Pickleball: The New Kid in Town

From 2021 to 2023, pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States. In fact, in 2022 alone, a shocking 36.5 million American adults were recorded to have participated in a game of pickleball. 

But what exactly is pickleball? And what makes it so popular?  This sport has gained traction because of its simplicity and adaptability. Known for being a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, pickleball continues to catch the attention of sports lovers as it allows players to enjoy the sport and engage in physical activity. 

Pickleball effectively incorporates the fundamentals of tennis – specifically, its court and swing motion. Like any other racquet sport, pickleball is primarily played with four people (doubles) but also allows players to go one-on-one (singles). 

People indulge themselves in pickleball because of the difference in the racquet weight, ball stiffness, and lower costs to get into the sport. Swing motion, grip pressure, and footwork are also factors that affect how the game is played. Aside from the basic swing motion, the importance of the grip of the paddle is often overlooked. If it is held too tightly, it may restrict the swing motion and accuracy of the hit. However, if it is held too lightly, the strength and reliability of the swing will not be consistent as well. The correct footwork also allows the players to naturally hit the ball with accuracy. 

Despite these demanding techniques, pickleball enthusiasts still find the sport thrilling. The famous “pop-pop-pop” sound, the groans of the players, and the constant movement as the game progresses are simple yet amusing experiences that highlight the excitement of the sport. This sport is especially beginner-friendly and requires much less movement compared to other racquet sports. In a game reaching 11 points, where players have to win by at least two points, the sport adapts to a relatively smaller court which allows players to interact as they play. 

Across the country, more and more Filipinos have been joining the pickleball mania. In response to the sudden increase in demand, enthusiasts have taken the initiative to open a total of 41 playing venues all around the country. According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), the Philippines accumulated seven gold, silver, and bronze medals each in the Asia Pickleball Open held in March 2023. Together with other countries in Asia, the PPF aims to achieve a standing on the podium in the Southeast Asia Games in 2025.

References:

Team, T. D. M. (2023a, January 5). New Study reveals 36.5 million people played pickleball last year. The Dink. https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/app-participation-report-2023/#:~:text=New%20Study%20Reveals%2036.5%20Million%20People%20Played%20Pickleball%20Last%20Year,-by%20The%20Dink&text=According%20to%20the%202023%20APP,equals%2036.5%20million%20pickleball%20players! 

Lets play, Dink and enjoy the game!. Philippine Pickleball Federation. (n.d.). https://www.pickleball.ph/  

(2022, February 11). 4 important pickleball mechanics every player should know. High Five Pickleball. https://highfivepickleball.com/4-important-pickleball-mechanics-every-player-should-know/  

Pickleball statistics: America’s fastest growing sport in 2023. The Pickleball Dinks. (n.d.). https://www.thepickleballdinks.com/post/pickleball-statistics