Pickleball Pandemonium: A Smash Hit on the Court!

Introduction:

Welcome to the wonderful world of pickleball, the sport that’s been causing a racket (literally!) on courts around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, buckle up for a journey through the history, current popularity, technical, fundamentals, quirky facts, worldwide tournaments and the trend in India.

History of Pickleball: From Paddles to Popularity

Pickleball, often dubbed as the “fastest growing sport in America,” has a fascinating origin story. Picture this: it’s the summer of 1965, and on Bainbridge Island, Washington, three friends – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – are in search of a new family activity. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, they improvised with a makeshift court, lowered the badminton net, and used paddles made of plywood. Thus, pickleball was born!

By 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was constructed, and in 1972, the first corporation was formed to protect the creation of pickleball. By 1984, the USA Pickleball Association governed the sport. And today, what was once a rainy day activity has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon.

In 2015, in an interview with the Pickleball Channel, McCallum (the last living pickleball creator at the time and who died in 2019 at the age of 93) explained that it very quickly became an adult activity.

Why the Sudden Peak in Pickleball Popularity?

What sparked the astronomical uptick in pickleball play? As a pandemic friendly activity, COVID19 didn’t hinder its growth at all.

“During the pandemic, many Americans were seeking ways to stay healthy and active near their homes,” says Laura Gainor, director of media relations for USA Pickleball. “Due to the pickleball court being a quarter of the size of a tennis court, it’s easy to create a court in your driveway, in a parking lot or within a gym space, so many people were introduced to the sport during those unprecedented times playing with their family of four in the driveway.”

But even before the pandemic, pickleball popularity was on the rise. In fact, the number of participants doubled in the last five years. Many players describe it as a great workout that doesn’t feel like a workout. Also, pickleball is purportedly easier on the body—especially the hips and knees—than tennis and other racquet sports.

The fact that anyone can play is a big draw, too. “The game is multigenerational, so we’re seeing grandparents playing with their grandkids and young adults in their 20s and 30s enjoying playing with their parents,” says Gainor.

What Equipment Is Needed to Play Pickleball?

Requirements for playing pickleball are very basic and minimal.

Pickleball is played with a flat paddle as opposed to a stringed racket as seen in tennis and badminton. Though the original paddles were cut out of wood by McCallum himself, today’s modern versions come in various sizes and thickness levels to accommodate your style of play. However, the paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches.

The ball used in pickleball is plastic and perforated with anywhere from 26 to 40 holes, similar to a wiffle ball. The holes create more drag and are a lot lighter and easier to hit than tennis balls. They’re also responsible for the slightly slower pace of the game. The size of the ball is usually 2.87 to 2.97 inches in diameter, and the ball must be a single color (save for any logos).

The sport also requires a 3 foot long net that’s hung at a height of 34 inches in the center.

You need a court space as well, which should be about 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.

Thanks to the sport’s growing popularity, you can now find all in one pickleball starter kits at most sporting goods stores, major retailers like Target or Walmart and online.

Basic rules for pickleball:

Scoring	Pickleball is usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points. Only the serving team can score points.
Serving	The serve must be made underhand. The server must keep both feet behind the baseline and inside the sideline at the time of the serve. The ball must be struck below the waist. The serve is made diagonally crosscourt.
Double Bounce Rule	Each team must play their first shot off the bounce. After the ball has bounced once on each side, both teams are free to either volley the ball (hit it in the air) or play it off the bounce.
Volley Zone (Kitchen)	There is a non volley zone (commonly referred to as the “kitchen”) that extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen unless the ball has bounced in the kitchen.
Faults	Common faults include stepping into the non volley zone (kitchen) and hitting the ball out of bounds. A serve that does not land in the proper diagonal service court is also a fault.
Rotation of Serve	In doubles play, both players on a team get a chance to serve, and then the serve rotates to the opposing team.
Faults on Serve	A fault is declared if the server steps on or over the baseline or the sideline during the serve.
Let Serves	If the ball hits the net and lands in the proper service court, it is called a “let” serve, and the server gets another attempt.
Out of Bounds	A ball that lands outside the court boundaries is considered out of bounds.
Sideline and Baseline	The sideline and baseline are considered in play, and any ball landing on them is considered in.
Doubles Play	Pickleball is often played in doubles, and players on a team must take turns hitting the ball.

Fun Facts to Tickle Your Pickle Fancy:

Name Origins: The name “pickleball” has an interesting tale. Some say it’s named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who would chase after the stray balls. Others claim it’s a nod to the term “pickle boat” in crew racing, referring to a boat made up of leftover oarsmen. Whichever story tickles your fancy, the name has certainly stuck!
Court Size: Pickleball courts are 20 feet by 44 feet, making them a cozy spot for intense rallies and fastpaced action. They are often compared to badminton courts but with a lower net, creating the perfect mix of challenge and excitement.
Pickleball’s Popularity Surge: Over the past decade, pickleball has exploded in popularity, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. It’s not uncommon to find communities hosting pickleball events, leagues, and social gatherings, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Diving into Pickleball Tournaments:

Pickleball future’s in India :

There’s no doubt pickleball is here to stay. Approximately 70 countries across the globe have joined the International Federation of Pickleball, and there’s even talk of trying to add it to the 2028 Olympic games as a demonstration sport.

India, with over 1,000 players and 50 courts, is witnessing the emergence of a vibrant pickleball culture. The sport, although relatively new to the country, is rapidly finding its place in the diverse tapestry of Indian sports.

All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is a registered governing body with the goal to promote the sport of Pickleball in India. They conduct tournaments, demo events, and coaching camps for players who are interested in playing the game. This organization was established in 2008 by Sunil Valavalkar.

The sport’s youthful adoption in India is a promising sign of its future growth. Pickleball’s simplicity and accessibility make it an attractive choice for the younger demographic. As schools and colleges embrace pickleball, it’s becoming a gateway for the youth to participate in a global sporting trend.

Pickleball’s cultural integration in India is noteworthy. Beyond being a sport, it’s becoming a cultural exchange. The game’s adaptability allows it to incorporate local nuances, making it relatable and appealing to a broader audience. This cultural integration is fostering a sense of pride and ownership among Indian pickleball enthusiasts.

Check out Pickleball Academies in India

Conclusion:

Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a community, a culture, and a whole lot of fun. As you dive into the exciting world of pickleball, remember the origins, relish the quirky facts, and keep your eye on the ball during those intense tournament matches. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, pickleball is a sport that welcomes all to experience the joy of the game. So, grab your paddle, hit the court, and get ready for a smashing good time in the world of pickleball pandemonium!