Thankfully, spring fever is over, and it’s a great time to be outside and get some vitamin D! If you’re looking for an activity to keep you in the sunshine, pickleball is the perfect way to gather with friends and family or meet new people this summer.
Pickleball has been rapidly growing in popularity. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row as of 2023. Not only is pickleball becoming increasingly popular, but it’s also a go-to activity for seniors. TIME states, “more than half (52 percent) of core players–those who play eight or more times a year–are 55 or older, and almost a third (32.7 percent) are 65-plus.”
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun and social paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to make an ultimately exciting game. Players hit a Wiffle ball, which is about the same size as a baseball, but is plastic, hollow, and lightweight. It’s easy for beginners to jump in and learn, but it can quickly develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.
Pickleball is becoming more and more popular with seniors because the court is small and easy to navigate. Playing doubles (having two people on each side) limits the amount of movement to make it a relaxing experience that will get your heart pumping in a healthy way.
The benefits for older generations
As children, we learned how important exercise is for the body and mind, but is exercise important for seniors?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages older adults to get regular physical activity because it can prevent and delay many health problems that seem to come with age. Regular physical activity improves muscle strength and allows seniors to keep doing day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others. For adults 65 and older, the CDC suggests 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
Pickleball is considered a low-impact sport because it doesn’t put excess pressure on the joints and muscles. This sport has also been known to improve balance and flexibility. One of the more common low-impact activities is swimming, which has also been shown to help seniors stay healthy. Yet, pickleball is a very social sport that allows neighbors, friends, and family to participate in a fun activity while not pushing the physical boundaries too far.
How to get involved
Beginning a sport can be challenging, from finding a place to play to getting the right equipment. Here are some courts and businesses that offer classes to help you get started. Check online to see specific information like equipment rentals and times.
Learn How to Play
Brec – Greenwood Community Park Tennis Center
13340 Scotlandville-Zachary Hwy., Baker.
(225) 272-9200
brec.org
Bocage Racquet Club
7600 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge
(225) 924-6273
bocagerc.org
New Orleans Jewish Community Center
5342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans.
(504) 897-0143
nojcc.org
Goldring-Woldenberg JCC – Metairie
3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.
(504) 887-5158
nojcc.org
UNO Recreation & Fitness Center
2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans.
(504) 280-6357
uno.edu
Courts
West Baton Rouge Community Center
749 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen.
(225) 336-2423
wbrparish.org
Lyons Recreation Center
624 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans.
(504) 658-3004
nordc.org
Joe W. Brown Park Gym
5601 Read Blvd., New Orleans.
(504) 658-3080
nordc.org
Gernon Brown Rec Center
1001 Harrison Ave., New Orleans.
(504) 658-3151
nordc.org
Morris Jeff Recreation Center
2529 General Meyer Ave., New Orleans.
(504) 658-3170
nordc.org
Health Club By Hilton
2 Poydras St., New Orleans.
(504) 556-3742
hilton.com
Val Riess Park
1101 Magistrate St., Chalmette.
(504) 278-4296
visitstbernard.com
Mel Ott Multipurpose Center
2301 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna.
(504) 363-1597
gretnala.com
Belle Terre Playground
5600 Belle Terre Rd., Marrero.
(504) 349-5044
jprd.com
John Slidell Park
105 Robert Blvd., Slidell.
(985) 646-4371
louisiananorthshore.com
Cross Gates Family Fitness
200 N. Military Rd., Slidell.
(985) 643-3500
crossgatesclub.com
Tournament
For the Love of the Y
Date: August 26-27
Cost: $80
Registration Ends: August 4
Paula G. Manship YMCA Lamar Tennis Center
8100 YMCA Plaza Dr., Baton Rouge.
pickleballbrackets.com