Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the USA for the third consecutive year, with over 36.5 million players worldwide. It has been steadily increasing in popularity and is captivating the hearts of both young and old. This unique, exciting game combines aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Pickleball is played with a paddle, which is used to hit a plastic ball with round holes across a net. It can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, USA, by three fathers whose children were bored with their usual summer activities. The game is played on a badminton-size court with lower nets. Serves must be underarm, and points can only be scored by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.
So, what makes pickleball so popular? The sport is easy to learn and play for both beginners and experienced players, yet it’s still challenging enough to keep players actively engaged. The relatively small court size and slower pace make it appealing for all ages, especially for those who are seeking a low-impact alternative to tennis or badminton.
Pickleball has also captured the attention of many retired tennis players. Ben Johns, the current world number-one, picked up a tennis racket at age 8 and played competitively for the next decade before excelling at pickleball. Several retired tennis players also play pickleball professionally and have won many tournaments. In February 2024, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf won the Pickleball Slam 2 for US$1 million in prize money, defeating John Mcenroe and Maria Sharapova in the finals. Hong Kong’s previous best women’s tennis player, Venise Chan, currently engages in pickleball events and has recently become the best in the city. She actively organizes pickleball events in Hong Kong and has achieved significant success in the sport, including winning several medals at the Pickleball International Open in Thailand. The Hong Kong China Tennis Association also organizes an annual Hong Kong Open Pickleball Championship. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has been on the rise, with millions of people trying the game for the first time each year. Due to this, many more pickleball courts are being constructed worldwide.
Where can you play pickleball in Hong Kong? In addition to being popular in some Hong Kong schools’ physical education lessons, pickleball is available at several private clubs in Hong Kong. For those interested in trying it out, it is best to purchase a pickleball set from Amazon and use any existing badminton court to play. As the popularity of pickleball continues to soar, it is clear that this unique and inclusive sport is here to stay.
