Pickleball is quite the rage – and has been for several years. In talking with clients and friends from the cities and suburbs, in both the North and South, they all say Pickleball ROCKS! Especially now with dynamic, successful people having worked from home for nearly eleven months – missing competition, sports, and socialization – pickleball seems to “check a number of boxes”.
First, pickleball is played primarily outdoors and is social – and, incidentally, is “socially-distant friendly” (if that is such a thing?). Yes, doggonit, amidst the pandemic people everywhere are craving for safe, social interaction.
Next, pickleball appeals to those who wish to stay active – but without a hassle. Hassle can refer to any number of factors including,
- amount of time & energy required
- cost of sport & equipment
- fitness level required (let’s say “medium fitness level” is ideal)
- ease of finding a location to play
- ability to enjoy social interaction during the sport and, equally as important, after the game.
A location (pictured above) recently discovered by accident was on a side street in a quite nice neighborhood of Southeast Washington, DC. I have also heard reports of moving deck furniture around and creating courts in decent-sized backyards. It does not get more convenient than that.
Positive reviews come from both present and former golfers, tennis players, runners, and armchair sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Especially former tennis players report that pickleball is easy to pick up and less stressful on the body – a plus no matter who you are.
For the competitive, pickleball can branch out to leagues. For the inquisitive, there are pickleball lessons! Mostly, pickleball is meant to be social and sporty. For the high-tech folks, equipment can graduate from basic wooden racquets to carbon-fiber. In the case of carbon fiber, an element of “finesse” is added. Great for post-game sports trash talk.
For those who have spent a lifetime skiing, playing golf or tennis – or who are simply looking for a new leisure pursuit – pickleball has become a legit sport. Most of all, pickleball attracts FUN PEOPLE. Find it in a backyard or neighborhood court near you.