Pickleball: The ultimate family sport

Pickleball is the UK's newest racket sport and it's taking off in a big way. Anyone can pick up a paddle or four to enjoy family fun and fitness benefits too. In this article we'll explain why it's such a great family sport and how easy it is for you to give it a try. 

Reasons why pickleball is great for families

One of the main reasons for pickleball's wide-scale adoption is that it's a fantastic game for players of all ages and abilities. Beginners can quickly pick up the basic skills, while capable racket sports players will find it challenges their existing tactics and techniques.

For families, pickleball could be the answer to the constant challenge of getting everyone active in a fun and effective way. All generations can join in, whether you are highly competitive and in it to win, or just want a fun knockabout without any pressure.

The health benefits of pickleball

The NHS Change for Life programme recommends that kids should aim for 60 minutes of activity every day. With the lure of games consoles, snapchat and Netflix, it can be hard to tempt teens or toddlers away from their screens. But a fresh new sport could just spark their interest. Fifteen-minute pickleball games give players a decent workout, without feeling daunting if they're at the start of a fitness journey. 

Why pickleball is great for beginners and casual players

The newness of pickleball is also a benefit when it comes to sporting self-esteem, If an adult is already a good racket sport player, it can put youngsters off joining in, if they fear they'll look incompetent. But if it's the first time for everyone, trying a game of pickleball is less intimidating. Kids usually get the hang of pickleball quickly, which builds their self-confidence and encourages them to keep playing.

Fun is a big thing on the pickleball court

The fun factor is another big plus. Pickleball fans praise the sociable, friendly and entertaining nature of the game. Rallies move on fast, so mistakes are quickly forgotten. Playing in a four on a small court creates a certain amount of physical comedy, with pickleball players dodging each other and calling out instructions to try and share the shots to best advantage. Laughter is a key ingredient. 

Why pickleball is ideal for players of all ages

It's not just youngsters who are flocking to the sport. The accessibility of pickleball means it's easy to involve older family members who might be putting off joining in with more aggressive or intense sports.

Simple pickleball equipment to get started

Getting your family into pickleball doesn't need to be a big deal. Use a portable net and chalk out a court on a driveway or recreation area, or find an indoor or outdoor pickleball venue nearby.

All you need is a set of paddles and a ball, plus the rules of the game. For harmonious family play, make sure everyone grasps the rules before you start scoring!

At pdhsports.com we have all the kit you need in our specialist pickleball department. We've all played the game and we've got plenty of information to bring you up to speed about pickleball - from winning tactics to advice about the best rackets to buy today for different abilities and budgets. If you'd like more details about the origins of pickleball and details of how to play, take a look at our comprehensive blog post that summarises the basics of pickleball.