We are Obsessed with this Court-Side Take Over
Move over tennis, there’s a new court sweetheart.
Pickleball, a fast-paced and engaging sport, has been gaining popularity worldwide. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, this sport offers a unique and enjoyable experience for players of all ages and skill levels. Plus, the fashion surrounding court sports has taken over! Put your tennis skort to good use and try your serve at Pickleball.
Pickleball is played on a court that is similar to a badminton court, with a net dividing it into two halves. Here are the basic rules:
Equipment: Pickleball is played with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The paddle is used to strike the ball over the net.
Serving: The game begins with an underhand serve diagonally across the net. The serve must clear the non-volley zone (a 7-foot area near the net) and land in the opposing court. After the initial serve, both teams can score points.
Scoring: Points are scored by the serving team only and occur when the opposing team fails to return the ball successfully. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a two-point lead is required to win.
Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side before hitting it volley-style. Once both teams have completed this initial double bounce, volleys can be played from any point on the court.
Pickleball has amassed a massive following in recent years. The numbers speak for themselves: According to exclusive data from the Association of Pickleball Professionals shared with CNBC, over 36.5 million individuals indulged in the sport from August 2021 to August 2022. This impressive figure marks a significant surge from the previous year's modest 5 million players. The game's popularity has skyrocketed, with a staggering 29 million people embracing Pickleball, showcasing an incredible trajectory. In a 2023 report, it was revealed that a remarkable 14% of Americans had experienced the thrill of playing Pickleball in the past year. With Pickleball on the rise, it might be time to give it a go.
Pickleball is relatively easy to pick up and can be played in both singles and doubles formats. The sport is perfectly adjusted based on skill level meaning you could have a friendly go or an all-out U.S Open. Pickleball differs from tennis in a few ways. Those mainly being a smaller court, different equipment, and an emphasis on strategy and shot placement rather than longer rallies and intense running like it’s cousin-tennis.
If you’re looking to get on the court and try something new this summer, Pickleball could be worth a shot. Find a Pickleball court near you here. And if you’re looking to cross-train to prep for your game, hop into a MARGO’S class. Work on cardio-vascular conditioning and strength building in CARDIO and SCULPT, practice visual tracking and mind-body connection in STEP, or recover from a big match in STRETCH. Whatever you choose, MARGO’S is here to up your game.