Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports for adults, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, great for all fitness levels, and a lot of fun to play. Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or learn a new skill, here’s everything you need to know about getting started with pickleball as an adult.
Why Play Pickleball as an Adult?
Pickleball is ideal for adults because it’s accessible, low-impact, and highly social. Unlike some other racket sports, pickleball is easy on the joints and doesn’t require intense running or jumping, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Beyond the physical benefits, pickleball is a fantastic way to meet people and join a welcoming community.
Get the Right Equipment
One of the perks of pickleball is that you don’t need a lot of expensive gear. However, having the right equipment can make your first experience more enjoyable.
- Pickleball Paddle: Pickleball paddles come in various materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. For beginners, a lightweight composite or wood paddle is often a good choice.
- Pickleball Balls: Pickleball balls look similar to wiffle balls and come in two main types—indoor and outdoor. The outdoor ball is heavier and more durable for windy conditions, while the indoor ball is lighter with larger holes.
- Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Wear athletic clothing and shoes with good support. Tennis or court shoes are a great choice as they provide stability and traction on the court.
Find a Court Near You
Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, so you may be surprised at how easy it is to find a place to play.
- Community Centers and Recreation Facilities: Many recreation centers offer designated pickleball courts or allow pickleball play on indoor courts. Some facilities even offer beginner-friendly classes or open play sessions.
- Local Parks: Many parks now have outdoor pickleball courts. These are often free to use and are a great option for casual games.
- Pickleball Clubs and Meetups: Check out local pickleball clubs or online groups for adult players. These groups often organize games, tournaments, and social events, making it easy to meet other beginners.
Learn the Basics of Pickleball
Getting comfortable with pickleball basics will help you feel more confident and make the game more enjoyable. Here are the key skills to focus on:
- Serving: The serve is underhand and must go diagonally across the court. Practice keeping your serve consistent and accurate to get the game started on the right foot.
- Dinking: Dinking is a soft shot made close to the net, intended to land in your opponent’s “kitchen” area (the non-volley zone). This is a key skill for keeping the game slow and controlled.
- Groundstrokes: Similar to tennis, groundstrokes are forehand and backhand shots that keep the ball in play. Practice keeping your groundstrokes low to prevent your opponent from gaining an advantage.
- Volleys and Smashes: Once you’re comfortable, try practicing volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) and smashes (powerful downward hits) to increase your offensive play.
Focusing on these core skills will make you a more versatile player and help you feel prepared for games.
Join a Group or Find a Partner
One of the best aspects of pickleball is its social nature. Playing with others not only improves your skills but also makes the game more fun. Here’s how to connect with other adult players:
- Look for Beginner Clinics and Lessons: Many recreation centers offer clinics for beginners. These are designed to teach you the basics and introduce you to other newcomers.
- Join Local Pickleball Groups: Websites like Meetup.com often feature pickleball groups that are beginner-friendly. This can be a great way to join casual games and meet players with similar skill levels.
- Check Out Open Play Sessions: Many pickleball courts offer open play times where you can just show up and join a game. These sessions are usually welcoming to beginners and are a great way to ease into the sport.
Build Your Fitness and Agility
Pickleball may be easy to start, but building some basic fitness can help you improve faster and enjoy the game more. Here are some areas to focus on:
- Agility and Footwork: Practice moving side to side and forwards and backwards to improve your court coverage. Agility drills, like ladder drills, can help increase your speed.
- Balance and Core Strength: Balance is key in pickleball, especially for dinking and playing at the net. Core exercises, like planks and twists, can help you stay steady during these movements.
- Endurance and Stamina: Though not as intensive as other racket sports, pickleball still requires stamina for longer games. Cardio workouts, like brisk walking, jogging, or biking, can help you build endurance.
Enjoy the Process and Have Fun
Starting pickleball as an adult should be a fun and stress-free experience. Don’t worry about becoming an expert right away—just focus on learning the basics, improving gradually, and enjoying the journey. Each game will teach you something new, and over time, you’ll gain confidence on the court.
Final Tips for Starting Pickleball as an Adult
- Watch Others Play: Watching experienced players can help you understand the flow of the game and pick up strategies.
- Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll get. Try to practice a couple of times a week to build your skills.
- Stay Positive: Like any new skill, pickleball takes time to learn. Focus on enjoying yourself rather than being perfect.
Starting pickleball as an adult is a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and learn a new skill. Embrace the process, find a community, and get ready to have a lot of fun on the court!
