Pickleball or tennis? The big divide.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s popularity is due to a smaller court, and has a low impact on joints, making it accessible to all ages. In fact, 82% of players in the United States are aged 55+.

What’s not to like about a game that fosters socializing, along with some friendly competition!

As the summer ends, let’s talk about the pickleball craze.  I had not tried it before this summer and I must say I loved it.  It is social, fun and gets you moving. You can’t beat that!  I spent over 2 hours on the court and I don’t think I’ve done as many lunges in a long time.  My glutes felt it.  Woo hoo!

There are many who hate the sport - too noisy with the plastic balls and an ageist view that it is a wash of grey haired people on the court.  I ran into a friend who I hadn’t seen in awhile and during our catch up, pickleball came up.  I mentioned that I had just tried it and really liked it.  His response was so interesting.  He immediately responded with “Well, I’m still playing tennis” but it was his tone that stuck with me.  It was derisive and “elitist”.  Like pickleball was below him and I was less for not playing a physically more taxing sport like tennis.  Wow.  I wish he had used a kinder tone and said, good for you and I may try someday but for now, I still like tennis and will play it for as long as I can.  That response shows respect and the tone is so much more kind. But honestly, who cares?

Here’s the thing:  we all need to move.  It’s critical for our health and longevity.  Pick what you like and keep at it.  I’m now on the search for a winter venue to play the game year round.  Yay!

Twinquiry: What’s your sport of choice? How do you keep fit and healthy? We want to hear from you! Share you story here.