Country club sports have risen in popularity with nearly every age demographic in the past few years. Whether your daughter picked up golf to spend quality time with dad or your basketball-playing brothers were looking for a different kind of court to compete on, these games are fun, accessible to everyone, and provide ultimate bonding possibilities!
Here at Bluestone Country Club, we’ve witnessed the incredible growth of perhaps one of the lesser well-known racquet sports, Pickleball! And no, you don’t need to go to a deli and order a sandwich, you can try Pickleball for yourself here in Blue Bell, PA!
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun sport that could be considered a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It can be played in doubles (2 people per side) and singles (1 person per side) either on indoor or outdoor courts that are around the size of a badminton course featuring smaller nets. Players use thick paddles to serve, return, and rally a ball similar to a wiffleball with small holes inside.
Growth of Pickleball
In 2020, Pickleball was considered the fastest growing sport in America! According to the same research, there were over 4.2 million Pickleball players that year, and we suspect that this number has grown even larger today! If you’re wondering to yourself “when did pickleball become popular?”, the answer is a bit complex. For older demographics, say 55 and up, Pickleball has been a quite popular sport for a while now. However, for younger generations, the most growth really has occurred within the last 3-4 years. There is a multitude of reasons why the sport has seen so much growth recently, but the main reason really is its inclusive nature.
It’s for Everyone!
Pickleball is certainly not an exclusive sport. The growth of Pickleball is directly related to its accessibility and learnability. From young kids looking to engage in some friendly competition in the summer to seniors looking for something to stay active and have fun, Pickleball is not a sport solely for elite athletes. While there are professional Pickleballers, the casual games found
in country clubs or other facilities are meant to be more laid back! Essentially, it’s a non-contact sport designed to include everyone and anyone that wants to play.
Where Can I Play?
Now that you know the answers to “what is pickleball? or “when did pickleball become so popular?”, you might be encouraged to try to find “pickleball courts near me!” Today, there are thousands of courts located around the nation for you to try. Luckily for you, if you live in the Greater Philadelphia area, there’s one right in your backyard here at Bluestone Country Club! Our social members gain full access to a ton of incredible amenities and activities, including our relaxing pool area, great discounts on delicious dinners at the iconic Bluebell In, and of course, full access to Pickleball courts!
Think you’re ready to try your hand at this fast-growing sport? Click here to learn more about social memberships at Bluestone or schedule your own tour of our facilities today to see for yourself!