When Ping Pong, Tennis, and Badminton join together…the result is a new, exciting sport that has taken America by storm: Pickleball. Pickleball is a racket sport that is played on a small, asphalt court using a mini net, a relatively simple idea but with a massive and dedicated following. Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three dads just looking to occupy some kids on a hot summer day. Using a badminton court, table tennis rackets, and a whiffle ball, pickleball was born. Even though it’s been around for close to 60 years, pickleball has only really started to gain popularity over the last few, and it has shown no signs of stopping now. As of the 2023 school year, the pickleball train has reached North Atlanta High School, and students are hopping aboard!
Dubs have discovered that there are many reasons to hop aboard the pickleball train. Pickleball’s wide appeal can be attributed to its many enjoyable features. The major one is the ease of learning. After all, pickleball is mainly just hitting a plastic ball over a net! There are a few specific rules that are important, and the scoring can pose some difficulty at first, but once one gets it down, they can practically call themselves a pro! It may be on a small court, but pickleball yields a massive workout. Research has found that pickleball burns about 40% more calories than walking, but one doesn’t have to be a scientist to feel the burn after a tough match. The positive attributes don’t just end here, however. North Atlanta students are finding their reasons to fall in love with the sport. “I like it because it’s super-fast-paced,” said freshman John Stevens, “My reaction time becomes near superhuman levels to keep up with the ball.”
The Dubs have come to love the sport so much, some students have recognized a need for a club dedicated to all things pickleball. Juniors Alex and Henry Katz have expressed plans to start a pickleball club and are currently working on getting it out to NAHS as fast as possible. They enjoy the social and physical aspects of pickleball and hope to share their enjoyment with fellow peers. “Major details are yet to be confirmed, but a pickleball club is in the works,” said junior Alex Katz, “I love the sport, and being able to play it with friends at North Atlanta, whew! Sign me up!”
For many people around the world, North Atlanta students included, Pickleball has emerged into a beloved pastime, unquestionably smashing the expectations of those dads back in 1965. With no signs of the sport slowing down, this pickle is not going to expire any time soon.
