Do you enjoy playing sports? If so, you may consider picking up pickleball. Pickleball grew in 2021 to 4.8 million players in the US, according to the 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Single Sports Report on Pickleball. The game is a fun way to get some exercise while spending time with friends.
What is Pickleball, and How Is It Played?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game is played on a court with a net similar to tennis, with the addition of a pickleball (similar to a Wiffle ball) and paddles.
Here’s how to play pickleball:
It is played with two or four players. Players use solid paddle strokes to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The ball must bounce on the ground before it can be returned.
Points are scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball, hits the ball out of bounds, or hits the ball into the net. The team to score 11 points wins the game.
Read more: How to Play pickleball on a Tennis Court?
Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball
1. Increased Cardiovascular Health
Pickleball exercise is a great way to pump your heart and improve cardiovascular health. The game’s fast-paced nature means you’ll get a great workout without even realizing it. Plus, pickleball is a low-impact sport, so it’s easy on your joints and muscles.
2. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
You must keep your eyes on the ball when playing pickleball and react quickly. This improved hand-eye coordination can also help you in other areas of life.
Pickleball for seniors is an excellent option if you’re looking for a way to improve your hand-eye coordination. The quick reflexes required to play the game can help you in other areas of life, such as driving or playing other sports.
3. Stronger Arm and Shoulder Muscles
Any time you use your muscles, they must work harder, adapt, and grow stronger. It is why playing pickleball can lead to bigger biceps and triceps. The motion of swinging a pickleball paddle uses all the muscles in your arms, from your shoulders to your wrists. The backhand swing works muscles not used as often in other sports, such as tennis. It can lead to better muscle balance and fewer injuries.
4. More Agility and Speed
Agility is the ability to change your body’s position and direction quickly. It’s an essential quality for pickleball players because the game is played on a court that’s only one-third the size of a tennis court. Players need to move quickly to reach the ball.
5. Enhanced Balance
Balancing on one foot while trying to return a shot is no easy task, but you have to do it often in pickleball. The good news is that the more you play, your balance will improve. This improved sense of balance can help reduce your risk of falls and injuries on and off the court.
Talbot Tennis is among the best pickleball court contractors who will design and install your own private or community court. We will work with you every step to ensure your court is perfect for you.