Pickleball. The name itself sounds a little quirky, doesn’t it? It conjures up images of, well, maybe pickles bouncing around a court. Where did this sport come from? Why the sudden surge of popularity?

This sport actually dates all the way back to 1965. As history has it, pickleball was invented by a couple of dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, looking for a fun activity for their kids. They cobbled together some equipment and rules, and boom – pickleball was born! While it’s been around for decades, its popularity has exploded in recent years, both globally and here in Malaysia. And like any trend that sweeps the nation (and the world), it’s sparked some pretty strong reactions. When it comes to pickleball, it seems people either love it or hate it.  So, what is all this fuss actually about?

What is Pickleball?

For the uninitiated, pickleball is often described as a hybrid of tennis and badminton. It’s like table tennis, without the table. Which should make it just tennis, but also, not quite.

Imagine the finesse of badminton combined with the court coverage of tennis, all played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It’s played on a court slightly smaller than a tennis court, with a lowered net. The game involves serving the ball diagonally, and then the real fun begins – volleys, dinks, and smashes, all within the confines of the “kitchen” (a non-volley zone near the net). It’s a game of strategy, hand-eye coordination, and a decent amount of athleticism.

Why Do People Love It?

Let’s be honest, the rise of pickleball has been hard to miss. It’s the kind of trend that ignites a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). Suddenly, everyone seems to be hitting the courts, paddles in hand, and social media feeds are flooded with pickleball pictures. Something like, “Hey, look at me! I’m playing this new trendy sport. When are you?”

But the appeal goes beyond just wanting to be part of the “in” crowd. Pickleball offers a unique blend of fun and fitness. It’s not as physically demanding as some other sports, making it a great option for beginners and those looking for a more social, less intense workout. Think of it as tennis’s chill cousin. It’s easy to pick up, making it beginner-friendly and accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. And, like many team sports, it fosters a sense of community.  Players connect over shared games, friendly competition, and post-game chats. Plus, pickleball has a certain “country club” vibe. It looks good on Instagram. It makes you want to show it off.

And, Why Do People Hate It?

With every rising trend, there’s always a counter-movement. And pickleball is no exception. Lately, the internet has been buzzing with anti-pickleball sentiment. Some people are mildly annoyed, while others are passionately opposed. But why?

Ironically, some of the very reasons people love pickleball are the reasons others despise it. One common complaint is that it’s a “pretentious” sport, not a “real” sport, and that people should stick to tennis; that it’s a tennis wannabe. The lower intensity, which makes it appealing to some, is seen as a weakness by others. “It’s not a real workout,” they argue.

Another major point of contention is the court situation. Pickleball, due to its court dimensions, often shares space with tennis and badminton. As pickleball’s popularity has soared, tennis and badminton courts, and even futsal courts, are being converted to accommodate the growing demand. This has understandably angered existing players who are losing their playing spaces. It all ties back to the sentiment of “you’re better off playing tennis,” creating a sense of rivalry and resentment.

It’s hard to find universal agreement on anything, especially on trending hot topics such as pickleball. Conflicts are bound to arise. I wouldn’t say one side is inherently right or wrong. But I do believe pickleball is a legitimate sport. Low physical intensity? Even chess is considered a sport, so why not pickleball? The real question is: is this pickleball craze just a fleeting trend? Will it die out in a few months or years? Or is it here to stay? Only time will tell. In the meantime, whether you love it or hate it, pickleball has definitely made its mark on the sporting landscape.