Pickleball is making a racket.
Don’t let the name fool you. Pickleball may sound silly, but Wilmington, NC resident Darrin Eakins, and others know that the sport is serious. Pickleball blends tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It has a wide-ranging appeal for those looking for athletic activity in a low-pressure environment.
That’s why pickleball has quickly become the country’s fastest-growing sport. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, nearly 5 million people played in 2021. Their report, which is released annually, recorded an impressive 39.3% growth in participation over a two-year window. Eakins and others are picking up paddles to join in on the growing phenomenon.
Yet he also knows it isn’t all fun and games. Pickleball courts are filled with laughter, joy, and camaraderie. But there are countless physical, emotional, and mental benefits that come with participation too.
As an avid player, he has experienced this firsthand. With this in mind, the retired orthopedic surgeon shares five main reasons everyone should take a swing at pickleball.
It is easy to learn.
Pickleball doesn’t try to be complex. Although you can develop advanced skills with practice, beginners can easily grab a paddle and start right away. With a smaller court than traditional tennis, precision and accuracy aren’t necessary for basic volleying. Even the rules are easy to follow since they build on concepts from other sports.
It is accessible.
Pickleball is for everyone. No expensive equipment. No high-level athleticism. No costly memberships. Pickleball lacks many of the barriers of entry that are unfortunately found in most other sports. By contrast, pickleball can be enjoyed by all ages. It’s an ideal exercise for seniors and other people with mobility issues. This is the primary reason Darrin Eakins picked it up in the first place. In 2008, a devastating accident left him disabled in his shoulder and wrist. However, pickleball enables him to stay active.
It is social.
For Darrin Eakins, pickleball is his biggest social outlet. And these sentiments are echoed by millions of players across the U.S. The most popular way to play is with a partner. However, whether you choose to play singles or doubles, it’s easy to carry on a conversation while playing. These interactions and friendships extend well beyond the court.
It is good for the body.
Pickleball checks all the boxes. Burn more calories. Improve coordination and balance. Reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Build muscles. Just like any other form of exercise, pickleball produces a plethora of physical rewards. As a retired doctor, this isn’t surprising to Darrin Eakins. But he knows that pickleball brings something else to the court. As he points out, pickleball is low-impact and less strenuous. This results in fewer injuries.
It is good for your mind.
The benefits of pickleball aren’t just physical. Your mood and mental health are also boosted. The endorphins produced during any exercise are great, but pickleball is unique. The laughter, talking, and other social interactions shared between players drastically improve your mental and emotional well-being. Multiple studies published in the Journal of Positive Psychology have correlated pickleball with overall happiness, satisfaction, and more positive life outlooks.
