Pickleball taking South Africa by storm
Combine tennis, table tennis and badminton and you’ve got pickleball. It’s the fastest growing sport in South Africa at the moment and is played on a mini tennis court. It's growth in popularity is due to being low impact on the body and easy to learn.
IT was not until 2021 that South Africa caught onto the craze that is pickleball after the rest of the world had. South Africans are filling the courts, trading tennis rackets for paddles and balls for wiffle balls. Current trends are showing that this social sport is gaining momentum across all age groups, with Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria leading the rest of the country.
Pickleball may be seen as an instant substitution for tennis, seeing that many of the players possess a background in tennis. However, pickleball has attracted beginners and social players alike. Not only are courts attracting sporting communities but also groups who are looking for team-building and networking activities.
Most racket sports require hours and hours of lessons, but with pickleball, within five minutes of learning how to play, you could be playing a competitive game with friends. Pickleballers range from children to the elderly – as long as their legs can carry their bodies. Compared to tennis, pickleball engages fewer physical techniques, though the basics remain the same. Schools are slowly making their entry into the craze, hoping that, one day, the sport will form part of their extra-curricular schedules.
Also read: Tennis club aims to make pickleball a hit
According to Allon Rock, the spokesperson for Pickleball South Africa, pickleball originated in Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. Being a tennis coach himself, Rock is excited with the response the country is showing.
“We are seeing players from age four to 84. We started with three clubs in 2021, and now we have almost 50, including schools. The numbers are growing, and that is marvellous to witness.”
Rock reckons that vandalised and abandoned tennis courts are perfect to use for pickleball, especially in under-serviced communities. Conversion of traditional tennis courts requires dividing the main court into four segments which will accommodate 16 players in one match (singles and doubles). Additionally, the courts would require tarmac resurfacing. In some cases, especially for social events, night lighting would be necessary.
Also read: Glenwood catches pickleball fever
A pickleball ‘racket’, is smaller, resembling a boat paddle while the ball is made of plastic and resembles a wiffle ball.
“The future of pickleball in the country looks positive – massive with amazing growth. As Pickleball Africa, we do our part to grow, support and engage with people and clubs and build partnerships in the sport as well as grassroots development and coaching – including finding and training new coaches,” Rock added.
He concluded that pickleball is a social, fun, easy-to-play sport that will change lives.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
