You have likely seen it, and you have definitely heard it. The repetitive dinking sounds emanating from tennis courts are the telltale indications that someone is playing the trendiest sport you might have never played before: pickleball.
Depending on your background, you may have a predetermined opposition to the sport. Tennis players may look down upon it due to waves of pickleballers taking up their courts, and the sport’s perceived status as easy. If you grew up playing more athletically engaging sports, you may think it looks too boring. Those who play ping pong might look up to it as it basically is a life-sized ping pong game come to life. However, there are the few that view pickleball as the sport of the future – and it very well could be.
Whatever your opinion of pickleball is, we are here to tell you that it is the sport of the summer. It is easy, fun, and trendy, which makes it an ideal sport for those of all athletic backgrounds (or lack thereof).
Pickleball is the perfect sport to pick up as the weather turns beautiful in Philadelphia. It is ideal for getting some sun, raising your heart rate a little bit, but not exhausting yourself and turning into a sweaty mess. Courts are easy to access, whether it be by utilizing the courts at 34th St. and Lancaster Ave next to the 7/11, heading to Schuylkill River Park where you will find places to play, or converting your nearest tennis court into a makeshift pickleball court.
Once you have found a place, playing the game itself is easy. While there are several rules you have to follow (better read up on what “the kitchen” is), following the rules loosely works just fine. Hit the ball over the net and keep it inside the lines of your opponent’s half of the court. If the ball bounces twice before your opponent hits it, or if the ball lands out of bounds, you win a point. There are a few more specific rules, but these are all the basics you need to know when first getting started.
While it is an outside sport, pickleball doesn’t have to be too physically demanding. Pickleball is versatile in that you could settle for a simple rally or play to dominate your opponent.. Furthermore, it is a game that you could play with one other person or a group of people, as it allows for singles matches as well as doubles matches.
The best part about pickleball is that pretty much everyone can pick up a paddle and, within a few rallies, feel like they are a pretty decent pickleballer. Grab a friend or two or five or however many you can gather, and regardless of everyone’s respective skill levels, you will be able to have some pretty entertaining matches.
So, whether you are on campus, at home or at the shore, pick up a paddle and give pickleball a try this summer. You are not going to want to stop.