Discover the Growing Sport of Pickleball: How to Get Involved

Are you looking for a new sport to get involved in? One that is rapidly gaining popularity across the world? Look no further than pickleball! This American “backyard game” is taking Scotland by storm, with thousands of players picking up paddles and hitting the courts.

In just a few short years, the number of pickleball players in Scotland has skyrocketed from around 50 to over 5,200 – an increase of more than 10,000 percent! The recent Skechers Pickleball Scottish Open saw a record 380 players competing in over 900 matches, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity.

What makes pickleball so appealing? According to Judy Murray, it’s fun, engaging, and incredibly inclusive. The sport is a perfect fit for Scotland, with its abundance of badminton courts and community centers. Even Andy Murray has gotten in on the action, installing a court at his Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane.

But what exactly is pickleball, and how do you play? The sport was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard and his friends, who were looking for a new game to play on their badminton court. The name “pickleball” has various origin stories, from a rowing term to a family dog named Pickles.

To play pickleball, all you need is a set of special paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The game is played on a badminton court, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple, with the first player or team to reach 11 points declared the winner.

If you’re interested in trying out pickleball, there are plenty of places to play in Scotland. Pickleball Scotland has a list of clubs and venues where you can join in on the fun. So grab a paddle, find a court, and get ready to experience the excitement of pickleball – the sport that’s set to overtake tennis in Scotland by 2030!