Anyone who’s spent time in the US recently is likely to have noticed a new sound coming from sports clubs, parks and hotel grounds: a cheerful high-pitched ‘tock’– often accompanied by yelps of joy or frustration. I’m talking about pickleball, of course. Declared the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year running, the sporting craze has a slew of high-profile devotees – Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, George Clooney among them.
It’s so popular with the ‘in’ crowd, that Richard Branson just installed a court on Necker Island. Read more on US travel : Not to be confused with padel , pickleball is played with a lightweight paddle and a whiffle ball (hollow, plastic with holes). It’s great for all ages and skill levels – I’m living testament.
Having plateaued as an ‘advanced beginner’ at tennis, I stumbled across pickleball at my local sports club last May and am now one of thousands of Brits hooked. On a good week, I might play twice. On a better week, four or five times.
My fitness has improved and I’ve lost weight. But more than that, I feel like I’ve found my people. Almost everyone I’ve met on the pickleball court is laid-back, inclusive and prefers human interaction to a smartphone.
This is how I found myself sweating heavily on Court 4 at the PGA National Resort & Spa on the outskirts of Palm Beach . Best known for its championship golf courses and extensive tennis facilities, it recently added 12 pickleball courts due .