Pickleball vs Tennis
Pickleball is a name that’s been popping up a lot in US sports-related media recently. With its relatively low physical requirements and easy-to-understand rules, Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the industry.
There are already several Pickleball leagues organizing tournaments with prizes and trophies, especially in Maryland, where this sport is becoming increasingly popular, aiming to make this game a full-fledged sport, and it is now possible to bet on it, like tennis and other sports. Many online betting platforms allow you to bet on this sport, and here you can read what sportsbooks operate in Maryland. As Pickleball continues to gain traction, both recreationally and professionally, its rise in popularity is also reflected in the increasing number of online betting markets dedicated to the sport. With more tournaments and leagues emerging, the opportunities to engage with Pickleball, whether as a player, fan, or bettor, are expanding rapidly. As betting on Pickleball becomes more common, platforms are offering a variety of markets, including match outcomes, point spreads, and even live betting options. This growing interest signifies that Pickleball is not just a passing trend but a sport on the rise, poised to solidify its place in both competitive sports and the betting industry.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a fast-paced combination of tennis, wiffle ball, badminton, and ping pong into a fast-paced and exciting game. The game uses paddles made of wood, similar to those used in table tennis, and a ball made of plastic with holes to reduce air resistance and slow its speed, making it easier to control.
The net is similar to that used in badminton, and the game is played on a 20 by 44 foot court. The rules are similar to ping pong and are, therefore, easy to understand. There are different variations of the game, including singles, doubles and mixed couples versions.
Pickleball origins
The story behind the history of pickleball is a charming one. In the summer of 1965, Joel Pritchard, Republican Congressman and his friend Bill Bell came up with the basic idea for the game as a way to keep their children entertained during summer vacation. They initially decided to play badminton, but soon found that apart from the net, they lacked the other necessary pieces of equipment. Once they discovered that the ball bounced well on asphalt, they decided to lower the badminton net to 36 inches.
In an amusing twist, Pritchard’s wife, Joan, came up with the name of the game because the way in which they used leftover equipment to play Pickleball reminded her of how the rowing crew of the Pickleboat was chosen. In rowing, the pickle boat is usually made up of leftover members who had not been chosen for other boats.
Other important Pickleball milestones include:
1967: The formation of the first official pickleball court in the backyard of Pritchard’s neighbor Bob O’Brian.
1976: In Tukwila, Washington, the first Pickleball tournament was held at the South Center Athletic Club.
1984: The United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) was created and has been a driving force in the sport’s official recognition and popularity.
2001: Pickleball was introduced in the Arizona Senior Olympics.
2016: The first US Open Pickleball Championships were held.
Differences between tennis and pickleball
Although both tennis and pickleball have a number of striking similarities, there are also some key differences.
The paddles used in pickleball are solid and usually made of wood, whereas tennis rackets are usually more lightweight and strung.
The balls used are also completely different. Tennis balls are usually made with rubber covered in felt and they have a much higher bounce than pickleballs, which are primarily made of perforated plastic.
The technique to serve is different. In tennis, overhand serves are more common. In pickleball, players use the underhand serve technique, and the serve has to be diagonally across the court.
Pickleball also has a special non-volley zone called a kitchen zone, and players cannot volley, or hit the ball in the air if they are in this zone. In addition, volleys are only allowed if the ball has bounced once on that side of the net.
