Pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities, thanks to its ease of play and simple rules. The sport is inexpensive, social and healthy, and has been widely accepted in fire stations, local parks, athletic clubs and thousands of backyard sports courts as well. And in recent years, thousands of pickleball courts have been built, especially in senior communities.
The content below is important. But be sure to also check out the videos later in this post. They start right in the page so you don’t lose your place. Watch them to learn more about why pickleball is a perfect senior sport and how to warm up to protect your body and win!
Playing pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., may ward off depression and improve fitness for middle-age and seniors, according to two new studies on the game’s many health benefits.
Pickleball is a popular sport that is played by using racquets and combines some elements and features of a number of other games including tennis, ping pong and badminton. Adult retirement parks and 55+ community resorts are building new pickleball courts and converting available tennis courts to the new pickleball craze in the Snowbird community.
Though easy to learn, pickleball provides endless opportunities for individual improvement and learning subtle techniques. Many players who initially dismiss the sport as amateurish, simplistic or noisy now find it quite addicting. With a perfect mix of competitive challenge, moderate exercise, and social connection it’s the perfect sport for middle-aged and seniors alike.
PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Many pickleball players are in middle age or senior years. The sport offers aerobic exercise without a lot of risk of injury. Games usually last 10 to 15 minutes, so players can take frequent breaks, and since the court is small and most people play doubles, there’s no serious running — making it comfortable to the seniors.
A Western State Colorado University study of 153 middle-aged and older adults found that playing pickleball for one hour a few times a week for six weeks resulted in improved blood pressure. But weight loss, bone mass maintenance, cardiovascular health, and increased hand-eye coordination are all also correlated to serious play.
The physical health benefits combined with pickleball’s “fun factor,” makes it an ideal form of physical activity for middle age through senior years.
DID YOU KNOW? Many middle-age and seniors say that they left tennis for pickleball because it requires less mobility and also makes it fun to play.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
One of the best things about it is the social connections people make, especially with seniors. We need this whether we are single or married.
A Japanese study published in the journal Leisure Studies May 2018 issue focused on 153 older adults competing in pickleball tournaments and found that the serious leisure activity was positively connected to lower levels of depression.
TIP: When the grandkids come to visit teach them the game… they’ll never forget the fun they had and will love you for it!
A Quick History of Pickleball
Pickleball was discovered during the summer of 1965 in Washington, US by three friends – Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum.
Interesting and Completely Useless fact: “Pickle” was the name of the family dog where the three invented the game. (at least so the story goes)
Is Pickleball easy to Learn to Play?
The general rules of the game are simple and easy and that is what makes it easy for the beginners to start playing the game. You can get started right away.
CAUTION: “Picklers”, as they are called, have been known to become addicted to the sport the first time they play.
How to Play – A 2 minute Primer
Pickleball terms You need to Know:
Volley: Hitting the ball in the air without letting the ball bounce on your side
Kitchen: This is the box in the middle that is on both sides which is the no volley zone. Players are not allowed to step on the Kitchen if they’re trying to hit a volley
Ace: A serve that isn’t returned by the opposing player
Approach Shot: When you hit the ball as you approach the net
Baseline: The line which is at the very back of the court
Backcourt: The court area that’s a few feet from the baseline
Bounce It: When the team player lets the ball bounce because it is landing out of the boundary
Champion Shot: When the ball hits the floor twice outside the Volley Zone
Like tennis, badminton, ping pong, or other similar sports, there are always two sides and a net in between. Pickleball is played in either doubles or singles. The ball is considered in if it contacts the line, outside the line it is considered a fault. Just remember the serve, double bounce, and fault. Then go on your own or join a club… just go have some fun!
The Serve
The start of the game begins with a serve which is usually done by the player on the right. When serving the opponent, the player must be behind the line and must hit the ball over the net underhanded.
The serve is only considered valid if it crosses the net without hitting it and it should also not land in the kitchen. If the ball hits the net but still it manages to land on the opponents square then it is called a “let” and the person gets to serve again. And if the ball hits the net without crossing it or it lands in the Kitchen area then the serve counts and the opponents get a fault.
Double Bounce
When the ball has been served the opponent must let the ball bounce once on their side and then the team who served it must let it bounce once on their side too. Once this is done then both the teams are allowed to hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce on their side. This no-bounce shot is known as volley.
Serving and Double Bounce rules favor the player with less mobility and even allow the senior players to compete successfully with the younger competitors.
Faults
Whenever a player makes a mistake and/or breaks the rules which gives the opposing team a point. The point can only be scored by the serving team.
Here are the reasons why a fault might occur in Pickleball:
a. The ball hits your side more than once
b. If the player hits the ball twice
c. If the player while hitting the volley steps into the kitchen
d. If both the teammates hit the ball
e. If the ball hits the net
f. If the ball has been hit out of the boundary
Equipment
Starting pickleball is easy and inexpensive. You’ll just need a racket and they can be picked up for anywhere between $20-$80. But borrow one to start if you’re unsure. Your 55+ community snowbird park pickleball club will have a few to use as you try the sport out. Some sell a few models of rackets also. Check them out and check out our resources page too for our favourites.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an inclusive, accessible, non-elitist sport that eliminates any social and economic barriers. It strengthens the body and mind. Middle-age and seniors are flocking to the sport.
There are nearly 3.3 million users and many of the top players have no prior racquet or paddle short experience. You can expect that number to keep increasing as a greater number of people are curious to learn about pickleball.