Pickleball: The Sport with a Funny Name Taking the UK by Storm!
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
If you think pickleball sounds like a game involving jars and cucumbers, think again!
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it’s starting to make a name for itself here in the UK too.
So, what is pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that mixes parts of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s usually played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net, a paddle (not a racket), and a lightweight plastic ball with holes in it.
Games are fast paced, easy to pick up and you can play singles or doubles.
Some quick pickleball facts:
• The sport was invented in 1965 in the USA
• Pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts
• The ball doesn’t bounce very high, which makes rallies longer
• People of all ages play – from kids to grandparents!
Why is pickleball growing in the UK?
Pickleball is growing fast because it’s fun, affordable and accessible. You don’t need years of training to enjoy it, and courts can be set up in sports halls, leisure centres or even converted tennis courts.
After the pandemic, lots of people wanted social sports that weren’t too intense, and pickleball ticks that box perfectly.
Where is it growing and why?
The sport is popping up all over the UK, especially in leisure centres, community halls and clubs in places like London, the Midlands, the Southwest and the Northwest.
It’s popular with older adults, but more schools and universities are starting to try it out too, helping younger players get involved.
Including St Edmund Arrowsmith, which is based in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
What skills do you need?
Pickleball doesn’t need super strength.
Quick reactions, hand-eye coordination, teamwork and smart positioning matter more.
It’s also great for building confidence and learning tactics without feeling overwhelmed.
How does pickleball benefit people?
One of the best things about pickleball is the social side.
Games are friendly, players chat between points and it’s easy to meet new people.
There’s still plenty of competition if you want it, but the overall vibe is welcoming and inclusive.
It’s also good exercise, improving fitness, balance and coordination.
What’s the future of pickleball in the UK?
With more courts, more clubs and growing awareness, pickleball has huge potential in the UK. Some people even think it could become as common as badminton or five-a-side football.
If schools, councils and sports centres keep supporting it, pickleball could become the next big thing.
