Pickleball nets new enthusiasts across the nation, and here

Easy to learn game emerges as a mainstream U.S. sport

There’s a new game in town and it’s called pickleball.

Though it has a funny name, the sport has exploded to become the fastest growing sport in the United States, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

Pickleball is a mix of table tennis, paddle tennis, badminton and tennis. It is played on a court the size of a badminton court and can be played at any age. Easy to learn, the game is popular in school physical education programs as well as adult living communities.

Very little equipment is required and portable nets are easily transported and set up. Players usually congregate without having to organize individual matches. Games are short so no long time commitment is required. Tournament play is usually divided by age and skill level with an entire division completed in one day.

Ample opportunity to learn and play this exciting sport exists in Taos. Due to demand and an increase in pickleball enthusiasts locally, two local tennis clubs have converted their tennis courts into pickleball courts. The Taos Spa has converted one of its tennis courts into two pickleball courts with plans to convert additional courts in the near

future. Quail Ridge Tennis has also converted two of its tennis courts into four pristine pickleball courts. Both facilities offer intro and beginner clinics. New players are always welcome. Pickleball is also available at the Angel Fire Community Center.

The sport has a national organization called USA Pickleball Association that promotes the growth and development of pickleball, on both a national and international level. Locally, Taos and Angel Fire each have pickleball ambassadors that promote the sport of pickleball and the USAPA in the local area.

Courtesy Montrose Recreation District Many communities have committed resources to provide playing surfaces and nets for the growing pickleball craze. These courts in Montrose, Colorado recently opened due to the popularity of the emerging sport.

Courtesy Stan Lim; The Orange County Register A whiffle ball rests on the court as people play pickleball. Groups of players are mobilizing nationwide, trying to get permission to expand the sport in their hometowns and cities.