What is pickleball ？
Pickleball is a dynamic racket sport that blends elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Played on a court roughly the size of a badminton court, it features a net about the height of a tennis net. The game uses a hollow plastic ball with multiple holes, slightly larger than a tennis ball. Similar to tennis, you can hit the ball either in the air or after it has bounced. With millions of enthusiasts worldwide and a growing reputation, Pickleball is an engaging, inclusive sport suitable for all ages.
Pickleball Court Layout
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court, measuring 20 by 44 feet. The court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. The court is marked similarly to a tennis court, featuring right and left service areas and a 7-foot non-volley zone near the net, known as the “kitchen.” Courts can be purpose-built for pickleball or adapted from existing tennis or badminton courts.
26 holes of pickleball versus 40 holes
Pickleball comes in two varieties: the 26-hole and 40-hole balls, each with distinct characteristics:
Weight: The 26-hole ball weighs between 23g and 24g, while the 40-hole ball ranges from 25g to 26g.
Material: The 26-hole outdoor ball combines indoor ball elasticity with outdoor ball durability. In contrast, the 40-hole indoor ball is made from thicker material and tends to be less expensive.
Diameter: The 40-hole ball has a diameter of up to 74mm, whereas the 26-hole ball is only slightly larger at 76mm.
Bounce: Both types of balls bounce similarly, achieving a height of 76.2cm to 86.4cm when dropped from 1.98m.
Durability: Both balls withstand up to 15,000 hits (equivalent to driving at 70 MPH) without cracking.
Typically, the 26-hole ball is preferred for indoor play, while the 40-hole ball is used for outdoor games.
Future Trends in Pickleball
According to a 2023 report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, nearly 9 million people in the United States are pickleball enthusiasts. This is fewer than the 20 million tennis fans, less than 1.5 million badminton players, and close to 1 million table tennis enthusiasts. The popularity of pickleball is growing rapidly, with an annual increase of over 20%. It is projected that by 2030, there will be 40 million pickleball players worldwide.
In the U.S., the sport is supported by two major professional leagues: the Professional Pickleball Association and the Association of Pickleball Professionals, which host 20 and 30 major tournaments each year, respectively. Professional pickleball players are predominantly aged between 14 and 35.
Pickleball’s popularity is also rising in Europe and Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. As of the end of 2022, over 60 countries have joined the International Pickleball Federation and have hosted 12 international competitions. Pickleball will be featured as a performance sport at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with expectations that it will soon be an official Olympic sport and included in other international competitions.
Additionally, pickleball is increasingly recognized by educational institutions. Many schools are incorporating it into their physical education programs, with over 500 schools in New York State alone offering related courses. Internationally, more schools are adopting pickleball into their curriculums. The sport enhances physical fitness, coordination, and reflexes, while fostering teamwork and social skills among students.
Join the Pickleball Revolution!
Are you ready to dive into the fastest-growing sport in America? Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or picking up a paddle for the first time, pickleball is all about fun, fitness, and friendship!
Why Pickleball?
- Easy to Learn: With simple rules and a smaller court, you’ll be playing in no time!
- Great for All Ages: Families, friends, and seniors can all enjoy this exciting game together.
- Health Benefits: Get a full-body workout while having a blast—improving your agility, strength, and coordination.
Join Our Community! Our local pickleball club offers regular games, clinics, and tournaments. Meet new friends, challenge yourself, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow players.
Don’t Miss Out! Grab your paddle and join the pickleball craze today! Whether you want to play casually or competitively, there’s a spot for you on the court.
Get Started Now! Visit our website to find a class or drop-in session near you. Let’s serve up some fun!