Why is pickleball so popular, and where can you play it in Charlotte?
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Pickleball in Charlotte
From the best places to play in the area to learning the basics, here’s some pickleball stories you’re going to relish.
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Where can I find pickleball courts in Charlotte? Here are 10 places to play or take lessons
What are the rules of pickleball? Here’s how to play and what you need
Why is pickleball so popular, and where can you play it in Charlotte?
A massive pickleball entertainment complex with a restaurant, 2 bars will open in LoSo
Editor’s note: This story originally published on Oct. 18, 2016 and has been updated.
When a family member suggested that I write a story about pickleball, I had no idea what they were talking about. I received blank looks when I asked friends and acquaintances about pickleball. One person could not even understand the word I was saying — kickleball, bickleball? But I didn’t give up on my quest and was finally rewarded with knowledgeable pickleball enthusiasts.
Here’s what I learned:
What is pickleball?
According to Dace Hite, special events coordinator at Nano Sports, pickleball is a paddle sport, combining elements from tennis, ping-pong and badminton.
“It looks like you are playing ping-pong on a tennis court,” said Hite.
Two or four people play on a badminton court, 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. Players use a paddle larger than a ping-pong paddle and use a specially designed wiffle ball.
Where did the game originate?
In the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Wash., three dads invented pickleball for their bored children. As legend has it, the name of the game comes from one of the inventor’s dog, “Pickles”, who liked to chase the lost balls.
Who plays?
Just about anyone can play. Shawn Nichols, who was 42 at the time of our interview, was looking for a sport that he and his father could play together.
“I got into it because my Dad was a tennis player, I am a tennis player,” Nichols said. “He wasn’t able to play anymore. I was trying to find something that we could do together and it ended up being pickleball. He’s 70 and we play with people all the way down to nine years old.”
Why is it so popular?
USA Pickleball Association makes the claim that pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Tournaments, active leagues and a growing interest from younger generations help promote the sport.
It is easy to learn and is fast-paced.
Tristan Burns, who was 17 at the time of this interview, has been playing for almost a year. He learned to play in about 15 minutes at a free session.
“It’s a super fun way to get exercise, cheap to play, don’t have to spend a ton of money to do it, and you can play outdoors, indoors, very accessible,” said Burns.
Where can you play?
Several Charlotte-area locations offer pickleball for a small fee, $2-$10 per game or session. Check out CharlotteFive’s 2022 guide to where to play pickleball, then make your reservation — we’ll see you on the court!
This story was originally published October 18, 2016 at 10:00 PM.