What is Pickleball??

Pickleball is played with a paddle, smaller than a tennis racquet and larger than a ping-pong paddle, and a plastic ball, similar to a wiffleball.  Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.  A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and is used for both singles and doubles play.

Pickleball is played by all ages, but is favored particularly by children and seniors for a few reasons. The speed of the ball moves much slower than the speed of a tennis ball and players find it easier on the body playing on a smaller court.  Pickleball not only has the fun factor, but it has many health benefits that go along with the sport.

Playing pickleball can boost your mood and overall mental health while you burn calories.  Fewer injuries occur due to the low impact nature of the game. Pickleball specifically works on your balance and agility while it also offers the same benefits of other regular exercise, which include reducing your risk of heart attack and chronic disease, toning your muscles and increasing your energy.  Most of all, pickleball is a social sport where you will create friendships anywhere you play.  (https://healthbeat.spectrumhealth.org/pickleball-fastest-growing-sport-america/#:~:text=Playing%20pickleball%20can%20boost%20your,benefits%20of%20other%20regular%20exercise)

Pickleball is especially beneficial for older adults.  “Pickleball is a great sport for active living across the lifetime,” says Jonathan Casper, Ph.D., an associate professor of sports management at North Carolina State University. “Because it’s similar to other racquet sports, you can learn the game pretty quickly, and you can play for as long as your body will let you.”  Pickleball helps lower the risk of heart disease, cut the risk of depression, get hooked on exercise, socialize more and you may stay independent longer. (https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/pickleball-health-benefits/)

At the Rec Center, we offer reservable pickleball courts and pickleball leagues.  People of all ages and skill levels meet up at the Rec for some fun and friendly competition on the court.  Please give us a call at 535-6772 or stop in if you would like more information about one of the fastest growing sports in America!