Why everyone’s talking about pickleball (and why you should too)

July 1, 2025 - By Sophie Pomerleau-Boutet
5 minutes
Whether it’s your retired neighbour, your competitive colleague or your friend who wants to get fit, everyone’s talking about pickleball. Invented in 1960 and imported to Quebec in 2008, it’s only in the last few years that its popularity has grown.
In this article, we explore what makes this sport so attractive: its simple rules, its accessibility, its many fitness benefits and its social dimension. You’ll also discover how it differs from other racket sports, how to get the most out of it for your health, and what precautions you need to take to play safely. Plus, a few training tips to improve your performance… while having fun!
Pickleball is a dynamic sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong and badminton. It is particularly attractive because of its low impact on the joints, thanks to a smaller court that limits movement. So, technique and strategy take precedence over strength and speed.
Another advantage is the ease with which it can be equipped. All you need to get started is a racket and a ball. Complete sets of four rackets and balls are available for as little as $50, making it an affordable pastime.
In organised leagues, players are categorised according to their ability and skill level. They then play against opponents of a similar calibre, making the sport enjoyable and accessible.
Other than the basic principle of throwing the ball over the net, pickleball shares few similarities with tennis. The court used is identical to that of badminton, and therefore smaller than that of tennis. The net is positioned lower, making it easier for the ball to pass over it.
The ball used is light and perforated, reducing its speed and slowing down the game. The racket is solid, giving greater control over the force and direction of shots.
In short, pickleball is renowned for being a gentler, slower-paced sport than tennis in general, making it an ideal option for players of all ages.
There are many fitness benefits to playing pickleball for beginners and experienced players alike:
Every sport has its risks of injury, and pickleball is no exception! Rapid movements and changes of direction can lead to injuries and falls. Repeated movements also increase stress on the joints. Among the most common injuries are sprains, fractures and contusions. The joints most at risk are the knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
That said, if you adopt the right habits, you can still have fun… in complete safety! Here are 6 essential tips to put into practice:
Once you’ve had a taste of this sport, you’ll want to perform. You can, of course, take lessons to improve your technique. But you also need to improve your general fitness. I advise you to incorporate these forms of training into your routine:
Pickleball is a sport that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or level of experience. To get the most out of it, it’s essential to adopt a training program that’s suited to your goals and your condition. Don’t hesitate to consult your trainer-kinésiologist: they will be able to guide you in planning your training sessions and help you progress safely and effectively!
Get your racquet on!
Why everyone's talking about pickleball (and why you should too) is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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