What is pickleball, you ask? In short, it’s a cross between tennis and ping pong. Picture a tennis court, but smaller, a tennis net, but shorter, a paddle and a wiffle ball, and that’s pickleball. Wikipedia explains it in a little more depth so you might want to check out their definition.
I started playing with some friends in the fall and a few months later, I’m totally hooked. I play twice a week and I can’t stop talking about how much I love it Just ask my husband!
I’m trying to get all my mom friends on board, because it’s truly the perfect sport for us moms. Read on for all the reasons why you’ll love playing pickleball too.
6 Reasons Why Pickleball is the Perfect Sport for Moms
When was the last time you played a game for fun?
Honestly, my favorite reason to play pickleball is it’s fun! I’m having fun like my children have fun when they play games with their friends. I feel like I’m a little kid again, playing with my friends. My soul really needs
You won’t even notice you’re exercising
I used to run to keep in shape. It was a great stress reliever, it got my endorphins going, and it was a cheap, easy way to get my body moving. I truly enjoyed running for a lot of years. But, eventually, I got burnt out! Not only was I dealing with annoying minor injuries, I just bored with running.
Pickleball is not boring! It is super fun! You switch opponents after each game so there is constantly a new challenge. I absolutely get a workout in, but I barely notice because it’s so FUN!
You don’t have to be an athlete
Listen
You get to talk to other adults
When my children were babies and toddlers I was peopled out. I really enjoyed the quiet and solitude of a nice long run. But now, my children are in school and I work from home so I do get a little lonely. Pickleball gets me out of the house and gives me an opportunity to talk to other adults! Not only
You can play with your kids
When you aren’t playing with your new pickleball friends, you can play with your family!
Last weekend my husband and I took our four kids and our niece and nephew to the courts by our house. They ranged in age from 9 to 15 and guess what? They all learned quickly and we all had fun playing together. So, if your kids are a little older, they’ll be able to join you! Or, if you have little ones, you can bring some balls and toys and let them play on a free court while you and your friends play!
You Won’t Break the Bank
Pickleball is a fairly cheap way to exercise. I’m fortunate to live near a park that has two pickleball nets, plus paddles and balls to use free of charge. So during the warmer months, I can play for free. When it is cold, I play at a rec center that charges a drop in fee of $5. If I go twice a week, that’s only $40 for the month, which is far cheaper than any gyms in my area! Plus, I don’t need to pay that fee when it’s warm.
When I first started playing, I borrowed a paddle from a friend, but when I decided to play regularly, I bought my own. The prices for paddles vary widely depending on how serious you are about your game. I’m in the “I play for fun” category so a $40 paddle fit my needs!
So, did I convince you? Are you ready to start playing pickleball? See you at the court!
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Janine Huldie says
Ok, never heard of this to be honest. But now, I totally want to play Pickleball, too 🙂
Anne Metz says
It’s so fun Janine! You’ll love it!
BB says
Jamie you should definitely try it! Look it up on you tube! Both my husband and I “drank the Pickle juice” and are totally obsessed! We just retired, so we’re quite a bit older than you gals (61 & 64)- but we’ve got couples playing who are in their 30s & 40s!
Ginny says
My sister-in-law and her husband in Maine play. I have been wanting to try this, too! We put up a badminton net in our yard and play each summer, but it would be nice to try something different! Thanks for the suggestion!
Anne says
It’s so fun Ginny! I hope you give it a try this spring!
Robin says
Although you CAN play pickleball with your kids/husband, I ask myself, “Do you really WANT to?!”
Anne says
Robin! This comment made me laugh out loud! My husband and I took the kids to play last weekend and I have to admit, it was a different experience than playing with grown ups!
C says
Grandmom’s too!
Christie says
I play with a bunch of grandmoms and grandpas (altho i am not) and we have a total blast!!!
Anne says
Absolutely right C! I get beat by grandmas on the regular!
Benita says
Um, yea! Been playing for a few months and LOVE it! Looking for more time to schedule it in! If your visiting AZ let me know – we play year around!
LT says
I am in AZ, where do you play? I have played at SCC twice. Trying to find more east valley games. Even more east than Scottsdale. I found several places to play from joining MeetUp.
Arun says
Contact Steve Manolis, he’s a PB ambassador etc. and lives and plays in the east valley. Tempe has a new PB plex on Hardy between Elliott and Warner roads. Cheers!
In the NW valley the Surprise courts is one of the best open play free facilities w/ 16 courts and counting hopefully.
Meredith says
This is very cool, Arun! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Karen Lee says
Totally agree. I have been playing pickleball for a number of years now and am addicted. I love playing and also teaching it to other women. I play about 2 or 3 times a week. I’ve also been teaching it to teens at a week-long summer camp for a number of years. Its such a great sport to be social and competitive. And pickleball people are so fun. When I travel to visit my daughter, I bring my paddle and play in drop-in games at a rec center near her. The people have been surprised but have welcomed me into their group when I’m in town. So fun.
Meredith says
Karen! I love that you do this when visiting your daughter–how cool! And we love that you’ve fallen for pickleball as a whole to the point of teaching others–thank you for rocking this!!
Ann says
I am a snowbird from Cabada and live in Port Charlotte, Fl. During the winter. I play PB 7 days a week there most weeks, No less than 5 times a week. My husband plays 4 to 5 times a week. We have a ladies play at all levels 1 day per week. Us ladies play and our significant other come to watch and cheer and socialize with cold beverages and on their day that they play us ladies go watch and cheer with cold beverages. Here in Canada I play 3 times a week. Best sport ever ! Met so many new friends,
Meredith says
This is SO COOL, Ann! I love every bit of this! GO YOU, and thanks for sharing! You keep enjoying that PB! 🙂
Linda Burke says
I am a Senior and started playing pickleball 2 years ago. We belong to a Pickleball club in the Thousand Islands and we love it. We have so much fun and we have met so many really nice people. It’s truly addicting in a great way.
Meredith says
Linda, this is fantastic! What super way to get in exercise and socialization all in one! Thanks for sharing 🙂