8 Exciting Benefits of Playing Pickleball
When people discuss the phenomenal growth of pickleball, they often refer to it as the fastest-growing sport in America or as a game gaining popularity with numerous benefits. But let's describe it more vividly. Picture the growth of pickleball as a roaring snowball hurtling down a mountainside, flailing its arms uncontrollably. In other words, it's an unstoppable force, and the benefits of playing are equally remarkable (minus the flailing arms).
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| 8 Exciting Benefits of Playing Pickleball |
Now, let's dive into what pickleball can actually offer you in real terms. By the end of this article, you'll clearly understand the incredible advantages of playing pickleball, and hopefully, you'll be motivated enough to hit the courts. Let's get started!
1. Rediscover Your Competitive Edge
Were you a competitive, athletic, or driven individual in your late teens or early twenties? Do you long to feel that way again? Many sports require a certain level of physical ability and athleticism, setting high barriers to entry. However, pickleball is different. While athleticism can be advantageous, it's optional to excel in this sport.
If you enjoy the spirit of competition, pickleball is the perfect game for you. You don't have to be in your prime to play it well. Many seniors in the pickleball community can outperform young 20-year-olds any day of the week. That's the magic of pickleball.
You might be concerned about whether your body is up for the game, but you'll be fine as long as you play it safe! Pickleball welcomes people of all athletic levels, making it an ideal sport for you to get into, no matter where you are physically.
2. Fulfill Your Exercise Needs
Pickleball is an excellent sport to pursue after your college years. It's highly active and exhilarating. If you enjoy a blend of finesse and speed, then pickleball is the game for you.
Moreover, pickleball is a sport you can engage in even a few years after graduating. It's affordable and can be as time-consuming as you desire.
But here's the hidden gem of pickleball that many overlook: it offers the flexibility to adjust the intensity of your workout. You can play as much pickleball as you want each week, but if you're seeking a truly challenging workout, consider playing singles instead of doubles. Singles are considerably more demanding.
If you're new to pickleball, let me explain a crucial element. There's a section of the court near the net called the non-volley zone, often referred to as "the kitchen." You must remain outside this zone in proper pickleball play, but you can run or walk to get there. Running is recommended, but it's not the only option.
This physical flexibility is ideal for those who desire a specific level of exercise each week without pushing their bodies too hard.
3. Budget-Friendly Sport
Before I discovered pickleball, I used to play golf. One thing I disliked about golf was how expensive it was, both in terms of startup costs and ongoing expenses.
Fortunately, pickleball is different. You can get started in pickleball for around $300. Alternatively, if you already own a decent pair of court or tennis shoes, you can begin for as little as $60. With $300, you can acquire top-notch paddles and shoes, while $200 can get you a great pair of shoes and a decent paddle.
Pro tip: Ensure you wear court or tennis shoes for pickleball, not running shoes!
That covers the startup costs! The only remaining expenses are court fees, which are typically minimal. For instance, at the tennis centre near me in Plano, TX, the courts cost only $4 for 3–4 hours of play. Public recreation centres nationwide are also starting to offer pickleball, with fees ranging from free to a few dollars.
This affordability is one of the remarkable benefits of playing pickleball. You can pursue this hobby all year round without breaking the bank. Of course, you can spend more money on the game if you choose, but it's not a requirement!
4. Embrace the Social Experience
Tennis and pickleball differ significantly in terms of cultural and social aspects, as I discussed with Dusty Stephenson in one of my podcast episodes. While tennis is social, pickleball takes the social element to another level.
Pickleball originated as a means of entertainment on a summer vacation island in Seattle. The game's essence remains the same. Picture people setting up lawn chairs, firing up the BBQ, and enjoying one of the most entertaining sports.
However, it's not just about the spectacle; it's about the experience for the players.
Playing pickleball creates a cosy atmosphere on the court. After all, the court is half the size of a tennis court, and pickleball is typically played in doubles. You're squeezing four passionate players into a 44-foot area. Can you imagine the banter, witty remarks, and bursts of laughter that ensue during your favourite sport?
It's a guarantee.
This social aspect of pickleball is undeniable. I've made more new friends through pickleball than any other activity. It's truly amazing. We even organize pickleball Christmas parties, complete with pickleball-themed wreaths. Yes, you heard that right!
Pickleball is the perfect fit if you're seeking a fun and social way to make new friends. You might even meet your future spouse on the court.
5. Strive for New Goals:
Humans thrive on accomplishment. When we achieve something, big or small, our brains release dopamine, the "feel good" chemical, which motivates us to continue doing more of what we've accomplished. While this mechanism isn't foolproof and can lead to addiction in some instances, it works wonders in the realm of pickleball.
Consistently playing pickleball provides a steady stream of "feel good" chemicals, akin to experiencing a runner's high. You've probably heard people say that pickleball is "addictive." In reality, the dopamine release makes it feel so good. However, it's not merely the act of playing that brings this pleasure, but the process and journey behind it.
Improving in something you love feels incredibly rewarding. Striving for a goal, even within a game, boosts our self-esteem and confidence in the future.
Stories have captivated us for centuries, with tales of heroes and their noble acts of valour and sacrifice. While you may not be battling dragons on the pickleball court (if you are, please share the video!), engaging in a fierce pickleball match evokes the same feeling. It's like embarking on "the hero's journey."
Embarking on your pickleball journey can be your personal hero's journey. So, are you ready to begin? Check out my getting started resources and get ready for an adventure!
6. Join a Thriving Community:
You've probably heard that pickleball is spreading like wildfire. But unexplored greenery patches are waiting for you to discover their hidden treasures within this wildfire. Believe me, there are plenty of untapped opportunities out there.
That's actually how I started this website.
In the first place. When I began playing pickleball, it was a fun idea to document my experiences as a beginner. It was purely for my enjoyment and to provide some useful insights to my friends.
Little did I know that my words would attract readers like you, dear reader, who are interested in what I have to say about this amazing sport. It presented an opportunity, and I seized it.
That's the beauty of a new phenomenon like pickleball—it brings forth opportunities. You can utilize your unique skills and talents to contribute to the pickleball community. Perhaps you can volunteer for tournaments or social events or find other ways to make a positive impact. The pickleball world offers a myriad of possibilities beyond just playing the game.
I know individuals who started playing pickleball just a year ago. Now they travel nationwide to participate in tournaments or even organize and manage their tournaments. There are countless opportunities within this sport waiting for you to explore and embrace if you have the drive and determination.
7. Easy Entry and Endless Growth:
Pickleball follows a design principle similar to that of triple-A video game studios: easy to learn, difficult to master. Many of the most enjoyable games throughout our lives adhere to this rule. And the advantages of this principle cannot be overstated. If you're considering starting pickleball, you don't have to spend months training to achieve success. I guarantee that your first time on the court will be a rewarding experience.
That's the beauty of pickleball. It's a game that's easy to get started in because the concepts and rules are simple to grasp. However, as you gain experience, you'll uncover the strategic depth beneath the surface. The more you play pickleball, the more you realize its intricacies and tactics.
But as a beginner, you don't need to worry about all of that. You don't have to be well-versed in advanced pickleball strategies. All you need to do is follow the basic rules, get the ball over the net, and, most importantly, have fun!
8. Unparalleled Fun and Excitement:
It's challenging to put into words just how fun pickleball is. It's a thrilling experience that can border on the absurd.
You might wonder what it's like if you're considering playing pickleball. Picture a game that's fast-paced, unpredictable, and intense yet also slow, deliberate, patient, and full of finesse. Playing pickleball feels like being in the middle of an epic chase scene in a movie, where you're carefully manoeuvring through traffic while simultaneously speeding along frantically.
That's the essence of pickleball. There will be moments when everything moves so quickly that it's hard to keep up. But there will also be moments when the game slows down, and players exchange soft shots that increase the intensity. This is especially true during long rallies, where the adrenaline pumps through your veins like never before. It's an exhilarating experience.
The best part is that you don't have to spend countless hours training or empty your wallet to reach this level of enjoyment. If you have basic hand-eye coordination, you can start having these incredible experiences early on. And trust me, they will keep you hooked for a long time.
For me, pickleball is the most enjoyable activity I've ever participated in. Even more exciting is that I can continue playing it for decades.
Conclusion
Are you feeling pumped up? I hope so. My goal was to convince you that pickleball is an incredible sport for you to embrace. So don't hesitate! Get out there and give it a try!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
