It’s not too late to get involved in America’s fastest growing sport

Before the pandemic, most people had never heard of pickleball. But as restrictions eased, LA County announced the reopening of outdoor spaces for low-contact recreational activities, including tennis courts, pickleball courts and community gardens.

“Pickleball? “What is pickleball?” was the question many Angelenos asked themselves when they heard the news. Fast forward a few years and pickleball is now widely considered the fastest growing sport, not just in Southern California, but across North America. It seems like everyone is playing it, and if you’ve ever wanted to give it a try, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Where to play?
Across the Southland, more parks and recreation facilities are responding to demands from residents who show up at city council meetings and express their desire for more pickleball courts. And it’s working, converting underused tennis courts into pickleball courts. The space required for just one tennis court can easily accommodate four pickleball courts. Instead of two or four people using the space, up to 16 people can engage in an activity at the same time.

A compromise, however, was to paint pickleball court lines on existing tennis courts so that the court could be used for both. Pickleball requires players to bring a portable net that you can easily set up and take down each time.

North of Los Angeles, the city of Pasadena recently cut the ribbon on three new permanent playgrounds Viña Vieja Parklocated at 3026 E. Orange Grove Blvd., with plans to build additional spaces in the future. For local pickleball fans, this couldn’t happen soon enough. However, these places are not lit, so play is limited to the hours between dawn and dusk. In parks with lights, pickleball courts are typically used every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Another option is to join a private pickleball facility, such as: iPickle. They have locations in South Pasadena, Arcadia, South El Monte, La Habra and Cerritos. For a monthly fee, members enjoy the benefits of reserved space after paying an initiation fee, so you don’t have to wait your turn at a public park. Of course, their courses are top notch and well maintained, and they offer group and private lessons, as well as a pro shop stocked with the latest equipment and supplies, as well as refreshments.

Glen Jacinto, Director of Marketing at iPickle, summed up Pickleball’s popularity and growth: “I love how Pickleball brings everyone together, regardless of age, background or skill level.” The sport and its community invite new players like no other sport and I enjoy being a part of it and continuing to share it with new players!” For more information, see iPickle.com.

What you need
The first thing you’ll need is a pickleball racket, which you can purchase at most major retailers and sporting goods stores or order online. Don’t be surprised if you’re overwhelmed by the variety of paddles in different shapes, colors and prices. A set of two beginner paddles starts at just $20, while a single “pro” paddle will set your wallet back $300.

You just need something to get you started, but like most, after a few months you’ll be browsing online stores debating whether to go for an elongated paddle or perhaps one with a hybrid shape. Do you need one with a thickness of 14mm or perhaps one with a carbon fiber/Kevlar fabric? Yes, it’s endless, but you’ll love it!

The next item you should invest in is a proper pair of pumps. Some people play with running shoes, but this is not recommended as running shoes are designed to provide comfort and support for one-way movement. For pickleball, you should wear a proper tennis shoe or a special pickleball shoe. Pumps provide more lateral support for quick sideways movements; With a running shoe you won’t have the same support and in the worst case scenario you risk twisting your ankle chasing your opponent’s crosscourt backhand throw.

Finally, you need a ball. There are dozens of brands and a variety of colors to choose from. The most popular choice among pickleballers is the bright neon yellow ball because it is easier to see, especially at night. Just make sure you choose one that is suitable for outdoor seating and not indoor seating.

The game
Without going into the details of the scoring system, you should know that pickleball is usually played as a doubles game, two on two. There are gender doubles with a team of two women against two women or two men against two men. There are also mixed doubles, like in tennis, where a woman and her male partner play against another woman and another man. But when playing a casual game, there are no hard and fast rules, so any combination you can think of is fine. The first team to score 11 points wins, but you must win by two points, and the typical game lasts about 15 minutes. Of course, you can also play a solo game and get twice as much exercise!

Note that you don’t need a partner to start playing. Just show up to your local park and put your paddle in the rack to participate in an educational game with other strangers – after a game or two, they won’t be strangers anymore.

The benefits
It depends on your priorities, but running around the field chasing the little yellow ball is inherently great exercise. You’re outside and getting some sunshine; You increase your heart rate; and you start sweating.

These are the physical benefits. However, a large part of pickleball’s increasing popularity is due to the social aspect of the game. While you’re waiting for a meal, you’ll inevitably strike up a conversation with other like-minded people talking about their new paddle or cool shoes. Soon you’re exchanging numbers and your phone book ends up with a string of names with the word “pickleball” next to them. This serves as a long list of friends that you can text to arrange your next game.

Have fun!
Even if you’ve never played tennis or picked up a racquetball racket before, most beginners can start playing after about an hour of lessons and practice. You will play a game and make friends along the way. Before long, you’ll be watching it on TV, searching for instructional videos online, participating in local tournaments, and planning your next vacation around the game. Then all you have to do is ask yourself why you didn’t start playing pickleball sooner.

-David Chee