Pickleball Courts Becoming Essential in Delaware: Pickleball courts are increasingly being added to new neighborhoods across Delaware, responding to the growing popularity of the sport. Many communities, both newly developed and revitalized, are including these courts as a key feature, driven by public demand.
Rising Popularity of Pickleball
The surge in pickleball’s popularity is evident in new developments like Tower Hill in Lewes. Jeff Evans, the sales and marketing director of Carl M. Freeman Companies, shared insights from a recent home expo event.
He mentioned that no one inquired about tennis courts, but everyone wanted to know about designated pickleball courts. People are drawn to pickleball because it is seen as more fun, and players often feel less sore after playing compared to other sports.
Easy to Learn and Play
One reason for pickleball’s appeal is how easy it is to learn. Many players, especially those who consider themselves average athletes, find they can play well after just a few lessons or practice sessions. The sport is played with a plastic, hollow ball that moves slower than a tennis ball, making it easier for players to handle.
The smaller court size means players cover less ground, and the strokes are simpler than those in tennis. Pickleball requires hand-eye coordination, but not as much as tennis or ping pong due to the slower ball speed.
A Social and Fun Sport
Pickleball is not just good for fitness; it’s also a social activity. The game is played on a court that is about the size of a badminton court, 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. Players use paddles instead of rackets, hitting forehands, backhands, volleys, and overhead shots, similar to tennis.
Courts can be built specifically for pickleball or adapted from tennis courts using tape and portable nets. The sport provides a great way for people to get in shape while having fun and connecting with others.
National Growth and Future Trends
Pickleball’s growth is not limited to Delaware. The USA Pickleball Association reports that there are around 4.8 million players across the United States. As a result, pickleball courts have become a sought-after amenity in high-end developments, replacing golf courses as the top choice for sports facilities.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association also highlighted a 21.3 percent increase in the number of pickleball players in 2019, showing the sport’s continued rise in popularity.
Many public parks are also adding pickleball courts, and some offer indoor facilities for year-round play. These courts are available either for free or at a low cost, further making the sport accessible to all.
With its growing popularity, more communities will likely continue to add pickleball courts, providing a fun and social way for people of all ages to stay active.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Becoming Essential in Delaware
Pickleball’s growing popularity is leading to more courts being added in Delaware’s new and revitalized neighborhoods. The sport’s easy learning curve, social aspects, and fun nature make it appealing. With millions of players nationwide, pickleball courts are becoming a key feature in developments, offering accessible fitness for all ages.
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