Pickleball is a relatively new sport that has quickly captured the hearts of many around the world. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it has become popular among all generations due to its simplicity and fun.
Pickleball is played on a court measuring 20×44 feet (approximately 6×13 meters), which is the same size as a badminton court. The net is set at a height of 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the edges and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in the center. Players use solid paddles and a perforated ball, similar to a ping-pong ball.
The rules are simple: the game starts with a serve that is executed below the waist, and the ball must bounce once on the opponent’s side before being hit back. After that, the ball can be hit in the air or after a bounce. The goal is to reach 11 points, and the difference must be at least two points.
Pickleball was created in 1965 by three fathers from Bainbridge Island, Washington, who were looking for an activity for their children during the summer break. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented this sport by combining elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Soon, pickleball spread throughout the neighborhood and became a popular family sport.
Today, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and is popular in many other countries such as Canada, Mexico, Spain, and India. There are numerous clubs and associations that organize competitions and tournaments, and the number of players continues to grow.
Currently, among the best players in pickleball are Ben Johns, Simone Jardim, and Lucy Kovalova. These athletes stand out with their technique and strategy and regularly win awards at international tournaments.
The popularity of pickleball grows each year, and social media plays a significant role in that. Many people discover the sport through videos and posts on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Pickleball is particularly popular among retirees due to its low physical impact, but it is also favored by younger individuals seeking new and fun activities.
Pickleball is a sport that offers many health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and socialization. Its simplicity and fun make it ideal for all ages and physical abilities. Given the increasing popularity of pickleball, there is no doubt that this sport will continue to capture the world’s attention in the future.
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