Can you guess what the fastest growing sport is since 2019? Yes, it’s pickleball, the new craze that is soaring in popularity across the nation. What is pickleball? Around since the mid-1960s, pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Actually, it’s a species all its own; it is played with a light whiffle type ball, the racquets are smaller than tennis, the courts are smaller than tennis, and the players seem to have more fun than tennis or badminton.
It seems players are migrating to Pickleball from tennis, and perhaps for good reason. Pickleball is easier to learn, there is less ground to cover, and it’s somewhat slower paced. The advantage over ping-pong is the overall better work out you get.
Pickleball courts can be found outdoors or in sports centers. To date, there are more than 38,000 indoor and outdoor courts in the U.S. Condo associations like the property efficiency of pickleball, since one could conceivably fit three pickleball courts in the space of a single tennis court.
“The pandemic certainly helped accelerate the growth of the sport, but it was growing very steadily before that,” says Stu Upson, the CEO of USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing body in the U.S., which manages all the rules and regulations for Pickleball.
Research indicates less than a quarter of U.S. adults get enough physical activity, and that percentage decreases with age. One of the main barriers to exercising is the lack of social interaction, which helps with motivation to exercise. However, that seems to be changing with pickleball, based on its popularity and reputation for social interaction.
The Messenger spoke to Andrew Ritter, the General Manager at Pickle N Par, a relatively new sports facility in Smithtown that contains nine pickle ball courts, as well as changing rooms and a comfortable lounge area. While Ritter explained the facility can host corporate events, fundraisers, and birthday parties, the real attraction is playing pickleball and the social interaction between players.
Pickle N Par member Linda Rose, of Smithtown, says she’s been playing pickleball for about two years now, having transitioned over from tennis.
“I absolutely love it, especially the social interaction,” said Rose, who typically plays doubles at Pickle N Par.
Ritter explained that pickleball appeals to all ages, with players ranging from ten years old to eighty-five. Ritter then pointed out “Chickie,” the eighty-five-year-old woman who was playing doubles on court number seven.
As with most sports, therapists and trainers recommend players stretch and warm up prior to playing. Also, remember to wear comfortable attire and stay hydrated, whether playing indoors or out. A little warm up and prevention can go a long way to avoiding injuries, such as muscle strains or other injuries. If beginning a new workout, consult your healthcare professional first.
Recent research from Western Colorado University indicates pickleball provides a moderate intensity workout, comparable to hiking, yoga, and water aerobics. Additionally, players saw significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, blood pressure and maximal oxygen uptake, all measures of improved cardiovascular fitness. And don’t underestimate the benefit of stress relief.
Ritter explained, “In pickleball, you’re hitting a plastic wiffle-like ball, so it’s less bouncy and doesn’t fly as fast through the air, which is appealing to players.” Also, the “paddle is much easier to handle because it’s shorter and lighter than a tennis racket.” In pickleball, you also serve underhand, and underhand serves are easier to hit and return, added Ritter.
“Because the paddle is small, pickleball is great for hand-eye coordination as well as neuromuscular coordination,” says Heather Milton, an exercise physiologist at the Sports Performance Center at NYU Langone Health. “And because there’s rotation involved, you’re working your core along with your upper and lower extremities.”
Another member who was eager to join the conversation was seventy-four-year-old Alan Furman, of Hauppauge, who said he’s been playing pickleball for about a year and a half. Another tennis convert, Furman loves the “smaller court and the great work out” he gets. Like Rose, he said he enjoys the social camaraderie the sport offers. Furman said he plays about twice a week at Pickle N Par.
With tennis, it’s important to play with someone “at or near the same skill level,” said Ritter. However, with Pickleball, players find they can have a great experience playing with players of various ages and experience.
“It just works that way,” said Ritter. That seemed to be the case, judging by how busy the courts were this particular Thursday morning.
Pickle N Par has a web site, Home – Pickle N Par, where visitors can watch a video, see photos, book an event, or reserve playing time. They also have a sister facility in Hauppauge, which has four courts. Lessons are available at each facility. There is even an app for players looking for the convenience of reserving a court using their smart phone.
Have fun!
Pickle N Par is located at 62 Lake Avenue South in Nesconset. They also have a facility at 515 Broadhollow Road in Melville.
