Whether they’re local, national, or international in scope, tournaments play a crucial role in spreading the pickleball love. They’re like the sport’s cheerleaders, inspiring more people to grab a paddle and give it a go.
Featuring Gold Medal Championship pro and senior pros, plus live streaming on Amazon’s PICKLE TV Global Network, a national Expo vendor village, and more!
Why Pickleball?
With tournaments in every corner of the world, and a rapidly growing player base, pickleball’s popularity is skyrocketing. This growth is a testament to the game’s ability to engage players of all ages and abilities. The Polo Club of Boca Raton feels it necessary to promote the game to its best.
The smaller court size, slower pace, and ease of entry make it easy for people to get involved and stay engaged in the sport. As a result, the sport attracts players of all ages and fitness levels who appreciate the friendly competition and health benefits. Seasoned athletes who are finding that more aggressive sports are too much on their joints often embrace the less strenuous nature of pickleball.
Whether you are just looking for something to do with your friends, or a new activity to try with your significant other, pickleball is an ideal option. You don’t need to be particularly athletic or in great shape to play, and because games are short, you can easily partner up with a friend of different skill level.
The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, so there is a lot of running and swinging that can add up to a decent aerobic workout. It’s also an excellent way to strengthen your arms and legs, and improve balance and coordination. Playing with a partner, or even in teams, also encourages social interaction, and helps build community.
Health and Wellness
Whether you’re competing as a professional or just trying out the sport, participating in pickleball tournaments offers a variety of health and wellness benefits. The sport burns calories, helps improve balance and agility and increases bone density. It also boosts mental health and can help you build stronger relationships.
The sport is low-impact, which means it’s easier on the joints than other sports, such as running and tennis. This makes it a good choice for older adults who want to remain competitive but aren’t ready for a high-impact activity. The smaller court size also reduces the distance you have to run, and most of the movements are underhand or lateral, which lessens strain on your shoulders, explains Dr. Greiner.
Still, it’s important to warm up with a three- to five-minute stretch and wear proper shoes to avoid sprains and strains. Players should also be sure to hydrate before, during and after playing and always play on dry courts. If you’re new to the game, consider joining a local pickleball club where you can meet others and learn more about the rules and equipment. Aside from the social component, these clubs can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can play and learn the fundamentals of the game. The District Commissioners continue to expand pickleball opportunities, including opening new courts and progress toward a covered pickleball center at Patch Reef Park.
Competitive Thrill
As the tournament unfolded, I found myself soaking in the pickleball community’s particular brand of homespun giddiness. People played pickup games on the courts by an arepa stand; kids posed with the sport’s smiling yellow mascot. A small village of vendors’ booths offered refreshment (restorative CBD drinks, fresh fruit salads), equipment (new paddles, shoes, and bags), and even pickleball vacations.
The wind heightened the drama, as the light and holey ball swirled around players. A major shakeup in the pickleball world had recently occurred, when Texas billionaire Tom Dundon took over P.P.A. and enticed top pros to sign exclusive three-year contracts that barred them from playing most non-P.P.A. events. As a result, many players had to drop out of the Boca event, and the pickleball podcast and blog scenes erupted in anxious reaction.
The tournament is a chance for players to showcase their skill, and it’s also a way for them to compete with friends. While the victors earn bragging rights and prize money, the true winners are the communities that host the tournaments, as the proceeds from each one fund a “Grow the Game Grant,” which gives free pickleball gear to underserved areas. Like a sport’s cheerleaders, these grants encourage more people to pick up a paddle and join the fun. And with the tournament landscape expanding on a local, regional, and national scale, the future of pickleball looks bright.
Social Atmosphere
The Boca Raton Masters tournament displayed the sport’s particular brand of homespun giddiness. People played pickup games on mini courts next to an arepa stand; kids posed with a smiling yellow pickleball mascot. A small village of vendors’ booths sold refreshments (restorative CBD drinks, a self-massager) and pickleball products (paddle grips, custom t-shirts).
J.W. Johnson, a strapping nineteen-year-old with short brown bangs and a leather necklace, sat in the only shaded viewing area watching his semifinal match against Zane Navratil, a tattooed Idaho father of three. Johnson, the reigning men’s champion of the P.P.A. tournament series, has a stoical, almost impenetrable expression. Navratil, on the other hand, exudes an oxygenated flush of giddy elation.
Whether you’re an expert on the golf course or a novice at pickleball, Boca West country club members love this one-of-a-kind game for its easy-to-master rules and high-energy action. The club offers pickleball organized play two days a week, daily open play and group matches, as well as clinics twice a month. It also hosts four tournaments, a club championship and exhibitions throughout the year. Boca Raton’s tropical climate and dedication to outdoor recreation make it an ideal place for novices and experts alike to enjoy the camaraderie of a vibrant pickleball community. Register for the EngagePickleball tournament this weekend and see how you can participate in Boca West’s one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
