The country is experiencing a rare expansion for a new sport, and this is the rise of pickleball and its rules. A true recent recreational sport that is spanning the generations in its popularity and ability for all ages to play. Statistics are coming in and the numbers are astounding. I recently get curious when I hear our city is planning on building some pickleball courts in our main public park.
It turns out that pickleball and its rules is invented in 1965 by three dads who are frustrated and can’t find their shuttlecock to complete their badminton set. It’s a beautiful summer day and they are determined to play if need be by modifying badminton. They decide to combine their badminton court plus their table tennis paddles along with a plastic ball they know won’t hurt their paddles. After some trial and error they lower the net and now their new form of badminton is working great.
New Sport Emerging
This new sport grew slowly across the U.S. and after three decades it is throughout the entire country. These last three decades the sport has gone nuts! There is a group called “Sport and Fitness Industry Association”, and they claim that 8.9 million people play the game is 2020, which is up 80% from 2019. This is a sporting game explosion, and it is even on the radar of small cities like ours. Why is this a must for communities?
Popularity can come from many factors, and this game is one that does not require a big expense, large space and great athletic skills. Youth is not really relevant. Being outdoors and moving is the advantage, and not a lot of space is needed. 2021 statistics show that 73% of players are very infrequent players, maybe playing 7 times a year. Another great statistic is that 29% of the players are 18-34 years old. Kids make up 21%, 35-54 are 20% and us seniors at 65+ years are almost as close as the younger adults at 18%. This group actually plays the game more often. Being retired has a lot to do with this statistic and the fact that this game is physically fairly easy.
The Court Itself
Pickleball and its rules brings along an advantage of its court size. This wonderful game can be played indoors or out with a minimal space compared to tennis. The court itself is 20’ wide and not the tennis size of 36’. Here’s a big difference; the length is 44’ verses the tennis length of 78’. So for us seniors there is not nearly as much court area to defend and the game itself is much slower with the plastic ball. There are senior and special needs centers throughout this country now that have players in wheelchairs playing.
More courts need to be built for the current demand. Right now there are approximately 44,000 pickleball courts and the numbers for the popularity that currently exists looks like another 25,000 will meet this demand. I’m proud of our little city recognizing this need already. And couples like myself and my hubby will be outside giving this game a try knowing our expectations are just moving and having fun.
Rules are nice to Know
Thousands and thousands of eager wanna-be players are going onto the internet to find the rules. We now have the ‘USA Pickleball Official Rulebook’. USA Pickleball Organization publish their first rulebook in 1984, and like many sports the rules adjust over time. There are changes for 2024 for pickleball and its rules, just waiting for you to study them. You have the honors and my blessing to check them out completely!
For some simplified rules by the USA Pickleball Org., they have a Rules Summary PDF of the rules here: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/
Physical Risks
The Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are reporting that over the last 20 years pickleball injuries have gone up over 90x. And for us seniors, this is from falling in the age group of 60-69. We know our bodies are no longer as skilled, but our competitive nature still lives on! Balance probably plays a large part of this susceptibility we have. Something to consider on the days you might feel a little wanke in the balance department.
Guess where the biggest trend in searching on Google for pickleball and its rules is? Utah, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. These are the high trend search states, and these states are booming with the migration and existence of our seniors.
Fun Sport for All
Give this game a try. Compete with your opponent on the other side of the net, despite their age. This game is great for all ages, most of your relatives, and if you are lucky some great neighbors. Have the local kids stay safe under our watchful eyes, and if you are in a town with this game in your local parks, give them a thumbs up. So, the sporting needs of the community are being met for all the beloved citizens needing some fresh air. Here’s a ‘Shout Out’ to these towns’ leadership!