Originating in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball is a recreational outdoor game that combines both tennis and ping pong. Since the beginning of the pandemic, pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity across the country, including at Chapel Hill High School.
Pickleball has grown nearly 40% in the United States since 2019, welcoming over five million new players, making it the fastest growing sport in the country, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association in Maryland.
Besides being simpler than tennis due to a shorter list of rules and regulations, pickleball is played on a much smaller court and at a slower pace, requiring less energy.
The sport’s low intensity and straightforward rules make it easy for all ages to play. Like tennis, pickleball is played in singles or doubles. The ball must bounce at least once on each side of the court, for both the serve and the return of the serve. Once this has happened, either side can play the ball in the air or let it bounce.
“It’s easy to learn and really fun to play with friends,” sophomore Mira Reveles said. “I would definitely recommend pickleball for anyone that’s curious about giving it a try.”
The sport is now even a part of the school’s physical education curriculum.
“Pickleball is an easier version of tennis,” physical education teacher Susan Crammer said. “It first became popular with senior citizens, but now it’s popular with all ages. The court is the size of a badminton court, so it’s much easier to get to the ball.”
The popularity of the sport has given rise to a pickleball club in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area.
“Ever since I tried it out, pickleball has been my new favorite sport,” Lisa Geyer, a Carrboro entrepreneur, said. “Not only is it good for your fitness, but the atmosphere is supportive and friendly, bringing the best out of me on the court.”
Chapel Hill’s pickleball club offers free orientation classes at Ephesus Elementary School with equipment provided. Ephesus’s pickleball courts are available to use every day from dawn to 10:30pm, with open play every morning from nine to noon.
“Students really seem to enjoy playing pickleball,” Crammer said. “By playing pickleball, students improve their coordination, agility and reaction time. The concept and strategies of pickleball are a key mental aspect, which leads to success both on and off the court.”
USA Pickleball, pickleball’s governing body in the United States, has recently reached out to public schools to introduce the sport into physical education activities and after-school programs. Since the start of the pandemic, the program has donated equipment and set up courts for over 10,000 public schools.
“Pickleball is simple to learn and fun to play,” sophomore Lucas Yonish said. “It’s a great sport to get along with others and also it’s something I play with family and friends outside of school now.”
