Pickleball, the Fast-Growing Sport Taking the UK by Storm

Pickleball, the Growing Sport Making its Impact in the UK

As a burgeoning presence within the realm of sports, pickleball has been creating ripples, and the reasons behind this are quite evident. According to a 2022 report by The Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the United States has seen a remarkable surge in the popularity of pickleball, with a 39.3% increase from 2019 to 2021. In fact, during the period from August 2021 to August 2022, over 36.5 million individuals engaged in playing pickleball.

This readily accessible sport, which was first conceived in Washington in 1965, has also been gaining momentum in the UK, with Pickleball England setting the ambitious target of reaching 25,000 members by 2025. Notably, prominent figures such as Serena Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney, and Amal Clooney have all expressed their admiration for this sport, with many of them even making it a pastime during the pandemic.

To provide comprehensive insights into the world of pickleball, an interview was conducted with Karen Mitchell, the chair and co-founding director of Pickleball England.

Understanding Pickleball
Pickleball, as elucidated by Mitchell, is an engaging sport that entails the use of paddles to strike a hollow, perforated polymer ball over a net and onto a court. It seamlessly amalgamates elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis into a singular sport, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels, including those with minimal experience in any of those individual sports.

Pickleball can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors and has been designed to be all-encompassing, permitting players of all skill levels to partake without facing substantial barriers to entry. Consequently, even beginners often find themselves feeling confident and proficient in the game after just thirty minutes of play.

Understanding the Rules of Pickleball
For beginners, Mitchell simplifies the rules as follows:

– A rally commences with a serve to the opponent on the diagonal side
– The serve must be made underhand from the baseline
– The ball must bounce on both sides before either team can volley
– Volleying is only permissible outside of the no-volley zone, which serves to prevent downward smashes close to the net
– The objective is to rally the ball back and forth until a team mis-hits the ball
– Points can solely be secured on the serve
– In doubles, both partners take turns serving
– The first team to accumulate 11 points emerges as the victor, though a two-point lead is obligatory (e.g. 11-9 or 12-10)

Selecting Pickleball Paddles
Mitchell offers guidance for choosing the appropriate pickleball paddle:

– Budget considerations: Paddles are available starting from £10, rendering the sport accessible to all
– Weight: The weight of the paddle impacts power and control
– Grip size: Paddles with a correct grip circumference are essential for comfortable play

Locating a Pickleball Playing Venue in the UK
Information on pickleball clubs near you can be obtained through the club locator offered by Pickleball England, with membership being complimentary. Furthermore, the organization provides beginner taster sessions to aid newcomers in getting started.

Mitchell reveals that the South East region accounts for 40% of all Pickleball England memberships, with London Pickleball and Runnymede Royals being two prominent clubs in the South East. Interestingly, 48% of the members of Pickleball England are female, a percentage higher than that of tennis (41%), badminton (35%), and table tennis (12%).

Pickleball Tournaments and Competitions in the UK
Pickleball England organizes two significant tournaments: English OPEN, which garnered participation from over 1060 players this year, and English Nationals, which attracted nearly 700 players. In addition to these tournaments, Pickleball England also arranges doubles leagues in each region and hosts festivals across the country. Moreover, local clubs and other event organizers are beginning to schedule pickleball events.

The Health Benefits of Pickleball
Mitchell underscores the numerous health benefits of playing pickleball, highlighting its positive impact on flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. She also emphasizes that pickleball is a low-impact means of staying fit and is socially inclusive. To avoid injuries, Mitchell advises warming up and cooling down after playing and discourages moving backwards while playing.

Pickleball is unquestionably captivating the UK, providing an enjoyable and inclusive approach for individuals to remain active and engaged in sports. With its rapidly growing popularity, it is no surprise that pickleball is fast becoming a preferred choice for numerous sports enthusiasts.