Pickleball is is taking South Jersey, the country and the world by storm. This fast-paced game, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, is becoming increasingly popular among older adults and people with disabilities. The sport is played on a badminton-sized court with a net similar to tennis, but using a hard paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The rules and scoring are similar to those of tennis, but the ball is served underhand and players are not allowed to play volleys at the net.

With the popularity of pickleball on the rise, communities are building dedicated pickleball courts and organizing local tournaments. The sport is also gaining popularity among younger players and is becoming more competitive. This has led to the formation of the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA), which is the governing body for the sport in this country. It organizes national tournaments and events, and it maintains the official rules of the game.

Players are focusing their free time and even their vacations around the sport. Events like an upcoming pickleball cruise along the Danube River, starting in Hungary and playing pickleball through four European countries, are catching on and becoming more popular.

Unlike other sports like tennis or badminton, pickleball does not require a high level of skill or athleticism to play. The game is also easy on the body.

Nevertheless, the sport provides a great workout. Pickleball requires a lot of running and quick movements, which helps to improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. The sport also helps to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time, which can be beneficial for older adults.

The sport is also very social and encourages teamwork. Players have found that pickleball is a great way to meet new people and make friends. The sport is played in many community centers, parks and recreation facilities, schools and fitness centers, and also in private clubs. The social aspect of the game is one of the reasons why it is so popular among older adults. Many find that they feel more connected to their community when they play pickleball, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The pickleball craze is a phenomenon that is growing at an unprecedented rate, and for good reasons. With the USAPA working to promote and develop the sport, it is likely that the pickleball craze will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.