Staying fit, keeping up your social life, and fitting in hobbies can make your head spin. So how do you squeeze everything in without overwhelming yourself? Well, what if you could meet your social and fitness goals with the same activity? And what if it was a great full-body workout? Pickleball can help you meet all of these goals.
Maybe you’ve heard of pickleball, but what is it? And why is it such a good workout?
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net. The game prioritizes long rallies and is a highly accessible game for all ages and athletic abilities. The sport began in 1965 when three dads took ping-pong paddles, a badminton net, and a wiffle ball to make a new game to entertain their kids.
And thus pickleball was born. A game born out of a need to entertain some bored kids has turned into a sensation that more than 19.8 million Americans played in 2024.
Why Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is a highly accessible game that is easy to learn, and allows you a full-body workout and ample time to socialize with friends. Todd Boss, a pickleball correspondent for Forbes, ran a test to see which racquet sports provide the best full-body workout. He found that playing pickleball singles was the most intense workout by a significant margin.
Pickleball incorporates cardio, strength, and agility to make for a complete workout. This sport can help participants to increase their daily cardio, enhance bone and muscle strength, and improve balance and coordination.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country for a reason: it’s easy to pick up! The rules are precise, yet relatively simple.
1. The Game, and Each Rally, Must Begin With a Serve
Pickleball players must serve the ball on a diagonal angle and clear the opponent’s “kitchen” on their side of the net. When playing doubles, the player on the right always serves. A “kitchen” is a 7-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net where players are forbidden from volleying the ball. The serve can either be hit underhanded or in a backhand stroke below the waist.
2. The Ball Must Bounce Before You Pounce
Before a player can volley (hit the ball), the ball must first bounce on their side of the net. This rule prevents players from rushing the net and gaining an unfair advantage in the game.
3. The Play Continues, Until a Point or a Fault
Players continue the volley until a fault is committed or a point and/or winning shot happens. A fault would be the ball landing out of bounds, bouncing twice before it is returned, or hitting the net.
4. The Score Must Be Said, Before You Serve
Whoever the serving player is must state the score before they serve. The first number said is the score of the serving team, the second is the score of the other team, and the third is the number of the player who is serving.
5. Winner Takes All, As Long As It Is By Two Points
The first team to 11 points wins the game, but they must win by 2 points. If one team reaches 11 points but still has not won by 2 points, the game continues.
Pickleball can be played at gyms, public park courts, and anywhere where you have a flat surface, an appropriate net, and can roughly figure out the court measurements, and bring along some pickleball equipment.
Who Should You Play Pickleball With?
Pickleball is a game best enjoyed with friends! Whether they be new friends or old friends, you’ll be sure to build up a vibrant community when you get involved in pickleball. A study found that adults 60+ stay more active when they have a buddy to hold them to it.
Working out may sound like a chore. But going to play a fun game with your friends? That sounds way better! Companionship and friendship are other huge benefits of playing pickleball. Physical health is important as we age, but so is emotional and mental health.
Pickleball: The Ultimate Full-Body Workout
Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced, and exciting game. It can be played inside at many gyms and recreation centers, or outside in the sun when the weather is nice. It tests your agility and strength, and provides ample cardio. Best of all, it is a sport that you must play with other people, giving you a great excuse to get all your friends together to stage a tournament.
Pickleball is great for all ages and abilities, and can be adapted to meet your circumstances. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a paddle and join the millions of Americans who love this game today.