All about pickleball, a game you should definitely try
What's the story
Pickleball has been making quite a noise in the sports world and for all the good reasons.
This decades-old social game is growing in popularity in the United States and several recreation divisions are adding the sport to their programming list.
The sport's fanbase includes celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Bill Gates, and Melinda Gates.
Here's everything you need to know about it.
Definition
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is basically a paddle sports game that is a combination of tennis and ping-pong.
The game is played on a court that is a quarter the size of a tennis court.
It is usually played in two teams of two people. However, you can also play the game one-to-one.
It is great for beginners as well as seasoned players.
Popularity
Origins of pickleball
Pickleball's origins date back to 1965 when three fathers used a badminton net to invent their own game and get their kids to play a sport.
They then told other people about the game and it gained popularity.
Recently, the USA Pickleball Association had termed the game as "highly contagious."
It reached India in 2006 and has spread to around 16 states.
Pandemic
How the pandemic gave a boost to pickleball?
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed people indoors and they were left with lesser entertainment options.
Since pickleball needed little space to be played, people converted driveways and roads in front of their homes into courts and started playing the game.
What further helped is that it doesn't need you to be a pro at handling the racket, tennis, or ping pong.
Social benefits
Social benefits of playing pickleball
Pickleball is called a social game because it literally brings people together.
The small court ensures that players stay near each other while playing the game.
This proximity leads players to strike conversations and basically just indulge in casual conversations while playing the game.
Meeting people always has a positive impact on humans and can improve your mental health.
Health
Pickleball is great for your health
Playing pickleball makes you active and takes care of your physical and mental health.
It's a relaxing game and helps to improve your balance, hand-eye coordination, agility, and works on your reflexes.
It doesn't put extra strain on your body and is great for older people who have shoulder, hip, knee, or joint pain.
It also helps you burn some calories.
Benefits
Some other health benefits of playing pickleball
Playing pickleball can help to improve your cardiovascular health. It maintains your heart health by reducing the risk of developing harmful heart diseases, like stroke and heart attacks.
It is great for treating osteoporosis which is common among elderly people. It strengthens the bones and keeps your body fit.
Playing pickleball also improves insulin production in your body that prevents the development of diabetes.