If we ask you to think of a popular sport in America that uses the net and a ball, what will you think of? Tennis? Badminton? Soccer? Well, in southern Nevada, there’s another popular sport that uses a ball and a net. It is Henderson Pickleball.
This sport has been growing at a steady rate in America for the last six years. According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), which is the governing body for this sport, there was a 650 percent increase seen in the numbers in recent years.
Since USAPA is the governing body, it takes care of the rules of the sport and also promotes it. It is also responsible for providing the ranking to players and holding sanctions tournaments.
Pickleball is gradually becoming very popular. However, many people still do not know about this sport. If you are one of them, then you have come to the right place. Read ahead to find out more about this absolutely entertaining sport.
So how do you invent your own sport?
Before we dive into other details about this sport, let’s take a look at how this sport started. The sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. This place is just a ferry ride away from Seattle.
Joel Pritchard, who was a congressman, was returning home one Saturday after playing golf. He was accompanied by Bill Bell, a successful businessman. On returning home, both men found that their families were sitting bored at home. They had nothing to do.
On this occasion, both men looked around and found a badminton court. But the bad news was that there was no set of rackets to play with. Turning this bad news into a good one, they picked up ping-pong paddles. They started playing with these using a perforated ball.
The two friends realized that if they lowered the net from 60 inches to 34 inches, they could really set the game right. At such a height, the ball had a better bounce, so the game was even more entertaining. They later introduced this to another friend, Barney McCallum.
The three then came up with a set of rules which were linked closely to badminton. Another important aspect taken under consideration by the three of them was the fact that the game had to be played by the whole family.
The sport with the unusual name!
Is there a use of pickles in this game? Well, that is the first question that may have popped up in your mind. However, the origin of the game’s name might have two backstories.
The interesting name of this sport was introduced by Pritchard’s wife (Joan) because “the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” However, there is also another story that could be true behind the name of this game. According to McCallum, the game was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles.
Before you join in the Henderson Pickleball scene, let’s explain how do you play.
The rules of this game are easy to understand. Thus, it easy for beginners to play as well because they can understand the rules in just a single session. But do not take Pickleball lightly too. It can also become a competitive and fast-paced game for players who are experienced.
The sport can be played both indoors and outdoors. It uses a court of 20’ x 44’ as we explained earlier that the net is hung at 36 inches, and there is also a non-volley zone. This zone extends 7 inches from the net on each side to the back. The area is also known as ‘the kitchen.’ You can use any colors in this game except the color of the ball, which should be a consistent and single color.
Another good thing about this sport is that it is reasonable. The apparel is not at all costly. You need minimal gear, which is why everyone can easily afford it. Due to this reason, the sport has become accessible to everyone. You can pick wooden paddles and balls from Amazon. These will cost you $35 at the most.
Since the sport has now become widely popular, there are many municipal courts that are free for the general public. If we compare the price of league play for Henderson Pickleball with other racquet sports, then that is also lesser. This is because you do not need separate courts for this game.
Pickleball can be played on tennis courts that can be fitted with just some tape and a portable net. Since this is easy for the recreational department of any town to handle, the sport is gaining popularity.
The sport can be played by people of all ages. However, it is highly popular among school PE programs and elderly citizens.
Henderson Pickleball – Where can you play in Henderson NV?
There are various venues where you can indulge yourself in playing Henderson Pickleball. These places provide you with a great amount of entertainment. You can find people playing this sport in communities where senior citizens are residing. It is also played in YMCAs and recreational centers within a local community.
You can check out the following venues if you wish to play Henderson Pickleball.
1. Central Park Public Pickleball Courts
2. Black Mountain Pickleball Courts
3. Downtown Recreation Center
4. Whitney Mesa Recreation Area
There are various tournaments that take place around the year for Pickleball. These tournaments are conducted by USAPA. The Pickleball circuit has an active set of players that include people of all ages. This makes tournaments interesting and versatile at the same time.
If you are looking for Henderson Pickleball, the following tournaments are important, so make sure to check them out.
1. Heartbreak Pickleball Classic
2. Summer Indoor Pickleball Classic
3. Cranberry Slam Pickleball Classic
Pickleball is a great sport that can entertain people of all ages. Through the years, Henderson Pickleball has evolved and continues to grow. We hope you give the sport a try!
