Pickleball: Fastest Growing Sport in India

Pickleball has India in its grip. What had initially been a kooky paddle game in the United States, is now the jargon in the Indian sporting circles. In Mumbai and Kol-Kata, celebrities as well as office workers are taking up a paddle. Are you a business person or freelancer who needs to exercise but has no time to do so and still have fun, then perhaps pickleball is what you never knew you needed.

Pickleball 101: What’s the Game About?

Pickleball is a game that toppers imagine as a pleasant combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a court not much larger than a badminton court, normally in doubles form, with a waist-high net and a paddle weighing less than one lb. The ball is a wiffle ball-type plastic ball with holes, flying at slower speeds than a tennis balls  meaning that beginner rallies are longer and more fun. Games are won at 11, and are easy to learn: you serve underhand, a strange-looking no-volley zone exists just behind the net (and is referred to in conversational terms as the kitchen), and all you need to do is simply keep the rally going without making a mistake.

The history of pickleball is one of such casual family games as it was invented in 1965, and the social and easy-going character remains sunlight today. No special equipment or extensive practice is required One just needs a paddle, a perforated plastic ball, and then it is ready to play. There is jump in since anyone can jump in because of its simplicity. It is normal to find a person of 18 playing hand in hand with an individual of 58, and they are very happy on the court. The reason behind the popularity of pickleball which is soaring in popularity all over the world and India is simply huge because of that ease and inclusivity.

Why Pickleball is Booming in India

In the last two years, pickleball has made its big noise in India in low tones. The number of people who engage in it has risen tremendously as there are more players in each year. New pickleball laid courts are mushrooming everywhere to keep up to the demand- Metro cities and Tier-2 towns.

What then is stimulating this boom? Much of it can be attributed to the fact that pickleball is very easy, inexpensive and sociable. It is during the pandemic that the game managed to gain traction as people were seeking safe forms of distanced activity. Also, unlike other sports that require some special training or being in athletic form, pickleball can be enjoyed by anyone who takes it up. The regulations are simple, and within minutes an individual can learn them. Making a pickleball court is not expensive in comparison to of a tennis court, hence there are increasing numbers of facilities where they are adding the sport to their rotation.

There is also the casual nature of the sport, which is also an advantage as it is not as daunting as other sports. It is competitive when you want it to be but it is mainly just fun. Taken together, these factors have formed an ideal recipe to give rise to a sports revolution, a fact that does not appear to be dying out any time soon.

Pickleball and Fitness: Why Busy Professionals Love It

The great attribute of pickleball is that whoever is involved in the game never feels as though he or she is exercising, the game is. This sport is a game-changer with adults who have difficulty freeing enough time in their schedules to accommodate fitness activity. A pickleball playing session will have you on the move, calories being burnt, sweat being broken, and you won't even feel that you are straining.

It provides a good cardiovascular exercise and enhances quickness and hand-eye coordination all without the joint destroying impact of high-impact playing style. On the court, you can give it your all without destroying your knees (or getting hurt in general) in the process - an advantage in case you are not quite 21years old anymore or have a history of sports injuries.

Other than physical benefits, pickleball is also an excellent way to relieve stress. You come home after a long day of work, having met people or zoomed all day and you just need to send some balls round with your friends. It is social meaning you are not working through the reps in a vacuum-you are out there laughing, plotting and slapping hands. Pickleball is also turning out to be a networking game with people using it to meet new friends or mingle with people in their workplace but in informal settings.

In brief, pickleball simultaneously maintains you in shape, makes you feel better and gets you a neighbourhood.

Finding a Pickleball Court Near You

The pickleball sensation implies that locating the location to play has been made quite easier in the recent past. And in case you are asking yourself where people play this sport you can simply Google picks that say, pickleball near me and they will probably direct you accordingly.

Pickleball has entered the picture in metro parks, sports complexes, and even private clubs where people have begun to delineate pickleball courts. Quite a number of these locations are accessible to the population at a minimal charge or reservation. There are also sports facility booking apps such as Hudle or Playo to find and book local courts.

Special pickleball evenings are also beginning to be arranged in some gyms and sports clubs so start checking the local event boards or community Facebook groups. New courts are opening all the time and you are never too far away.

Pickleball in Kolkata: Where to Play

Kolkata has entered the pickleball wave in large quantities. It has enough of courts around the city now and more continue to emerge. Wherever you reside is central Kolkata or the suburbs, you have choice.

Some popular venues include:

• Ballygunge Arena – Known for hosting tournaments and open play sessions.

• The Pickle Court (Park Street) – A central location perfect for office goers

• Turf XL – Science City – Indoor astro-turf style courts that work in any weather.

• Scorena Pickleball Arena – Multiple locations, friendly for both casual and competitive players.

• Ace Sportz Arena (Alipore) – Well-maintained courts and good facilities.

  
  

Getting Started with Pickleball (It’s Easy!)

At this point you may be thinking, “This is great- but how do I go about becoming a player?” The best thing is the fact that the setup is stupid simple.

• Gear Up (Lightly):All you will need is a paddle and a ball. They can be hired at many venues so that you can test before purchase.

• Learn the Basics: The rules are easy you get them in a few minutes.

• Join a Game: Majority of the pickleball communities do not discourage novices. You only have to appear and they are willing to accommodate you.

• Play Anytime: Games do not take as long so you can squeeze them into your calendar without huge time commitment.

  
  

The most difficult one is just coming out to play that initial game. After that you probably won't be able to stop playing. Forbidden to beat yourself up, pickleball is a playful game that helps people get to the exercise. The competition is healthy and jovial that can be more enjoyable than any other form of physical activity.

Conclusion: Join the Pickleball Wave

The success of pickleball is not a coincidence in India it is entertaining, available, and suitable to any age group with a fitness level of any kind. In the case of freelancers and people who go to work, it is a – much needed change in the working regime, socializing and a physical exercise all at once.

Why not then just give it a try? Find a court, pick up a paddle, and improve on your game with the fastest growing sports club in the nation by finding pickleball courts near you. Well you may find yourself playing every week.