Following rock climbing, surfing, and frisbee, a new trend among urban trendsetters is quietly spreading - pickleball, becoming the "new favorite" sport for city dwellers.

Pickleball, a racquet sport played with a ball, originated on Bainbridge Island, Seattle in 1965.

Three friends created this sport using ping pong paddles and a badminton net for a family gathering. Through experimentation and innovation, pickleball emerged and was officially registered as a sport in 1972. This easy-to-learn, novel racquet sport quickly gained popularity across the United States.

Over more than half a century of development, pickleball has gained traction in the United States, particularly during the pandemic when its low barrier to entry and minimal restrictions caused it to become one of the fastest-growing sports rapidly. According to the USA Pickleball Association, as of early 2023, the number of pickleball players in the United States skyrocketed from 4.82 million in 2021 to 36 million.

Pickleball blends elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong, resembling playing tennis with oversized ping pong paddles on a badminton-sized court. It is quick to pick up and highly enjoyable. It requires less space and equipment than tennis and offers more physical activity and stretching than ping pong.

The ball is lighter than a badminton shuttlecock and more wind-resistant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, with minimal court requirements, breaking the limitations of traditional racquet sports.

With its low barrier to entry, ease of learning, and moderate physical activity, pickleball has gradually entered communities, becoming a sport for all ages. It offers the joy of sports on smaller courts, downplaying competitiveness while enhancing social interaction.

In addition, unlike the monochrome gear and courts of tennis and badminton, pickleball features vibrant colors and creativity in both paddles and courts, making it attractive to young people and earning it the nickname "dopamine sport."

Pickleball is set to debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is expected to become an official competition event in 2028, gradually stepping onto a larger international stage.

In summary, the rapid rise of pickleball has not only sparked a sports craze in the United States but is also spreading globally, attracting more enthusiasts. With its simplicity, high entertainment value, and moderate physical demands, pickleball quickly gained favor among people of all ages. In communities and cities, pickleball has become a new choice for relaxation, physical fitness, and a new form of social activity.

In the future, pickleball will continue attracting participants with its unique charm and wide adaptability, becoming a true sport for everyone. Through this sport, people can experience the joy of physical activity and find a space for free expression in their fast-paced urban lives, opening a new chapter in healthy living.