By Fred Altvater
We know that golf has experienced a resurgence since the COVID pandemic swept the country in 2020, but the Pickleball craze is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports at country clubs and tennis facilities around the country.
Played on a badminton-sized court, 1/3 the size of a tennis court, Pickleball is a mash up of badminton, tennis and ping pong. It has seen a remarkable growth over the past two years. A total of 35 million people played the game last year. Several sports stars and celebrities including, Mark Cuban, Drew Brees, LaBron James and Tom Brady, have invested in the new professional Pickleball league.
Residential communities once built around a golf course are now rushing to include pickleball courts for the locals to enjoy. The large real estate developer, Discover Land Company, offers pickleball courts at all of their 30 resort communities.
Sports investors have taken notice of the tremendous growth. Pickleball equipment sales increased by over 100%. New Pickleball courts are being built as fast as contractors can complete them. Sponsorships for Pickleball tournaments have seen an uptick, as well.
With the smaller court and the net lowered to 34 inches at the center, Pickleball is a fast-paced substitute for tennis for older sports-minded participants. It was first enjoyed by older country club members as a fill-in for tennis requiring less rigorous movement around the court.
It is primarily played near the net with quick reflexes necessary to react to volleys. Due to the smaller court, quickness not strength is more important and allows men and women to compete on an equal basis. The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) has been developed to handicap players to compete in tournaments on a level playing field.
Jack Barret has become a Pickleball enthusiast and recently moved into a senior living community near Port St. Lucie, Florida, which has 37 Pickleball courts. He told us,
“Pickleball is inclusive for both men and women of all ages. If you can hold a paddle, you can play Pickleball. Skill level, age, or gender doesn’t matter.”
It is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, using wood, or composite paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors, or outdoors and is relatively easy for beginners to learn. In addition to being fun, the game has developed a reputation for its friendly and social nature.
Pickleball can be played as singles, or doubles. No special apparel is needed, just something comfortable and appropriate for a court sport. Equipment is inexpensive and easily portable. It can be played at a leisurely pace, or at a highly competitive level, making it ideal for all ages and abilities.
To help introduce the game to young players, Sam Veal has started The First Dink Foundation to combine youth Pickleball instruction and coaching with mentorship and life skills development. This is achieved through the Positive Youth Development Methodology, consisting of: Curiosity, Character, Connection, Caring, Competency, Confidence, and Contribution.
If you haven’t tried your hand at Pickleball yet, find a partner, grab a court and check out the fastest growing sport in America.
