In a Pickle

Often described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, the unlikely named sport of Pickleball has become a genuine phenomenon in places like the United States and Europe.

Now, Kiwis are increasingly keen on getting thoroughly ‘pickled’ too. The sound of pickleball – a rhythmic thud, followed by the gentle swish of a paddle slicing through the air – is the sound of a sport that has taken nations by storm in the last couple of years.

Fans of all ages say it offers a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and camaraderie. Transcending age, skill, and mitigating the necessity to spend hand over fist to ‘gear up’. For those unfamiliar with the game, pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a smaller court with a lower net, pickleball uses paddles and a wiffle ball (a perforated lightweight plastic ball about the size of a baseball), making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

What began as a backyard pastime has evolved into a bona fide sporting phenomenon, with millions of players flocking to courts in parks, recreation centres, and retired living communities.

Proponents say the sport can be as high-or low-impact as desired. It can be a fun knock-about, but it can also be a fiercely competitive sport that demands agility and strategy.

With fast-paced rallies and quick reflexes, pickleball offers a blend of athleticism and mental acuity that keeps players coming back for more. Whether executing a precision drop shot or smashing a winner down the line, each point is a testament to the player’s skill and determination.

Yet perhaps the most compelling aspect of pickleball is its accessibility. Unlike many other sports which require expensive equipment or specialised facilities, pickleball can be played almost anywhere, from a backyard court to a makeshift setup in a gym. Pickleball’s popularity also speaks to a larger cultural shift toward healthier, more active lifestyles.

Recognising this, Generus Living has created pickleball courts at its Pacific Lakes Village property.

“The sport has proven such a phenomenon overseas,” says Lynne McVicar from Generus Living. “It’s fun and easy to play and gets people moving, so for us it seems like a natural addition to a village setting.”

Whether it’s retirees looking to stay active or young professionals seeking a break from the daily grind, pickleball offers something for everyone.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

For a sport with such recent origins, the etymology of ‘pickleball’ is already surprisingly convoluted.

One story has it that pickleball was invented on a badminton court in the US state of Washington by a politician named Joel Pritchard. He and two friends were looking for badminton equipment to occupy an otherwise lazy afternoon. Unable to find the right gear, the group opted for ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball. The popular (but possibly erroneous) version is that the game was named after the Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles.

The other origin story is that Pritchard’s wife, Joan, named it after the pickle boats in American college rowing. The pickle boat would often be the least competitive boat in the race, with a crew thrown together at random.

Given that pickleball was essentially a game born out of using leftover equipment from other sports, it’s a neat fit. If indeed it’s true.

This article is from the latest issue of Living – click here to explore the full magazine.