Are you looking for a fun new way to stay fit? Pickleball could be the answer. This sport was only invented in the 60s, but it has recently been growing in popularity. It’s a good bet that you may have heard of it. According to USA Pickleball, there was a growth of 14.8 percent in the number of players in 2021 compared to the year before. In fact, there are an astounding 4.8 million Americans involved with the sport as of this writing.
If you’re curious about why so many people are drawn to it, here are seven of the best reasons to try this popular game.
1. Pickleball Is Accessible to Players of Any Age
It can sometimes be a challenge to maintain an exercise routine as we get older. Bodies age and injuries happen. One good thing about pickleball is that it can be enjoyed by people of any age. So, whether you’re in top physical condition or looking to get back into a fitness routine after years of inactivity, pickleball is quite accessible. There are no official age requirements, meaning that cross-generational play is common. The only criterion is that you need enough strength to swing a paddle. This makes it a great family pastime as well.
2. Pickleball Is a Low-Impact, No-Contact Sport
The usual definition of a low-impact activity is that one foot remains in contact with the ground. Pickleball courts are quite compact, so you don’t need to rush around to cover the court area. There’s not a lot of running around the court or jumping to respond to a shot. You can move more slowly compared to him other sports played on courts and you won’t be in physical contact with other players.
Your body is under relatively little stress, so bones and joints are not likely to be injured. You can build up your strength and stamina at a reasonable pace while experiencing the excitement of the competition.
3. Pickleball Promotes Movement
Pickleball participants engage in healthy movement that benefits their cardiovascular system and muscles without over exerting. As people age, staying limber and fit promotes good overall health and staves off many diseases. Since pickleball is an activity that you can practice for life, it can help you to keep your body moving and can assist in your rehabilitation after an injury or another health issue. You can easily meet the recommended requirement of 30 minutes of exercise a day by incorporating regular pickleball games into your routine.
4. Pickleball Enhances Balance
Balance is critical for good health and longevity. Having good balance is necessary to maintain a healthy and strong body and pickleball offers a great way to ensure this. This sport helps players not only improve their balance, but their hand-eye coordination, too. Moving around the court enhances your balance while the activity of hitting the ball with the paddle brings better hand-eye responses.
5. Pickleball Is Easy to Learn
One aspect of pickleball that makes it so well liked is that the rules are simple and easy to learn. You can grasp the guidelines quickly and try it out to see if you want to pursue it further. In addition, novices can pick up a game against more experienced participants without much trouble.
Essentially, there are five basic rules. The ball must stay within the white line of the court, or inbounds, for play to continue. The ball is given only one bounce per side of the net before it must be returned. Players serve with one foot behind the baseline. There’s a clearly marked no-volley zone where the ball cannot land if you don’t want to lose your serve. Finally, the game is over when one team reaches 11 points.
6. Pickleball Is Economical to Play
Many sporting activities require expensive equipment, but happily, pickleball isn’t one of them. Balls and paddles retail as low as $15 to $30. If you have the money to spend, you can easily spend $200 or more for a deluxe paddle, however. No costly pads or helmets are needed, and when it comes to footwear, a good pair of athletic shoes will do. Pickleball can be played either inside or outside. Courts are popping up everywhere, so you should be able to find one that doesn’t cost a lot to book or an economical membership at a local facility.
7. Pickleball Is a Great Way to Socialize
There’s nothing better for your mental health than taking part in a team activity like pickleball. The opportunity to meet others and the impact of the friendships that you can make cannot be understated. Since the activity is played either in pairs or doubles teams, you’re bound to benefit from the social aspect. Plus, once you get a little experience under your belt, you might consider entering a pickleball tournament. This offers a chance to travel and meet more new people.
Final Thoughts
While these are the often-reported reasons that pickleball players have for joining the sport, you’re sure to find you own unique benefits.