Staying Active

Over the last couple of years, doctors have clarified the benefits of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. Adults 65 and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity. Being physically active can increase mobility, lessen the chance of injury, and improve quality of life. (1)

The benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical, though. Regular exercise also lowers the risk of dementia and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even knowing all the advantages associated with staying active, finding an activity that’s fun, mentally challenging, and physically taxing can be tough. (2)

A Nation of Pickleballers

But if having fun, engaging in friendly competition, and burning calories sounds like your kind of exercise, pickleball may be the sport for you. With over 4.8 million people in the U.S. playing pickleball right now, this fast-growing sport is quickly becoming the favorite of active retirees nationwide. (3)

Where did it come from?

In 1965, Congressman Joel Pritchard and his close friend Bill Bell invented the game to give their families something to do on vacation. Using an old badminton court, they improvised a game using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Over the course of a couple of weeks, their family and friends discovered that this strange new game was tons of fun! (4)

How do you play?

Pickleball is played either doubles (two players per team) or singles, but doubles is most common. This doesn’t mean you have to bring a partner, though. Many leagues and communities have members who are more than happy to play with new teammates.

A standard pickleball play area is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet with the net set at tennis court height. There are a number of easy-to-grasp rules, but the biggest difference between pickleball and tennis is the “serve” and the “kitchen.”

The serve is made underhand in pickleball, and paddle contact with the ball must be made below waist level. Like tennis, the serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. (5)

“The kitchen” is a colloquial term for the non-volley zone. This 3.5-foot wide court section closest to the net extends to each sideline. It's common to hear yells of “Kitchen!” followed by roars of “Ohhhh!” or bellows of laughter during a game. Even seasoned players can find themselves celebrating a great volley, only to realize they’re standing squarely in “the kitchen,” where volleys are a big no-no.

Fun for Everyone

Because pickleball rules are so similar to ping-pong, the barrier to entry can be quite low. Grandparents, grandchildren, and anyone in between can pick up this fun game with little frustration. So next time you’re looking for something to break up the monotony of your normal exercise routine, why don’t you give pickleball a try? Whether you’re a beginner who wants to learn a new sport for fun, or a seasoned athlete who craves the thrill of competitive play, pickleball offers something for everyone.

Sources:

1. CDC.gov, 2022
2. CDC.gov, 2022
3. USAPickleBall.org, 2022
4. USAPickleBall.org, 2022
5. USAPickleBall.org, 2022

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