Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
With its easy-to-learn rules, accessibility for all ages, and minimal equipment, pickleball really has it all. A mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball creates a dynamic atmosphere on the court, which might explain the pickleball craze sweeping Canada and the world.
A Simple and Fun Racquet Sport
Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles, on indoor or outdoor courts. The court is smaller than a tennis court, limiting how much players need to move around and thus reducing the learning curve. Like in badminton, players serve underhanded. To add to the fun, the ball travels at high speeds and players need to let the ball bounce once before returning the serve, a bit like in table tennis.
An Intergenerational Activity by Nature
From kids to grandparents, everyone can enjoy pickleball and challenge themselves. For young players, paddles are smaller and lighter and can be easily manipulated. For older adults, pickleball is a great lower-impact sport. However, our coaches still recommend warming up properly and stretching to avoid injury.
In fact, it was in this very spirit of camaraderie that the sport was born in the 1960s in the United States. With a lowered badminton net, perforated balls, and improvised racquets, three friends came up with pickleball to entertain their kids.
The Benefits of Pickleball: Fun, Exercise, and Social Connections
Whether you simply want to get moving or challenge yourself, pickleball has many benefits for your well-being and overall health, depending on your level of play.
“Pickleball builds strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health while improving coordination, agility, and balance as well as mental acuity. As you need either two or four players, it also fosters team spirit and social connections and builds community. If you want to get back into exercising, socialize more, or age actively, pickleball could be the perfect choice for you.”
- Stéphane Rochard, Certified Level 2 Pickleball Coach (APTP Canada – NCCP) at the YMCA, Member of the Pickleball Coach Education Team, Representative for Québec Coaches with the Fédération québecoise de pickleball, and Captain of the 2025 Québec Team
How to Play Pickleball?
What You Need to Play
Regardless of your level, you will need the following equipment:
- Sports clothing and shoes, ideally suited for racquet sports
- A pickleball paddle (racquet made of wood, composite, or graphite)
- A hollow, perforated plastic ball
Equipment comes in a wide range of prices, but you can get everything for less than $100. Of course, you will then need to find a suitable court and net.
Tips to Get Started
To start your pickleball journey on the right foot, our pickleball coach Stéphane Rochard has a few basic tips that you should adopt right from your first game.
«Learn the basic rules of pickleball and how to hold your paddle properly with a continental grip. Mastering the basics is key so you can progress. Then watch more experienced players. As games are short (usually about 10 to 15 minutes), you can even ask them to let you try. You’ll see, the passion for pickleball is contagious.»
Where to Find a Pickleball Court Near You?
Many municipalities and sports facilities now offer outdoor pickleball courts, often not requiring a reservation. With the growing pickleball craze, many tennis courts have also been re-lined for pickleball.
Some gyms and fitness centres also offer indoor pickleball courts,as for example the Saint-Roch YMCA in Québec City, and the Westmount, Cartierville, du Parc and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce YMCAs in Montréal.
Most importantly, have fun as you learn to play this inclusive sport.
