidly. Staying out of the non-volley zone (or "kitchen") requires quick reactions and deft play. With games typically lasting 15 minutes, you can give it your all with a burst of heart-pumping energy - rinse and repeat if you want to work out even harder and for longer.

You'll be in impressive company

Pickleball has become a bit of an Instagram phenomenon. Celebrities have been adopting the game in droves - from the likes of Kim Kardashian, Emma Watson, Brene Brown and George Clooney to elite athletes including Serena Williams and Lebron James. There are even celebrity pickleball tournaments that attract big sponsors as well as famous players. 

Strategy beats raw strength

Fitness and strength aren't everything in pickleball. A cunning strategist who can think fast about shot selection and placement will be able to overpower a brutal server and smasher. Seasoned players say a competitive match can be a bit like a chess game - it's a great combination of physical and mental skill.

Get started with pickleball

Fancy a game of pickleball? You'll find this a useful summary of how to play, what equipment you need and where to find a court. We've also got loads of other information about the pickleball game, including playing pickleball with your family and an article comparing pickleball with padel if you're trying to decide between the two sports. 

Need pickleball kit? We've got everything you might want, from great value beginner equipment to high performance kit for more advanced players. Visit our specialist pickleball store for paddles, balls, nets, shoes and sportswear.

23 October 2020