As far as sports go, pickleball is one to watch. According to a 2022 report by The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in America from 2019 - 2021, increasing in popularity by 39.3%. From August 2021 - August 2022, more than 36.5 million people played pickleball in the United States.
Invented in Washington in 1965, the sport is also gaining traction in the UK - Pickleball England is aiming for 25,000 members by 2025. With Serena Williams and Ellen DeGeneres having raved about pickleball and George and Amal Clooney calling it a pandemic pastime, we knew we had to pay attention.
WH spoke to Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founding director of Pickleball England, for all the intel.
What is pickleball?
'Pickleball is an easy-to-play sport which uses paddles to hit a hollow, perforated polymer ball over a net and into a court,' says Mitchell. 'It combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis into a single sport, although no experience in these are required to play.
'Pickleball can be played both indoor and outdoors and is a sport designed to accommodate all players of all skillsets with a very limited barrier to entry. Within thirty minutes of playing for the first time, most beginners feel confident to be able to play competently.'
What are the pickleball rules?
While the rules are fairly straightforward, Mitchell breaks them down even more for those who're just starting out.
'For beginners starting pickleball, follow the rules below:
- Each rally begins with a serve to the opponent on the diagonal side
- Your serve must be underhand from the baseline
- The ball must bounce on both sides before either team can volley
- You can only volley outside of the no-volley zone (the no-volley zone is the zone on both sides of the net to avoid downward smashes close to it!)
- The goal is to rally the ball back and forth until a team mis-hits the ball
- You can only win points on your serve
- If playing doubles, both partners serve in a turn
- The first team to 11 points wins, but you must win by two points (e.g 11-9 or 12-10)
How do I choose pickleball paddles?
1. Consider budget
'When it comes to choosing a paddle, firstly set your budget,' Mitchell advises. 'Pickleball paddles can start from £10, making the sport really accessible.'
2. Take weight into account
'Weight is also an important element to consider, as it influences how a paddle feels when you pick it up and swing it around a court,' continues Mitchell.
'Pickleball paddles can range from 6 to 14 ounces [170g - 400g]. A heavier paddle will help you to drive the ball with power but might give you less control or 'touch'. A lighter paddle won't provide as powerful a drive but should increase ball control and feel.
'So, if you feel you need power, then go heavier, or if you need more touch, then go lighter. If you're unsure, then plump for a mid-weight paddle, as that should give you enough power, but still allow you to have the control and touch you'll need.'
3. Know your grip size
'Another factor to consider is grip size,' Mitchell expounds. 'It's a good idea to play with a paddle that has the correct grip circumference for your hand. If you don't know your grip size, then you can find out via measuring your height (if you're under 5'2" you will need a small grip), or measure between your palm and the tip of your ring finger.
'I personally think weight and grip size are the most important elements when considering which paddle to purchase.'
Where can I play pickleball near me in the UK?
On Pickleball England's club locator, you can find the pickleball clubs near you. Membership is free and the organisation offers beginner taster sessions.
Mitchell shares with WH that 'The South East region represents 40% of all Pickleball England memberships. Two of the biggest clubs in the South East are London Pickleball and Runnymede Royals.'
Moreover, she says that '48% of Pickleball England's members are female. That's higher than tennis (41%), badminton (35%) and table tennis (12%).'
Are there pickleball UK tournaments or competitions?
'Pickleball England runs two major tournaments: English OPEN (which had over 1060 players this year) and English Nationals (which had almost 700 players this year),' Mitchell informs WH.
'Pickleball England also runs doubles leagues in each of the regions and festivals around the country. Clubs also organise events and other event organisers are starting to emerge.'
What are the benefits of pickleball?
Like other ways of staying active, Mitchell reminds us that, 'There are so many health benefits to playing pickleball! It's good for improving flexibility and balance, and for building muscle strength. It's also a low-impact way to keep fit.
'It is low cost to participate and is socially inclusive. Risk-wise, to avoid injury, warm up and cool down after play and don’t run backwards!'
