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You engage your entire body without the heavy strain of running across a large court like tennis. This gentle introduction to physical activity makes pickleball a favoured choice for those new to sports or looking to ease back into fitness. • Media exposure: We can’t ignore the impact of media attention. Major sporting events and platforms, includ ing ESPN, have showered the sport with coverage. This trend has attracted a younger crowd, while celebrity en dorsements and appearances bring in casual enthusiasts. Social media platforms have also made it easier for pickleball enthusiasts to share gameplay moments, creating buzz and encouraging others to try it themselves. • Local developments: In Malaysia, the rise of pickleball can largely be attributed to growing enthusiasm in urban areas. Many community centres and sports clubs are now offering pickleball courts. It seems like every week, there’s a new club forming or a tournament being announced. As more people discover this sport, it creates a snowball effect, drawing in new participants eager to join the excitement. Pickleball vs tennis: Similarities and differences One of the reasons pickleball is gaining traction is its apparent connection to ten nis. Both sports involve similar skills and strategies, yet they offer vastly different experiences. Here’s how they compare: • Court size and dimensions: A stan dard tennis court measures 78 feet long and 36 feet wide for doubles matches. A pickleball court is much smaller, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The reduced court size means less running and enables quicker points, making it ideal for players of all ages. • Equipment: In tennis, players use rackets that tend to be larger and heavier, while pickleball paddles are lightweight and typically made from wood or composite materials. The balls are also different. Tennis balls are covered in felt and usually bounce higher, whereas pickleballs are plastic with holes that create lower bounce dynamics.

I F you’ve been strolling through your local park or checking out the community centre lately, you might have noticed something curious. The sound of paddles hitting balls, laughter among friends and competitive banter are all becoming more common. And no, while it does look like tennis, it isn’t. Welcome to the world of pickleball – a quirky sport rapidly gaining traction globally and in Malaysia. Let’s unpack this phenomenon. A brief history of pickleball You might be wondering where this fun game gets its unusual name. The origins of pickleball can be traced back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Invented by Barney McCallum, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, it was initially meant as a way to entertain their families. They combined elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis using a makeshift court and equipment. The name “pickleball” is said to have come from the family dog, Pickles, who loved to chase the balls. Others speculate it’s derived from the term “pickle boat,” referring to a crew of rowers that con sists of leftover parts from other teams. Regardless of its name, the sport found its footing over the following decades, initially in the US and later, reaching international shores. This little-known game has exploded into a global sensation, with an estimated 4.8 million players in the United States alone. Why the surge in popularity? So what’s driving the pickleball craze? There are several factors at play. • Accessibility and inclusivity: One of the fundamental reasons for pickleball’s rising popularity is its ac cessibility. Anyone can pick up a paddle and join in, regardless of age or skill level. The smaller court makes it easier

Pickleball fever is smashing through the courts It’s part sports, part social craze and it’s sweeping the globe one paddle at a time

BY ASHRAF WAHAB

for beginners to participate, thereby opening up opportunities for families, friends and even office colleagues to engage in healthy competition. • Social aspects: Pickleball is im mensely social. Many find that games end with camaraderie fostered among players. It’s not solely about winning; it’s about having fun and bonding with others. This appeal to the social side is particularly attractive for our urban Malaysian audience, where community engagement often provides a respite from busy work schedules. • H ealth and fitness: As people in creasingly focus on their health and well-being, pickleball presents a fun way to stay active. It combines cardio vascular exercise, strength training and balance, all while being low-impact compared to other racquet sports.

One of the fundamental reasons for pickleball’s rising popularity is its accessibility.