Why Is Pickleball Such A Friendly Game?

Much has been said about what a social game pickleball is. We examine how it’s friendly and why, so you can decide if pickleball is the sport for you. 

Many articles about pickleball, a sport that is a delightful mash-up of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, talk about it being an extremely social sport, and how the atmosphere is always friendly when you play. We examine just why pickleball is so special. 

It was built upon a fun premise, and is bits of different sports thrown together in a non-serious way.

Pickleball’s origin story is one that is fun and almost accidental. It was ‘invented’ in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA, when Joel and Joan Pritchard’s son Frank, then 13, was bored and challenged his dad to make up a game. Cobbling together equipment found in a shed, namely a plastic perforated ball and a pair of table tennis paddles, Joel and his friend Bill Bell came up with a new game and played it in the Pritchards’ backyard badminton court. Pickleball was born, and the friendly and breezy spirit of the game has been in place ever since.

The very essence of pickleball is rooted in camaraderie.

Unlike some competitive sports, pickleball emphasises fun and connection over intensity and rivalry. Players often find themselves in light-hearted exchanges, balancing competition with laughter and conversation. The standard pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, promoting close proximity and interaction, making it easy for players to chat, joke, and bond throughout the game.

The game’s social nature extends beyond the court.

The game often includes a culture of post-match gatherings, community events, and social leagues that foster friendships and create a sense of community. Because pickleball can be easily learned and played, it breaks down barriers between age groups and physical ability levels, allowing families and friends to bond and enjoy time together regardless of generational gaps.

Like other sports, pickleball serves up the benefits of exercise and physical activity, but at the same time, players can also reap the rewards of an enhanced social life, increased connection with others, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being. As this sport continues to grow in popularity, it's the friendly and inclusive nature of the game that is setting it apart as a leading social sport for everyone to enjoy.