Lately, a novel trend in recreational sports has been emerging commonly referred to as “pickleball.” Especially in urban centers, it has become a convenient sport, requiring only a sparse amount of equipment, to engage in and participate.
What is pickleball, you ask? For those unfamiliar, pickleball is a relatively recent sporting invention, conceived in 1965 by American businessman and politician Joel Pritchard. Pickleball, generally speaking, is an amalgamation of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Competition can ensue between either singles, or doubles. The only fundamental equipment required is a ball, a paddle, and a durable pair of sneakers.
Pickleball is played on a 44-foot by 22-foot court, just slightly smaller than a regulation-sized tennis court. Pickleball paddles are significantly smaller than tennis racquets, while also having shorter handles. Pickleballs, moreover, are made of plastic as opposed to rubber; which makes them less bouncy than tennis balls. Games proceed according to a two-bounce rule, meaning the ball must bounce once before either side can return a volley. Contests generally conclude once a team or player reaches 11 points, though with the caveat that the victor must win by 2.
Apart from engaging in the fun interplay of competition, pickleball also affords a number of health benefits to its participants. Several are delineated in the article below.
Improves Coordination
Similar to tennis, pickleball requires hitting and receiving a ball. Players who are more practiced refine their technique continually, in order to direct the ball toward inconvenient places on the court that make it challenging for opponents to adequately respond. The constant repetition invariably improves one’s hand-eye coordination and precision.
Cardiovascular Health
Whether participating individually or in pairs, pickeball requires its competitors to constantly move, especially during sustained sets of play. Though upon first glance, pickeball may not seem particularly kinetic or over-exerting, that would be a false impression. Over a prolonged game, pickeball can actually serve as a remarkably effective cardiovascular workout, increasing one’s heart rate; and thereby reducing one’s blood pressure and lowering levels of cholesterol. In fact, in a study conducted in 2022, researchers compared the cardiovascular effects of those who engaged in walking for a half-hour versus those who instead engaged in a half-hour of pickleball. Those who played doubles pickleball had 14% higher heart rates while active; burned 36% more calories; and experienced by higher “enjoyment” levels by 150%. Pickleball is both healthy and fun!
Prevents Osteoporosis
Pickeball is a sport that is largely inviting to people of any age-level. Youth is certainly not a prerequisite for participation. Though one’s aptitude for pickleball can be piqued if one is a bit more dexterous and quick, the circumscribed and contained nature of the sport can limit the advantage of those abilities. More than anything else, pickleball is fundamentally low-impact sport that nevertheless is complemented by movement. The required exertion is necessary for maintaining healthy bones, joints and muscles. That is why, especially for folks of a more elder disposition, pickleball can be helpful in mitigating bone loss and preventing more insidious maladies like osteoporosis.
Lower Level of Stress
Unlike other methods of exercise, which can be isolative and pursued unenthusiastically, pickleball is far more mentally engaging. If you’re mind is swallowed in stress, pickeball can be a resolute salve. Not only will you engage in the mental aerobics of interacting in a game that requires a degree of strategy, you’ll also be coordinating your efforts in conjunction with a teammate – If you are playing in pairs. The mental stimulus involved in playing capable can, at least for a time, ameliorate the adversarial effects that any prevailing stressors might be causing. Moreover, the consequent release of endorphins catalyzed by cardiovascular activity will similarly leave you with a temporarily improved outlook.
Improves Mental Dexterity
It isn’t astonishing that pickleball should improve one’s flexibility and coordination. Proficiency in the sport requires finesse of both. Surprisingly, however, it can also staunch mental rigidity, while improving cognitive dexterity. According to Catherine Nobile, a noted psychologist, “[Pickleball’s fast-paced nature and ever changing dynamics necessitate quick decision-making, the ability to adjust strategies swiftly, and the capacity to adapt to opponents action and teamwork nuances.” The emphasis on overall strategy along with the dual necessity of quick response-times, combine to create a more well-dispositioned tolerance toward the general challenges of life. Pickleball, hence, can also be a useful mental and emotional exercise.
Community
Pickleball is an eminently accessible sport. It’s one reason why it is gaining increasing traction throughout communities in America. It’s easy to learn, it can be played at any local park or gym that includes a tennis court, and more and more localities are organizing recreational leagues to facilitate increased competition. Consequently, the popularity of the sport has been exponential, expanding evermore, creating spaces for recreationally-minded individuals to interact and mingle. Not only does pickleball offer useful physical exercise, it fashions opportunities for communities to be established.
For additional articles on physical exercise, reference the following articles:
10 Reasons Swimming Is Good For Your Health
