If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of pickleball, a game that has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, despite its growing fan base, there are several reasons why pickleball sucks. In this article, we’ll explore six reasons why this sport might not be worth your time.
Firstly, the noise level in pickleball can be unbearable for some people. The constant popping sound of the ball hitting the paddle can be annoying, and if you’re someone who is sensitive to noise, this can be a deal breaker.
1. Lack of Physical Challenge
Pickleball is often marketed as a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. While this may be true to some extent, it also means that the sport lacks the physical challenge that many athletes crave or people who want to burn a lot of calories.
If you are looking for a sport that will push you to your limits and test your physical abilities, pickleball may not be the best choice. The court is smaller than a tennis court, and the ball is lighter and slower than a tennis ball. This means that you do not need to cover as much ground or hit the ball as hard, which can make the game feel less demanding.
In addition, pickleball is often played in a doubles format, which means that you have a partner to share the workload with. While this can be a fun and social way to play, it also means that you do not need to move around the court as much or hit as many shots as you would in a singles match.
Furthermore, the rules of pickleball are designed to make the game more accessible and less physically demanding. For example, the serve must be underhand, and the ball must bounce once before it can be volleyed. These rules make it easier for beginners to get started, but they also limit the range of shots that can be played and reduce the physical challenge of the game.
2. Poor Equipment Quality
One of the main reasons why pickleball sucks is due to the poor quality of equipment available. When you’re playing any sport, you want to have equipment that is reliable, durable, and consistent. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with pickleball.
Firstly, the paddles used in pickleball are often made from cheap materials that are prone to breaking. This means that you may have to replace your paddle frequently, which can be both frustrating and expensive. Additionally, the grip on the paddle can wear out quickly, which can affect your ability to control the ball.
Secondly, the balls used in pickleball are not always consistent in terms of their bounce and flight. This can make it difficult to anticipate where the ball will go, which can be frustrating for players of all levels. Furthermore, the balls can often be too lightweight, which can cause them to be affected by even the slightest breeze.
Thirdly, the nets used in pickleball are often of poor quality, which can affect the overall playing experience. The net may be too loose or too tight, which can affect the trajectory of the ball. Additionally, the net may be too low, which can make it difficult to play shots over the net.
3. Limited Movement Range
One of the main criticisms of pickleball is the limited movement range required to play the game. Unlike other racket sports like tennis or badminton, pickleball courts are much smaller, and the ball moves at a slower pace. This means that players do not have to cover as much ground or move as quickly to get to the ball.
While this may be appealing to some players, it also means that pickleball does not provide the same level of cardiovascular workout as other sports. Players may not burn as many calories or work up as much of a sweat as they would playing a more demanding sport.
4. Low-Intensity Exercise
Another issue with pickleball is the low-intensity exercise it provides. While the sport does require some physical activity, it is not as strenuous as other sports like basketball or soccer. This means that players may not build as much muscle or improve their cardiovascular health as much as they would with more intense exercise.
Additionally, the lack of physical demands in pickleball may not be challenging enough for those looking to improve their fitness levels. Players may not see significant improvements in their strength or endurance over time, which can be discouraging for those looking to get in shape.
5. Court Size and Layout
The court size for pickleball is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. This is smaller than a tennis court, which makes the game more accessible to players of all ages and abilities. The court is divided into two halves by a net that is 36 inches high at the center and 34 inches high at the ends. The court is also marked with lines that indicate the service area, the non-volley zone, and the boundaries of the court.
6. Equipment
The equipment needed to play pickleball is relatively simple. You will need a paddle, a plastic ball with holes, and appropriate shoes for the court surface. The paddle is similar in size and shape to a ping pong paddle, but it is made of wood, graphite, or composite materials. The ball is lightweight and has a diameter of 2.87 inches. It is designed to be slower than a tennis ball, which makes it easier to hit and control.
7. Rules
The rules of pickleball are straightforward and easy to understand. The game is played with two or four players, and the objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court without them returning it. The game starts with a serve, and the serving team must keep the ball in the service area. If the ball lands outside the service area, it is considered a fault, and the other team gets a point.
One of the unique rules of pickleball is the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen. This is an area on each side of the net that extends 7 feet from the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball while standing in the non-volley zone, except under certain circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gameplay of pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The court size is smaller than a tennis court, and the equipment is relatively simple. The rules are straightforward and easy to understand, with one unique rule being the non-volley zone.
