Words and images by Tian Li
Pickleball, a racquet sport similar to tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has started to gain interest in Australia over the past year.
The game is easy for beginners to learn but can also develop into fast-paced and competitive one.
The playing style of pickleball is similar to tennis, but the rules and scoring are quite different, including aspects such as the serve, the two-bounce rule, and the non-volley zone (also called the kitchen).
Pickleball was invented by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, outside Seattle, in the United States. Their goal was to create some summertime fun for their kids.
The sport’s name has several origin stories, with one popular anecdote involving Pritchard’s family dog. While they were playing the dog, named Pickles, loved chasing stray balls around the court, so they decided to name the sport after the dog.
While pickleball is not a new sport, it has gained popularity in recent years in America, especially since COVID-19, due to its social and communicative features.
The sport allows players to maintain a safe distance while also engaging in physical exercises with family and friends.
Pickleball has started to gain interest in Australia over the past year.
Mandy Corbett, a professional pickleball player and coach, is at the forefront of this movement. She currently holds the No.1 ranking in singles and doubles for the ladies’ Masters 50+ age group in Australia.
Corbett has been kind enough to share her insights on this exciting game.
Smaller court
“Because the court for pickleball is much smaller – it’s the same as a badminton court,” Corbett said. “People come and play when they stop playing tennis and it’s a little bit easier on the body.”
Wide age range
“The average age of people at the moment in Australia playing pickleball is between the ages of 40 to 60,” Corbett explained. “We even have some 70-year-olds and 80-year-olds who are still playing.
“And now we are starting to get young players as well, but a lot of them are people who used to play tennis.”
Easier for beginners
“It’s an easier sport because the court is smaller,” she said. “Even starting off people can have a rally; you can do it as a family.”
Social sport
“It’s a lot of fun because you’re in close proximity to each other,” Corbett remarked. “You always find everybody laughing and having a good time.”
Business
According to Corbett, pickleball coaches will soon be in high demand as the sport continues to grow. Additionally, the demand for pickleball gear, including paddles and other equipment, is on the rise, creating a significant market opportunity.
Impact on competitive sports
“Pickleball is easy to play but difficult to master,” Corbett said. “The last few years there were only a few competitions, and now we’re getting lots of competitions.
“Also, money competitions, professional leagues, so people getting prize money for playing.”
For more information, you can check out the PAA 2024 tournaments.
Impact on society
As Corbett pointed out, pickleball is more accessible for families compared to tennis.
“Even starting off people can have a rally, and you can do it as a family,” she said, noting that pickleball involves people of all ages – mums, dads, kids, grandparents, and even aunts and uncles.
“Tennis is a little bit more difficult to do that because you spend a lot of time picking up balls or missing balls.
“With pickleball, you can get more games going and rallies going, and different age people.”
The social aspect of pickleball is also key.
“Everyone can play,” she added, “and it is being quite social as well.”
The future of Pickleball
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past three years, and the global takeover has already begun in Australia.
Corbett believes it will be the fastest-growing sport in the Australia as well.
If you haven’t played yet, come and give it a try.
Featured image: People playing pickleball at the Waitara tennis courts. The yellow lines mark the pickleball courts, with one tennis court able to be divided into four pickleball courts. Photo: Tian Li