Pickleball has been around since 1965, but the funnily named sport doesn’t have a ball-shaped pickle or a pickle-shaped ball in use – and most of the time, said ball isn’t even green.
“Pickleball is a blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, or wiffle ball, on a small, netted court,” says Michael Manglardi, co-founder and vice president of operations at Diadem Pickleball Complex, which has locations in Tulsa and Coconut Creek, Fla.
There are also special rules to the game.
“We have a unique two-bounce rule regarding the serve and return of serve,” says Casey Murchison, a pickleball coach at the Premier Pickleball Academy in OKC. The game is primarily played as a doubles game, although singles is a popular option as well.
“Pickleball is loved for its accessibility, easy-to-learn rules and socialness,” says Manglardi. “Once you start playing, you won’t be able to stop – trust us!”
Pickleball is the great equalizer when it comes to sports: players of all ages, sizes and athleticism levels can have fun getting out and playing, says Manglardi. It’s especially friendly to beginners who want to see fast improvement and want to take up a new sport without needing hundreds of hours of lessons and practice. Since pickleball appeals to all ages – from kids to seniors – it makes for the perfect sport to bring people together.
Photos courtesy Diadem Pickleball Complex
Murchison agrees.
“The general demographic here in the Oklahoma City metro area for pickleball is older, but the sport is attracting more and more young people all the time,” he says. “The biggest growth is in the 25-34 age group.”
Manglardi has also noticed a substantial rise in participation from elder Gen Z and younger millennials.
“Over recent years, the average player’s age has dropped into the 30s and is getting younger each year,” he says.
Alongside being an equalizer for players of all skill levels, pickleball is also an accessible sport for different income levels.
“Yes, you’ll also see varying levels of athleticism, from former pro athletes to first-time competitors; pickleball welcomes all,” says Manglardi. “Also, because all you need is a paddle, some balls and a pair of shoes, most anyone can get out and play with a minimal investment in equipment and court times.”
Historically, pickleball was known as a ‘retirement community’ sport intended for senior players. Although many high-end resorts and country clubs are adopting pickleball, the sport can be as fancy or as bare-bones as you want it to be.
“You can play pickleball anywhere you have a 20’ x 44’ flat, smooth concrete slab,” says Murchison. “You can put four pickleball courts on one tennis court as long as you bring your own portable nets. Some churches allow pickleball to be played in their gymnasiums on certain days and times.”
According to Murchison, you can find pickleball gear at most retail sports, or you can always purchase gear where classes are taught.
