It's Pickleball Y'all!

Many have taken note of the new sport that has captured the hearts of both the young and old called pickleball. But the sport isn’t all that new. In fact, the origin of the game dates back to 1965 when a few friends, Joel Pritchard, who would go on to become a Washington State Congressman, and friend Bill Bell found their families sitting around with nothing to do.

There was an old badminton court nearby but there were no rackets or balls, so they opted to play with ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball. The family was thoroughly entertained the remainder of the weekend. Eventually they roped in another friend named Barney McCallum, soon the three men were creating rules and standards. Only two years later, the first permanent pickleball court would be constructed at Joel Pritchard’s neighbor’s house. Today there are roughly 30 countries who play the official sport and more than an estimated 50,000 pickleball courts with the demand outpacing installation with an estimated 36.4 million players worldwide.

The popularity of pickleball has prompted many to replace the formerly popular tennis courts in metro areas with pickleball courts. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs are creating pickleball themed restaurants and social clubs. Even some senior living communities are including the courts in their construction plans. This was the case for Stevenson Oaks in Fort Worth who officially opened their courts last year to an enthusiastic group of residents who have already kept the courts busy.

So, why the pickleball craze? It seems the sport launched into popularity due to the low threshold for participation. Just about anyone can play which makes it a sport that welcomes all ages! Plus, there is a whole host of benefits to your wellbeing.

If you are curious about this pickleball craze sweeping the nation, just swing by Stevenson Oaks for a friendly game with some of the community’s most avid pickleball athletes. But here’s the 'dill,' don’t be a 'sour' loser if they beat you.

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The Top Five Wellness Perks of Pickleball: 

1. Lower risk of heart disease- One hour of pickleball, roughly three times per week can lower your cholesterol and improve blood pressure levels.
2. Shrink risk of depression- Exercise is a proven mood booster, increasing endorphins and reduces feelings of stress. Exercise can be an excellent way to release stress and distract from worry.
3.  Builds new healthy habits- For some, going to the gym isn’t an  especially exciting activity. However, pickleball is both exercise and entertainment. Pickleball seems to bring participants back over and over again to reap the benefits of the sport. Before you know it, a new healthy habit has formed.  
4. Reduces feelings of loneliness- Pickleball depends on a partner or group to enjoy the game. Therefore, it is a naturally social sport that often leads to deepened friendships and a reduction in feelings of loneliness.
5. Extends independence- The many mobility benefits of pickleball like improved reflexes, steadier balance, and greater range of motion all add up to the probability of extended independence. Pickleball has even been shown to minimize some arthritis symptoms that may otherwise prevent elders from completing everyday tasks.