As a parent or grandparent, you’re probably wondering, “Is pickleball for kids?” Yes!
Not only is it for kids, but you can actually play with them even if you are worried about your age.
Pickleball is simple enough that it is possible.
Continue reading to learn more about pickleball and why it is good for your kids.
Pickleball The Sport
Pickleball is a fun racquet sport that uses techniques and strategies from tennis, ping-pong, and badminton.
You play pickleball on a court a little bit smaller than a standard tennis court.
You can play with four players in a doubles match or two in a singles match.
Each player uses a paddle-like racquet, and the balls are made of plastic and have holes in them (similar to a wiffle ball).
Related Reading: Paddle Tennis Vs. Pickleball – Click Here To Learn.
The Background of Pickleball
The state of Washington is where people first played pickleball.
In 1965, Congressman Joel Pritchard and a friend started playing a game with ping-pong paddles and plastic wiffle balls similar to badminton.
They did this just for fun and competition, and as they played more, they came up with rules and criteria for the game.
Two years later, Pritchard built the first “official” court in his backyard, and the sport was named pickleball in 1972.
Pickleball for Kids; 9 Reasons
Simple to Play
Pickleball is a racquet sport, like tennis, but it is easy to learn and play.
You can learn how to play pickleball and a full game on your first day.
The more kids play the game; the easier it is for their skills to grow and improve.
A Family Activity
The game is excellent for people of all ages. Pickleball is a fun game for the whole family to play.
It is safe enough for you to play with your grandparents and cousins simultaneously!
It’s also an excellent way for busy families to spend time together.
The best thing about this sport is that kids can play outside with their grandparents and great-grandparents.
You can also make a makeshift court in your backyard and play this game at family gatherings or parties.
Affordable Equipment
Pickleball doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear as other sports do.
The most important things for kids to have are paddles, balls, and shoes.
The balls can cost less than $10, and the paddles can cost anywhere from $20 to $150.
At first, kids could wear any shoes and buy better ones later.
On the other hand, you can make the court out of any flat surface.
If you want your kids to play the sport anywhere, buy a portable net and tape the lines.
This is a great sport that your kids will love and won’t break the bank.
Smaller Courts
Less than a third of a tennis court is a pickleball court.
When we consider that the balls used are slower, this means that points and rallies last longer than in tennis.
So, it’s easier for kids to learn the game and have fun, even if they’re just starting out.
Also, a pickleball court is easier to set up at home than a tennis court, which can cost a lot to build.
The Chance to Compete
There are different tournaments for pickleball in different parts of the world.
The kids can start young and may want to participate in competitions if given a chance.
Children who like to compete would love to take part in tournaments.
Also, this is a good way for them to meet new kids and make new friends.
Easily Understood
In comparison to other sports, pickleball is relatively simple to master.
It doesn’t take much for two people who have never played pickleball before to start going back and forth.
Pickleball is easy to learn how to play.
The kids only need to remember four rules when playing the game: scoring, the serve, the double bounce rule, and the “no volley zone.”
To some extent, pickleball can be compared to both tennis and badminton.
Now, if you already know how to play these games, it will be easy for you to learn how to play pickleball.
Scholarship Chances
Over the years, the number of pickleball players has increased.
Kids can learn pickleball at a young age, which could help them get scholarships in the future.
Southern Utah University was the first college to offer a pickleball scholarship in 2017.
Several other colleges are already considering adding the sport to their lists of scholarships.
Scholarships are always a big help, not just for the kids but also for their parents.
Less Likely to Get Hurt
Pickleball is a sport where you are less likely to hurt yourself.
There are still some risks of getting hurt, but they are not as high as in other, more popular sports.
Small and Portable
Pickleball can be played by kids anywhere and at any time.
If a tennis court is nearby, they can use colored tape to turn it into a pickleball court.
They can also play on any flat surface by drawing lines with chalk and making the net out of chairs and caution tape.
If your kids are really into sports, you might want to buy a portable net.
Related Reading: How To Play Pickleball – Click Here To Learn.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is for all ages, and that includes kids.
It is not as risky as other sports while providing the growth or benefit your child needs.
You can even play and teach them yourself without too much worry.