Pickleball on the rise in Troy, across Michigan
TROY >> At 10:30 a.m. people begin to file into the North Gym at the Troy Community Center. First it’s only two players, then it doubles to four, and then six or more show up with their paddles and competitive spirit in tow.
They take their places in four indoor courts that span the length of a basketball court for friendly games of Pickleball. First it’s to warm up, then it’s to play one of the fastest growing games in America, let alone in Troy.
Just like in basketball, the winner stays and the loser walks — even in friendly games.
“We’ve seen the growth of the game increase just shy of ten times from January to now in the Troy area, and that tracks on what they’ve seen on a national stage,” Pickelheads co-founder Brandon Mackie said.
Pickleheads is an online website that helps profile over 13,324 pickleball courts in 5,232 cities across the US as well as providing pickleball equipment reviews, detailed how-to guides and more.
In fact, Pickleball is growing so rapidly in Michigan that it ranks in the top 10 states at No. 7 in the country based on the number of courts alone with 377. California, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina and Texas round out the top five
A Pickleball court is similar to that of a tennis court in layout. The playing surface is 20 feet wide and 44 feet in length. The recommended total space of play is 35 feet by 65 feet to allow for out of bounds.
The court is a third of the size of the tennis court, and you can fit four pickleball courts inside a tennis court.
Also not too dissimilar from tennis, ping pong or badminton, Pickleball is played with paddles and a plastic ball. The paddles used are lightweight, flat and smooth, and are made of wood, plastic or composite. The balls used are made of plastic, and have holes similar to that of a Waffle Bal.
Despite the game’s recent popularity boom, it actually has been around for nearly 60 years. Back in the summer of 1965, Washington state congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend, and successful businessman, Bill Bell created the game while on vacation to help entertain the family’s bored teenaged son.
After enlisting the help of their friend, Barney McCallum, a week or so later, the trio continued to refine the game with the help of their families as they tried out different sizes and shapes of rackets, many of which were crafted in McCallum’s wood shed, and spent the following months trying out different rules and court configurations.
The first game of Pickleball was played on a badminton court with the net lowered to allow for bouncing plays.
Flash forward to today, players who love the game have to wait their turn or be the early bird to the courts when they first open up to secure a game.
Troy residents say that it’s hard to find games, sometimes. You have to go to other cities to find a game, and sometimes you have to wait 20-30 minutes before you can get on a court here or there.
Residents also hope there are more courts coming to the community because players can get to a court in a neighboring city and meet up to 100 people waiting to play a game at times.
The city of Troy knows this problem, and has plans to build more courts in the area and help sustain the major popularity of the game, according to Torri Mathes, communications & engagement director for the city of Troy.
Further details of the city’s plans were not readily available upon request.
Residents can play at Redwood Park where four courts are available. Brinston Park where one court is available, and Boulan Park — the only park with lights — where Pickleball is available on courts 1-4.
“Pickleball is quite popular at the Troy Community Center. In the summer months, we do see less drop-in participation as weather allows for more outdoor play. However, registered programs like lessons sell-out,” Mathes said.
“It is an excellent lowimpact sport suitable for all ages.”
Pickleball courts are also at the Troy Racquet Club, and Lifetime Fitness at 4700 Investment Drive.
If residents want to pick up the game, they can also take lessons at the Community Center, which are taught by certified professionals. Details can be found rec. troymi.gov.