Tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and, now, pickleball. Whether it’s the quick pace at which the game is played or the adrenaline of the competition or the community it brings, humans seem to be innately drawn to racquet sports. Racquet sports like pickleball have become token “networking sports,” often bringing together business associates for employee bonding. Whatever the reason for its recent popularity, we at Distraction would love to know: what’s rage about, anyways?
According to CNBC and the Association of Pickleball Professionals, 36.5 million people in the United States played Pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022. Described as a mix between tennis and ping-pong, pickleball is fun, beginner friendly, and social, as the sport is played in pairs.
How to Play
Pickleball is often compared to table tennis or racquetball because of the court similarities. The game is played on a regular tennis court with four players in pairs. The players use racquets similar to those of table tennis: paddles made of solid wood that are slightly smaller than a tennis racquet.
Players battle back and forth, volleying a wiffle ball. Gameplay is fast-moving and upbeat, keeping players on their toes. If you don’t want to play, don’t fret — the quick-paced pickleball matches are always fun to watch.
Pickleball is fun for all ages, as it is safe for all bodies. While it’s played on a regulation tennis court, the courts “bounds” are restricted to the front section of the court. This keeps players closer to the net for a more engaging volley while also limiting the running required.
Everyone’s Playing
Sophie Aanes, a University of Miami freshman studying finance and global management, plays with her parents.
“My parents joined a pickleball league together about a year ago, and they play with other pairs of all ages,” said Aanes. “The players, and even the fans, get super into the sport making it both social and competitive.”
Aanes has been playing pickleball recreationally for about a year and loves to play with friends for fun. She enjoys the sport because she can spend time outside while also getting in a good workout. Another plus to pickleball for Aanes is that it’s a bonding experience for her and her friends that is more active than watching a movie together.
If you’re interested in the sport, University of Miami has its own pickleball club. The club is a place for students of all pickleball levels to get involved in a low-stakes, fun student organization.
“[The club has] equipment people can borrow and it’s a lot of fun,” said Brian Kanzer, a UM junior majoring in advertising who also serves as the Pickleball Club’s president.
He describes the club as a great way to meet other students and play with people of all different skill levels.
You can find the club’s players on the courts at the Shaffer Tennis Center, near Stanford Residential College, and in the Herbert Wellness Center every Friday from 5–7 p.m. for open play events.
Pickleball is all the rage and is glorified by all those who play. Are you ready to take a hit at the new sport sensation?
words_maya merchant. photo_ethan dosa. design_maya armster.
This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.
Follow our Social Media:
