With flyswatters, scorpions and tweeners
It’s a game on the rise, and for good reason. An engaging racquet sport that uses silly terms like dillball, flabjack and falafel, pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, that’s easy to pick up for players of all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re looking for time off from your caregiving duties, a smashing way to stay active or fun way to enjoy a morning with friends, a game of pickleball may be just the ticket.
The game is played by two or four players, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It requires a court about one-third the size of a tennis court. Many games are actually played on tennis courts—sometimes to the chagrin of tennis players, I might add. Others are hosted on purpose-built courts, inside or out.
The aim of the game is to hit the ball over a net and into your opponent’s side of the court. Pickleball’s simplicity, and quick pace, make it easy to pick up, yet challenging enough to keep a group of players engage.
It’s good for you
The benefits of playing pickleball seem numerous, not the least of which is the easy access and affordability. It’s also:
1) Easy on the joints:
One of the biggest draws of pickleball is its low-impact nature. The smaller court and slower game make it gentler on the body, perfect for those with joint issues. This easy access helps ensure that everyone, regardless of fitness level, can enjoy the sport.
2) Social and community-oriented:
Pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a social event. Many people are drawn to its community aspect, where they can meet new friends and enjoy time with old ones. Local leagues and tournaments provide a chance for players to connect, compete, and have fun together.
3) Indoor and outdoor fun:
Canada’s varying weather can be a challenge for some outdoor sports, but pickleball’s flexibility seems to give it a definite advantage. Many of our cities have built indoor courts, so players can stay active and engaged in the game, on a year-round basis, no matter the season.
4) Health benefits:
Playing regularly is a great way to get a bit of exercise. It’s an activity that is said to offer cardiovascular benefits, improve coordination and balance and even helps with weight management. Plus, because it’s less intense than some other sports, it’s a safer choice for many players.
Increasingly popular
While pickleball is a relatively new phenomenon its growing from coast-to-coast according to a 2023 survey by Pickleball Canada. Findings suggest that:
• More than 1.3 million Canadians now play pickleball at least once per month, with more than half playing four or more times per month.
• In early July 2024, Pickleball Canada reached 70,000 members!
• It remains a favourite among older adults.
• There’s been significant growth among younger Canadians aged 18 to 34.
• The game attracts more women than men.
• Stats show a nearly 50% increase in high school graduates and a nearly 70% rise among those with less than a high school education.
Meeting demand
In response to the sports growth, plenty of communities are investing in new courts and facilities to keep up with demand. In cities you’ll find pickleball courts popping up in parks and community centres. In smaller towns, enthusiastic locals are often the driving force behind new court projects. This grassroots growth reflects how much Canadians are embracing the sport.
An inclusive activity
Para Pickleball is now being played in different parts of the country. Players in wheelchairs can, and are, playing in single or doubles as in regular pickleball or, in teams made up of a wheelchair player partnered with a standing player.
A few modifications have been made for the wheelchair athlete. A double bounce is allowed for the wheelchair athlete and the front wheels of his chair can cross the non-volley line.
Events and tournaments
Canada now hosts a variety of pickleball tournaments, from local matches to national championships. These events offer players a chance to compete and improve their skills, while also bringing people together. Major tournaments like the Canadian National Pickleball Championships attract players and spectators from across the country and continue to help raise the sport’s profile.
Looking ahead
The future of pickleball does indeed look bright. With more people discovering the sport’s benefits and communities investing in facilities, the game is set to remain a popular choice.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about trying something new in your spare time, pickleball offers a fun and fulfilling way to stay fit and engaged.
Kaylie Dolan is a graduate student in International Migration and Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a freelance writer for the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
Talk about unusual
Here’s are some of the wacky definitions that are used in a game of pickleball.
• Nutmeg: Hitting a ball that goes through your opponent’s legs
• Nasty Nelson: When a server intentionally hits the non-receiving opposite player with the ball to gain a point
• Kitchen: The front two rectangular boxes that enclose the net. You can’t step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces in it first.
• Dink: To softly hit a ball from near the kitchen into your opponent’s kitchen—an ideally short drop that’s unattackable.
• Shake-n-bake: A doubles play that leads to a net rush and a high ball for a quick putaway.
