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What’s Going Down in Boyertown? (pickleball)

Jeff Frederick Jeff Frederick24 Jan 2024

As a Boyertown graduate, a real estate agent at Glocker Realty, and also a proud member of Building a Better Boyertown & BMBA, I have had the joy of watching our little town grow. I enjoy having any part in helping our community to move forward. I hope this weekly blog will help shine a light on all the great things happening in and around Boyertown, PA.

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Pickleball – It’s All the Rage!

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. There are now over 8.9 million participants nationwide, with an astonishing 158.6% growth rate over the last three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). One of the factors behind its popularity is that it is fun for the whole family to play. Both young and old can play it with ease. Plus, the health benefits are not only the exercise, but also the joy it brings. People who play it love it! Admittedly, I have not partaken in a game of Pickleball yet, for that reason, I will leave the details up to those who have. If you are interested in giving Pickleball a try, read on to learn more about America’s new obsession.

History of Pickleball

2024 marks the 59th anniversary of Pickleball. It was created in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. The three neighbors initially came up with the concept to cure their children’s boredom of the usual summertime activities. Using some old Ping-Pong paddles and a perforated ball on a badminton court, the game of Pickleball was born.

The origin of the game’s name is interesting, especially since no pickles are used. According to Barney McCallum, the game was officially named after the Pritchards’ dog Pickles who would chase the ball and run off with it. So, as the game progressed, an official name was needed, “Pickleball” is what was decided.

By 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was constructed, and in 1972, the first corporation was formed to protect the creation of pickleball. By 1984, the USA Pickleball Association governed the sport. And now, what was once a made-up game to make the kids happy, has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon.

About Pickleball

Pickleball is a court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net set to a height of 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition, the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature, and its multi-generational appeal. Many players describe it as a great workout that doesn’t feel like a workout. Also, pickleball is purportedly easier on the body, especially the hips and knees, than tennis and other racquet sports.

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. New players can learn the basic rules quickly in a single session. No special apparel is needed – just something comfortable and appropriate for a court sport. Equipment is inexpensive and easily portable. The game can be played by all ages and is particularly popular in school physical education programs and in adult living communities. You wouldn’t be surprised to see grandparents playing with their grandkids and young adults in their 20s and 30s enjoying playing with their parents.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is played as either a singles or doubles game, with the same size court used for both. Singles and doubles are basically identical but with slight differences in serving rules and scoring.

At the most basic level, however, the game is played as such: One pickler (the unofficial term for players) serves the ball underhand over the net and diagonally into their opponent’s service court. The ball is then hit back and forth over the net until a player misses. Points are scored only by the serving team. Each game goes to 11 points, but you must win by two points.

Pickleball Court Rules And Dimensions 1 1

There’s a no-volley zone called the “kitchen,” which is located 7 feet from the net on both sides. Volleying is prohibited in this no-volley zone.

The typical “tournament” format is to play matches consisting of three games each, but depending on the venue, you may find other variations. If you’re not at a formal Pickleball club, however, you can play whatever match format works for you.

You can read more about the official rules and how to score singles versus doubles at usapickleball.org.

The Equipment

Competitive paddles used in pickleball are constructed from a high-tech composite. An official pickleball is made of plastic and is between .78 to .935 ounces and 2.874 to 2.972 inches in diameter. There are no color restrictions other than the ball must be a single, consistent color.  USA Pickleball has tested and approved several outdoor and indoor balls for official tournament play. Click here to review the complete list of all tested/approved paddles and balls approved for sanctioned tournament play.

The Future of Pickleball

There’s no doubt pickleball is here to stay. Approximately 70 countries across the globe have joined the International Federation of Pickleball, and there’s even talk of trying to add it to the 2028 Olympic games as a demonstration sport.

With so many new players, the U.S. is hustling to keep up with the demand for courts. As a result, many homeowner associations (HOAs) and hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott are building or converting languishing courts from tennis to pickleball.

According to USA Pickleball, there are currently over 50,000 places to play in the U.S., with more being added frequently.

If you are interested in trying out Pickleball for yourself, take a lesson at your local club, or just pick up a paddle & ball and try it with a friend. Before you know it, you’ll master the game.

Here is what’s going down during the week of 1/18/2023 – 1/24/2024

Lacrosse
Donate
Wizzzz
Purchase tickets at The Wizards
90s

EVENTS LIST

THURSDAY 1/18/2024

FRIDAY 1/19/2024

SATURDAY 1/20/2024

SUNDAY 1/21/2024

MONDAY 1/22/2024

TUESDAY 1/23/2024

WEDNESDAY 1/24/2024

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

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Brought to you by:

Jeff Frederick, Realtor
Glocker Realty
900 E Philadelphia Ave Boyertown, PA 19512
mobile – 610-766-2028
office – 610-367-2058
email – jeff@glocker.com

JeffatGlocker.com

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Jeff Frederick
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I am a real estate agent with Glocker Realty in Boyertown, PA. I am a father of two and a husband of one. I love my family the most, but I also love the town I grew up and work in. Hence my blog posts.
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