As a tennis player, I often find myself gazing toward the pickleball courts, wondering: Why is everyone suddenly playing pickleball?
Well, there’s a very good reason for that. If you’re a former tennis player or someone looking for a new hobby, maybe pickleball can be your next recreational passion. And no, playing pickleball doesn’t mean you’re cheating on tennis. You can do both!
Tennis is hundreds of years old, but I don’t see people flocking to the tennis courts like street pigeons at the site of an abandoned bagel. Why does it seem like pickleball is overtaking tennis right now, and what are the leading causes of this crazy phenomenon?
If you’re new to pickleball like I am and wondering about the same things, I’m here to tell you there are some very justifiable reasons why pickleball is so popular in America right now.
5 Reasons Pickleball is so Popular Right Now
Pickleball Has a Low Barrier to Entry
Unlike tennis and golf, pickleball is extremely easy to get into. Playing tennis requires hundreds of $$$ just to buy the gear necessary to play the sport. Let’s not mention the cost of tennis lessons and membership fees. Tennis, like golf, is a ‘sophisticated’ sport, and can be quite expensive if you’re just getting into it.
Photo by Jon Matthews on Unsplash
Pickleball, on the other hand, is much more affordable than tennis. While you might not have the skills to play on the advanced courts just yet, you won’t feel left out. There are more than enough beginners for you to hit and progress with. Plus, all you truly need to start playing pickleball is a paddle, and most are a fraction of the cost of a tennis racquet.
Pickleball is Accessible to Everyone
Is pickleball easier to play than tennis? Yes, pickleball is a much easier sport to play than tennis. (I’m allowed to say that because I play both.) But it’s a little more complicated than that. The learning curve for the two sports is vastly different. Pickleball is an easier sport to join, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it stays that way. The top performing pickleball players, like professional tennis players, are highly trained, extremely athletic competitors.
Photo by Jon Matthews on Unsplash
Pickleball is Social
One aspect of pickleball that blows tennis out of the water is its social impact. Pickle courts are smaller, more accessible, and (typically) FREE. You can usually find pickleball courts located in your local park. They might actually be right next to the tennis courts.
Since pickleball has gained significant popularity recently, people are open to making new friends and playing against one another. Depending on where you choose to play, there might be a lot of beginners or vice versa. I’d recommend finding courts with a good mix of players. That way, you can make new friends AND hone your skills as a pickleball player.
Pickleball is a Great Way to Stay in Shape
As someone who works a 9-5, I need something at the end of each day to keep me in shape. Pickleball has become my go-to for cardiovascular exercise. It’s a low-impact, high-energy sport, so you can burn calories without worrying about your knees.
Tennis can be quite taxing on your joints, especially your knees and shoulders. Pickleball is an amazing alternative because it offers similar health benefits without the wear and tear.
Photo by Jon Matthews on Unsplash
Pickleball has a High Ceiling for Growth
As much as I love tennis, there is more room for growth in pickleball right now. Tennis has established platforms and leagues that can be quite difficult to join. Pickleball’s professional leagues are still in the development phase, and new opportunities arise every day. Even some former professional tennis players like Andre Agassi are helping pickleball gain more traction.
If you’re an aspiring pickleball pro or someone who wants to watch tournaments live, pickleball’s professional scene is kicking off with some incredible momentum. Stay tuned.
How Can YOU Get Into Pickleball???
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