Win or lose, I always have a lot of fun when I’m playing pickleball, and I know I’m not alone here! I’ve read posts online where people say, “Even if I lose, I still have fun playing pickleball.”
In casual or social play, winning or losing isn’t nearly as important as how you enjoyed the game. The happiness coach and health educator in me got to thinking: what is it that makes pickleball so fun?
So, I came up with the following seven reasons:
1. Inclusivity: Pickleball is easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re old or young, you can pick up pickleball relatively quickly. (For many people, the scoring is more confusing than the gameplay.) The pickleball community is usually very welcoming to all, which appeals to our sense of community.
2. Social Interaction: We play a lot of doubles in pickleball, which naturally promotes social interaction and teamwork among people of all ages. I’ve played back-to-back games with a 13-year-old partner and an 83-year-old partner. Plus, being on a shorter court, players can’t help but interact with each other. Remember: we’re humans – we need social interaction!
3. Physical Activity: Pickleball gives you a great workout without being overly strenuous. (Of course, it can be an intensive workout if you want it to be. Looking at you singles players!) Movement is great for our health and our happiness, as it has been shown to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps us feel happier.
Click here to learn more about the extensive health benefits of pickleball. From increasing your strength to boosting your mental health, pickleball is one of the best ways to live healthier and longer.
4. Fast-Paced Gameplay: Pickleball combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, resulting in a fast-paced and exciting game. The smaller court size makes for intense rallies (firefights), keeping us on our toes and entertained.
It’s like we get to be stars of our own brief action movies! Imagine Akira Kurosawa’s classic samurai epic, Seven Samurai, except instead of katanas, they have pickleball paddles, and instead of being set during the Sengoku dynasty in rural Japan, you’re at your local Chicken N Pickle franchise.
5. Varied Skill Levels: Pickleball accommodates players of different skill levels, allowing beginners to play alongside more experienced players. This inclusivity makes it enjoyable for everyone involved, as rallies can still be fun regardless of skill level.
New people feel happier as they learn from more experienced players, while more experienced players are rewarded by knowing they helped a fellow human learn new skills. Once again, we always try to prioritize building a sense of community with our fellow players!
6. Strategic Elements: Pickleball involves quick thinking and decision-making. It’s like a fast-moving chess match: Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves, strategically place shots, and communicate effectively with their partner. This adds an intellectual challenge to the game. Nothing feels better than successfully executing and scoring a phenomenal point that you planned out two shots ago.
7. Low Barrier to Entry: Pickleball requires minimal equipment and can be played on a small court, making it accessible to a wide range of people. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a hard playing surface, be it a driveway or a pro-level court. In fact, we started playing pickleball by putting down chalk outlines in our driveway.
The game is very portable. Even if you only have room to set up a little backyard dinking area, it can still be fun and help you build your skill level. It’s important to remember that when we play pickleball, we are simply spending time with friends popping wiffle balls off of tiny paddles. At its core, pickleball can let us all be kids again.
A Special Note from a Passionate Player
Michele Blanchard, a 67-year-old pickleball enthusiast, beautifully captures the essence of why so many people, including myself, are drawn to this game. She shares:
“For me, pickleball provides an alternative reality. It provides a break from the stress of daily living. I feel like my 10-year-old self out on the court. I laugh, give and receive positive feedback, and have fun regardless of the outcome. The play is challenging, which is fun in itself. Ninety-nine percent of pickleball players I have met are kind, and I have developed friendships with so many of them. I have so much gratitude that I get to walk out onto a court, take lessons to improve, see my friends in Rec play, and stretch my comfort zone in tournaments. FUN describes my pickleball experience.”
Michele’s words resonate deeply, reminding us that at its heart, pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a community of kindness, learning, and, most importantly, fun. Whether we are 10 or 67, pickleball has the magical ability to make us feel youthful, vibrant, and connected.
We would love to hear your comments on what you really enjoy about pickleball! Contact us here to let us know what it is about pickleball that keeps you returning to the court. We’re always eager to hear a new story about what makes this game so special.
