We’ve noticed a marked interest in pickleball among JohnHart’s agents and staff as of late. But we didn’t need to look far to realize this isn’t a phenomenon unique to our brokerage. It’s happening all over the city, the state, the country. What is this recent fascination with pickleball Los Angeles residents seem to have developed overnight? Wasn’t tennis good enough? Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity likely has to do with several factors. But before we look at what those are, let’s answer a question we’re sure is on a lot of your minds…
What the Heck is Pickleball?
Pickleball should be pretty familiar to anyone with a rudimentary understanding of paddle-based sports like tennis and ping pong. Two opposing players (or two opposing teams of two players each) face off on a specially sized pickleball court divided by a net. Players use paddles similar to those used in ping pong, though noticeably larger. And the ball is completely different from those used in tennis or ping pong. Crafted from hard plastic, the ball is hollow and evenly punctuated with a series of holes. They can come in a variety of colors, though you’ll most commonly find a neon lime green color reminiscent of a… you guessed it… pickle. The design of the pickleball gives it less bounce than a tennis ball, playing into the game’s unique mechanics.
While it may be tempting to commandeer your local tennis court for a round of pickleball, pickleball courts have their own specific requirements. For example, a regulation pickleball court measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Courts must also include a seven foot area known as the non-volley zone (or kitchen). The pickleball must bounce into this zone prior to being hit back. Just a little paint and the proper authorization can quickly turn the average tennis court into a dual purpose tennis/pickleball court. Despite only servers being permitted to score a point, the game is typically faster paced than its more established cousin, tennis.
Low Cost of Entry
So, what’s behind the rising popularity of the pickleball Los Angeles athletes crave? Well, for one thing, the price of entry is pretty low. Paddles and pickleballs are relatively inexpensive; especially when compared to tennis supplies. And let’s not even begin comparing prices with sports like golf. The low upfront investment convinces more people to give pickleball a chance without the risk of sinking hard-earned money into a sport they may ultimately dislike.
Admittedly, the cost of pickleball can outpace tennis over time. Paddles often wear out more quickly than tennis rackets. But by that point, most players have decided whether or not pickleball is really the sport for them. And, in the likely event that it is, they’ll happily shell out for a racket in pristine condition.
All Are Welcome
User friendliness also plays a big part in the pickleball Los Angeles players are turning to as an alternative to other paddle sports. With its similarities to other paddle-based sports, pickleball is familiar enough to keep it relatively easy to learn for beginners. Tennis rookies have multiple points to master before they can really start to compete in earnest. With pickleball, newcomers can expect to be having fun on the court the day they learn the sport.
In general, the pickleball community around Los Angeles is welcoming to new players. While the sport is new to a lot of people, it’s actually been around since 1965. But you won’t find many veteran gatekeepers… especially around LA. Most people familiar with the sport recognize that it’s popularity is rising and welcome novices.
But there’s also a very good reason to stick with pickleball. Though it may be easy to learn, it can take a long time to master. Therefore, the sport offers rookies and veterans alike plenty of room to grow as an athlete.
Where to Play Pickleball Near You
Finally, it’s fairly easy to find a pickleball court near you in the Greater Los Angeles area. As we mentioned, several JohnHart agents regularly play pickleball, not to mention a few of our staff members. That’s because many of the city’s community tennis courts have been updated to include perimeter lines that fit the dimensions of a pickleball court.
So, what can you do if there’s no court near you to accommodate the pickleball Los Angeles players crave? Well, if you live in a community with a tennis court, simply petition the powers-that-be to add in pickleball lines. It’s a fairly inexpensive modification that can dramatically increase community interest in the provided amenities. From there, it shouldn’t be too difficult to put together a game.
Enjoying the Pickleball Los Angeles Sports Fans Are Popularizing
We can see why so many of our agents and staff are drawn to the fun game with the strange name. If you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy Southern California’s hospitable weather, pickleball is a fantastic option. Not sure where to find a pickleball court? Ask one of our agents! They’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.
