Why Pickleball is the New Obsession: There’s a saying that there are two types of people: those who love pickleball and those who haven’t tried it yet. Even skeptics, like Dan Meltzer, who dismisses pickleball as “just a game” rather than a sport like tennis, admit that once you start playing, it’s hard to stop. Curious about what makes pickleball so addictive, a curious player decided to dive in and discover why it’s become the “crack cocaine” of the elderly.
On a recent Sunday morning, Tom Smart and Joy O’Brien met at the newly renovated Cherry Hill Park pickleball courts to teach the basics of the game. Tom, a long-time friend and a dentist from Coeur d’Alene might seem like a straitlaced guy, but he’s become a self-proclaimed pickleball junkie. With seven years of play under his belt, Tom customizes his paddles and participates in local and regional tournaments. He even used an app to find courts while on vacation in Florida, a testament to his dedication.
Joining them was Doreen Krause, who had moved to the area from Wisconsin last year. Doreen had taken an introductory pickleball course through Coeur d’Alene Parks and Rec, making the group’s newcomer the only one who was completely new to the game. As a result, the newcomer mistakenly thought “stay out of the kitchen!” was dieting advice, rather than a crucial pickleball rule.
One reason pickleball is so addictive is its simplicity. It’s a straightforward game played with paddles and a wiffle ball on a smaller version of a tennis court. Despite its odd scoring system and quirky rules—like starting play from the Northwest corner due to its origins on Bainbridge Island—anyone can learn the basics in minutes and jump into competitive play.
Tom attributes the sport’s rapid rise in popularity to its accessibility. “That’s why it’s had such an explosion,” he said, adding that its inclusivity is a major draw. “The gender and age mix is huge because people of different abilities can all play together.”
However, with its popularity comes a downside: injuries. A recent study highlighted a 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures from 2002 to 2022, especially among players aged 60 to 69. Tom advises stretching, maintaining flexibility, and wearing eye protection to minimize injury risks. Yet, for many, the thrill of pickleball far outweighs these concerns.
Another addictive aspect of pickleball is its social nature. The paddle-up system welcomes anyone who wants to play, fostering a sense of community. Joy, who started playing two years ago, enjoys the camaraderie.
“It was a lot of fun to just show up in a community like this where everyone is so welcoming.” – (Joy)
Tom echoed her sentiment, noting that pickleball is much more social than other sports due to the constant interaction between points. As the group rallied and played three games—two of which Tom’s team won—they laughed and chatted the entire time.
The Coeur d’Alene area offers plenty of pickleball courts, including Cherry Hill Park, which recently added 12 permanent courts, and Memorial Field, which has four permanent and four temporary nets. Post Falls and Hayden also have courts and indoor options are available during winter at the Boys and Girls Club and PEAK Fitness in Hayden.
Aside from the injury risks, pickleball can be quite loud. Tom pointed out that many communities are converting tennis courts to pickleball courts, but the latter is far noisier, which can be a concern in residential areas.
For those eager to start, lessons can be taken through local parks and recreation departments, or, like many others, they can learn from friends who already play. It’s so easy to pick up that after just one game, many find themselves hooked.
News in Brief: Why Pickleball is the New Obsession
Pickleball has become a growing obsession, attracting enthusiasts of all ages with its simple rules and social appeal. Despite some skepticism, such as Dan Meltzer’s dismissal of it as merely a game, players like Tom Smart and Joy O’Brien are passionate about the sport, with Smart even customizing his gear and participating in tournaments.
The game’s accessibility contributes to its popularity, though it has led to a significant rise in injuries, particularly among older players. The sport fosters community through its inclusive nature, though it can be noisy. Local options for playing are plentiful, and many find themselves quickly hooked.
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