Pickleball: The Sport Taking Starkville by Storm

If you’ve stepped into McKee Park lately in Starkville, you’ve probably noticed something buzzing in the air—it’s the sound of pickleball! This sport has become the go-to game for locals of all ages, and there’s a good reason behind its rapid rise in popularity.

What Exactly is Pickleball?

First things first, what is pickleball? Born back in 1965 in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball started as a fun way for bored kids to entertain themselves. It was created by two fathers, who crafted the game using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a plastic ball. Picture this: a fun mix between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, all wrapped up into one!

The playing area is about one-third the size of a tennis court and can accommodate singles or doubles games. The objective? Simply hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s area—easy enough, right? It’s often described as if you’re playing ping-pong … and you actually climb up onto the table and keep playing.

Why is Everyone Playing?

So, why exactly is everyone suddenly so obsessed with pickleball? For starters, it’s accessible! With smaller courts and a slower ball speed, the game is less physically demanding than tennis, making it easy for players of all ages and skill levels to jump in. It’s a sport that anybody can play, so there’s not a required skill level or competitiveness that you have to have. In fact, the latest report shows a whopping 85.7% increase in participation year-over-year!

This popularity is not just a fad, as the game encourages both social interaction and fun competition. Players mix it up, and you rarely play the same person twice.

It’s Not Just for Seniors!

One common misconception is that pickleball is primarily for seniors, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! The average age of avid players is around 34 years old according to statistics. A significant portion of the players are younger—about 18% are between the ages of 18 and 25. It’s a sport for everyone.

Where Can You Play in the Golden Triangle?

In the Golden Triangle area, new courts are popping up left and right, making it even easier to join the pickleball movement. At the YMCA, you can find the gym buzzing with activity four days a week, where members are eager to welcome new players. They’ve got paddles and balls on hand, and the regulars are more than happy to help beginners learn the ropes!

In Columbus, plans are in motion to convert two tennis courts at Propst Park into six new pickleball courts, which are anticipated to be completed by late spring or early summer next year. With more courts becoming available, it’s clear that the demand for pickleball is here to stay!