Pickleball: the Who and the Where of It
Pickleball is a relatively new court game which is popular in resorts, clubs, and even prisons. Higher demand for courts has some facilities adding a pickleball court to their existing court, or creating new ones.
The players
Play it with your boots on! Denver Broncos Cheerleader McKenna Hester plays pickleball during an exhibition day for families during the 2018 DoD Warrior Games at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. June 4, 2018. DoD photo by EJ Hersom
Pickleball is finding its way around the U.S. For example; many schools are now offering it as part of their P.E. curriculum for middle and high school students. It’s an excellent ‘starter’ racquet game, which can prepare students for all types of racquet gameplay.
Pickleball is also easy for those who don’t have the mobility necessary for tennis, making it an excellent game for seniors or those who have injuries or conditions which prevent them from playing full court games.
The places
Pickleball can be played nearly anywhere there is a court. Pickleball can be played on half a tennis court, which some players do by using colored tape to create their own temporary lines if they don’t already exist.
Cook County jail uses pickleball as a means to allow inmates an opportunity to play and relieve stress. Inmates say it offers the means to relax and engage in something that doesn’t require them to act ‘tough.’
American and Canadian tourists and retirees are playing pickleball in Mexico, which means it’s slowly spreading across the southern part of North America, as well.
And, of course, many places which already have tennis and basketball courts find pickleball to be a natural addition to their sports lineup. It’s fun which can be shared by everyone, as it doesn’t require learning complicated rules, but can be enough of a challenge that it’s great fun for all levels of players. It can be played as a singles or doubles game, and the court size is the same for either.
The fun
It’s no wonder that pickleball courts are nudging their place into courts all over. Even Europe and Asia are catching the pickleball craze.
Whether players use an existing badminton court or half of a regulation tennis court, pickleball courts have the advantage of not needing as much space as tennis--only half the court size, so more players can have fun in a smaller area.
If you’re considering the addition of a pickleball court to your property, a conversion of an old court, or something else, give us a call. We can help you explore options and make the best decision for your needs and space.
Apex Court Builders specializes in construction, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. We do business in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Prescott and more! Call us today! (480) 384-9141.
