Why Pickleball Is a Popular Outdoor Sport in Florida
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Pickleball is one of the most popular and fastest-growing sports in America, combining tennis, table tennis, and badminton into one legendary sport. Pickleball originated in Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1969, created by a couple of kids who were looking for something exciting to do. Now, it’s a game played by nearly 3 million people.
Pickleball can be played between two people in a singles match or four people in a doubles match. Generally, pickleball courts are outside and are the size of a traditional badminton court with a lower net. The game is played using an oversized paddle and a ball similar to a Wiffle ball. Here are some of the reasons people love to play in Florida.
Pickleball: A Sport for Everyone!
Anyone can play pickleball—it’s relatively easy to pick up and doesn’t require Olympic athleticism to master. To play, all you need is a couple of paddles and a ball, and because tennis courts and other municipal courts can be quickly altered in size, pickleball is affordable and accessible to all. From children to adults, pickleball is the perfect game to stimulate your mind while keeping you active.
The athletic skills you develop playing pickleball can enhance your hand–eye coordination and are transferable to other sports, like baseball, basketball, and tennis. The game is growing so fast that it’s now being played as an intramural collegiate sport, and smaller leagues are popping up in communities all throughout the U.S.
A Sport Centered Around Fun and Friendships
One of the main reasons why pickleball is a popular outdoor sport in Florida is because it’s a social sport. While the game can be competitive, most people enjoy playing because it gives them a chance to meet new people. Games are about 15 minutes long, and the small court size allows people to communicate while playing. Most people prefer playing doubles, meaning less running and strain. Let’s say you play about five games—you’re in and out in a little over an hour, and you may have made five new friends.
Pickleball gives adults an opportunity to stay active and destress. For children, learning to play pickleball can be the foundation of building important life skills like making friends and finding a passion. Also, different generations can take a stab at playing together, which makes pickleball special. In other sports, it’s risky to play full-on with a child or senior due to the risk of injury. With pickleball, there’s not much you’ll have to worry about.
A Unique Sport with a Bit of Everything
In a world where everyone is accustomed to football, basketball, and baseball, pickleball gives things a little twist. Pickleball stands out from other sports because of its unique rules, starting with how score is kept. Generally, scoring goes up to 11 points. However, some matches are higher in points because the winning team must be at least 2 points ahead of their opponent. The receiving team can’t score points until it’s their turn to serve, as points are only tracked from the serving team. Your team serves until there’s a fault.
The serving team must shout the score before each serve, and when you serve, you must do it underhand. The sport moves fast, especially when playing doubles. After every serve, you and your teammate must switch sides. Therefore, if you’re on the serving team, each of you takes turns serving the ball. Since the Wiffle ball has a different spin than traditional balls, you always have to be on your toes, ready to go!
Order a Custom Pickleball Court in Orlando Today
If you’re looking to create a one-of-a-kind pickleball court, Varsity Courts Inc. is Orlando’s top choice. Let our licensed and insured contractors design the pickleball court of your dreams based on your preferences and budget. We use only the best materials to ensure your court stays in good condition and maintains a quality appearance.
Here at Varsity Sports Inc., we take pride as members of the American Sports Builder Association. Since 1977, we’ve constructed, resurfaced, and repaired courts all through Central Florida. Whether you’re looking to produce a multi-sport court or single-use court for your facility, there’s no place better for the job than Varsity Courts. Reach out to our team to learn more about our services by calling 407-602-6168 or completing our contact form!
