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Once considered a casual pastime played on neighborhood driveways and at local recreation centers, pickleball has exploded into a bona fide competitive sport. Its origins, dating back to the mid- 1960s, were humble: a hybrid of badminton, tennis, and pingpong designed for families seeking fun and accessible play. But what started as a leisurely activity has transformed into a phenomenon commanding national attention.
Today, pickleball is more than a weekend hobby— it’ s a highstakes competition attracting professional athletes and drawing crowds in the thousands. National and international tournaments, including the Professional Pickleball Association( PPA) World Championships, bring together the best players from around the globe. This marquee event has become a showcase of athleticism and strategy, drawing intense fan engagement and media coverage.
The USA Pickleball National Championships showcases elite talent, rigorous training, and prize purses that rival other emerging sports. The game’ s speed, strategy, and endurance requirements have elevated it from casual rallies to a sport where split-second decisions determine victory.
This surge is fueled by pickleball’ s accessibility. With smaller courts and slower-moving balls than tennis, it levels the playing field across age groups and skill levels, yet offers intense competitive depth for those who take it seriously. Its growing popularity has inspired dedicated training academies and professional leagues, cementing its place in the modern sports landscape.
Pickleball’ s journey— from backyard fun to championship arenas— is a testament to the sport’ s universal appeal. What was once a pastime for a few friends now commands the attention of athletes, fans, and sponsors alike. As it continues to evolve, one thing is clear: pickleball isn’ t just a game; it’ s a competitive force reshaping how we think about accessible, fast-growing sports in America.
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PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard
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Debbie Mountain CONTRIBUTORS Recognized by USA Pickleball as the“ Official Magazine” of Pickleball
MAY / JUNE 2023
Kyle McMakin Kate Mohns Alice Tym Drew Wathey Trish Zornio
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Mark Dancho PPA Tour Alice Tym Bruce Yeung
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Pickleball Championships
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TENNIS LEGENDS PADDLE IT OUT ON ESPN
HOW TO CREATE AN ATTACKABLE BALL
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USA TABLE TENNIS
ICON LILY YIP HITS THE COURTS
MAY / JUNE 2021
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Launched in 2016, Pickleball Magazine is recognized by USA Pickleball as the“ Official Magazine” of pickleball. USA Pickleball is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in the U. S. Pickleball Magazine offers tournament coverage, expert instruction written by professional players, rules, profiles of top pros, the latest equipment and more!
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