Pickleball has taken over 10% from courts in the United States

Pickleball has already taken over more than 101,000 tennis courts in the United States, and this trend continues to grow rapidly. In a country where tennis dominated for decades, this new rise is changing the sporting landscape.

The growth is so significant that many courts have not only been adapted, but also rebuilt or completely replaced with new, dedicated courts. This reflects how the sport has gained ground, attracting new players and creating a vibrant community. And what about here in Brazil? What will it be like?

What makes pickleball so special? How does it compare to tennis and other similar sports? Let's explore the key differences and understand who each sport is best suited for.

What is the difference compared to tennis?

While it shares some similarities with tennis, there are significant differences that make it unique:

1. Court size: A pickleball court is much smaller, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, while a tennis court is approximately 27 feet wide by 77 feet long for singles play. This allows for faster, more dynamic matches.
2. Equipment: It uses a solid, unstrung racket, similar to a racquetball racket, and the ball is made of perforated plastic, which reduces speed and increases strategic gameplay.
3. Withdrawal and rules: Serves are always underhand and must be cross-court. Additionally, there is an area called the "kitchen" where players are not allowed to volley the ball, making the game more technical and tactical.
4. Game speed: Because of the smaller court and lighter ball, the game is faster and more accessible, requiring less movement than tennis.

Why is the pickleball court different?

The design of the pickleball court is crucial to the game experience. With a smaller footprint, players move less than in tennis, making the sport more accessible to people of all ages. Additionally, the inclusion of the "kitchen"—an area where players cannot attack directly—adds an extra layer of strategy.

This unique structure has led many tennis courts to be converted into pickleball courts, as up to four courts can be accommodated within the space of a single tennis court. This factor explains the sport's rapid growth in the United States.

Comparison between pickleball, tennis, ping pong and beach tennis

Each of these sports has distinct characteristics, attracting different player profiles. Here's a comparison:

Pickleball stands out for being an intermediate option between these sports, combining elements of tennis, ping-pong and paddleball, with a more social and inclusive touch.

Which sport is suitable for each profile?

The choice between pickleball, tennis, ping-pong, or beach tennis depends on the player's profile. Here are some recommendations:

• For those looking for a more accessible and dynamic sport: Pickleball is ideal because it requires less movement and allows for faster, more strategic games.
• For those who enjoy a traditional and challenging sport: Tennis continues to be the best choice, offering greater physical and technical demands.
• For those who prefer something more casual and indoor: Ping pong is an excellent option, being a quick and easy game to learn.
• For those who want an outdoor sport with a beachy atmosphere: Beach tennis is a perfect alternative, mixing elements of tennis and beach volleyball.

The Future of Pickleball in the United States

Pickleball's growth is far from slowing. With more courts being built and more people joining the sport, it's likely to continue expanding its influence. Furthermore, with a more inclusive approach and less impact on joints, pickleball has become an excellent option for all ages, from children to seniors.

Thus, it's clear that pickleball isn't just a passing fad. It's here to stay, gaining an ever-increasing share of the sports scene in the United States, and possibly the world.

Pickleball fans in Brazil

Although pickleball isn't yet as popular in Brazil as it is in the United States, the sport has been growing steadily. Gyms, clubs, and sports centers are beginning to embrace the sport, offering dedicated spaces for practice. This growth is largely due to its accessibility and the fact that it's a sport that can be played by people of all ages.

Furthermore, sports influencers and former tennis players have helped promote pickleball in Brazil, demonstrating its benefits and encouraging new players. In cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba, there are already organized groups that hold regular tournaments and meetups. This movement suggests that pickleball may follow a similar path to that in the United States, becoming a viable alternative to tennis and other racket sports.

Where to play pickleball in Florianópolis?

In Florianópolis, O Lira Tennis Club stands out as the premier venue for pickleball. Located in the heart of the city, at 636 Felipe Schmidt Street, downtown, the club offers a complete infrastructure for pickleball enthusiasts.

With well-maintained courts and flexible schedules, Lira Tênis Clube provides an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced players. The club also offers trial classes and has qualified instructors to help players develop their skills.

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A post shared by Lira Tênis Clube (@liratenisclube)

With the growing popularity of pickleball, it is likely that new spaces for playing the sport will emerge in Florianópolis. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the social media and official channels of the region's sports clubs to discover new gaming opportunities.

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A post shared by Lira Tênis Clube (@liratenisclube)

The future of this sport in Brazil

With the growth of the sport and the increased interest among Brazilians in sports that are easy to learn and provide great social interaction, pickleball has enormous potential in the country. For this expansion to happen more quickly, several factors will be crucial:

1. More infrastructure: Building dedicated pickleball courts in clubs and public spaces will help popularize the sport.
2. Greater dissemination: Influencers and athletes can play a vital role in promoting tournaments and events to attract new players.
3. Institutional support: Recognition by sports federations and the inclusion of pickleball in sports programs could drive its widespread adoption.
4. Competitiveness: The creation of national championships could further stimulate the growth of the sport, forming a solid base of Brazilian athletes on the international stage.

Just like sports like beach tennis and paddle tennis, pickleball has everything it needs to gain ground in Brazil in the coming years, attracting fans of all ages and profiles.

Alternative for the elderly

Finally, one of the factors that makes pickleball so special is its accessibility for older adults. Unlike tennis, which requires greater physical endurance and quick movement, pickleball allows for a more technical game that's less stressful on the joints.

Therefore, in the United States, the sport is already widely adopted by seniors, seen as an excellent alternative for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. In Brazil, this trend may follow suit, with pickleball becoming a viable option for seniors who want to practice a social, fun, and low-impact sport.

Therefore, with all these advantages, pickleball has a promising future both in Brazil and around the world, consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic sports today.