Pickleball can be traced back to Bainbridge Island, an island community just outside of Seattle. In 1965, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the rules of pickleball on a badminton court, with the goal to create a game for families to play together.  The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) has seen a membership increase of more than 1,000%, with an estimated 3.3 million players in the United States.  As a matter of fact, pickleball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. 

But what is pickleball exactly, and how did it become so popular? Here are  some of the reasons why the USAPA calls the sport “highly contagious.” 

What is Pickleball? 

A paddle sport that combines all of the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball uses a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. Similar to tennis, it can be played with singles and doubles. The rules are simple, making it the perfect game for any age or skill level. On the other hand, it can be a fast-paced and challenging game when played by experienced players. 

The Court

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, there are over 20,933 pickleball courts across the country. The beauty of the sport is that it can be played nearly anywhere. Pickleball can be played on a badminton court, half a tennis court, or a multipurpose court. Pickleball courts have the great advantage of not needing as much space as a standard tennis court. You can even convert a tennis court into four pickleball courts. 

It’s for Everyone

Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, gameplay allows players to be close enough to one another that they can hold a conversation! This sport is great if you’re looking to catch up with a friend or bond with your family. The simplicity of the game offers something for everyone. Pickleball is also easy for those who don’t have the mobility to play tennis. This makes it an excellent game for those who have injuries or conditions that prevent them from playing a full-court game. 

Now that you are an expert on pickleball, it may be your new favorite sport. To learn more about the Hinding Group’s pickleball courts, contact us!