Why You Should Teach Your Kids Pickleball
As a father of 4 young daughters, I decided that I wanted to teach my girls pickleball when they are young.
Now it feels like there are endless possibilities of sports you can teach your kids, so here are 8 reasons why you should consider putting pickleball at the top of that list.
1. Pickleball is cheap
The only extra equipment that you need to play pickleball is a pickleball paddle and pickleball shoes. In addition, some retailers offer pickleball discount codes, so you can easily search for a Joola pickleball paddle discount code, and you may be in luck to find one that makes your pickleball paddle purchase even less expensive.
In addition, pickleball balls can range from $1 to $3 each, and it’s not like a tennis ball that you have to change quite often. For example, I have played with the same pickleball ball for months now. The only reason I often have to change the ball is if the ball breaks.
Finally, in addition, you can save even more money if you purchased used pickleball paddles.
2. Pickleball promotes physical activity in your children
My kids often want to be on screens as much time as I will give them. Thankfully, pickleball provides a fun and exciting way for your kids to stay active. Your kids can develop essential skills such as motor skills, agility and coordination.
Playing pickleball can improve their physical health and reduce the risk of obesity. For example, you can lose 300-500 calories per hour playing pickleball.
3. Pickleball is easy to learn
Many sports have steep learning curves that make it difficult for young children to adapt to the game.
When I played pickleball with a good friend this week, I only had to take about 5 minutes to explain the entire game before we started playing a game. There are not that many rules, and the smaller court sizes allow your kids to grasp the basics very quickly.
This can provide your children a sense of accomplishment and confidence right from the beginning.
4. Social Skills Building
Unlike other sports, you have 5 year olds playing pickleball and 85 year olds playing pickleball. I find that playing pickleball is a fantastic way to encourage social interaction and teamwork.
When I join a game, I often play in pairs or groups, which means I’m constantly strategizing with my partner and cheering on my teammates. This sport truly fosters communication, cooperation, and sportsmanship. These valuable skills go beyond just the game and positively impact everyday life.
5. Mental Stimulation
I find that pickleball is not just about physical prowess—it also demands mental acuity and strategic thinking. As I play, I need to anticipate my opponent’s moves, adapt my strategies on the fly, and make split-second decisions. Engaging in pickleball has helped me sharpen cognitive skills such as focus, concentration, and problem-solving.
6. Low Impact Sport
I’ve noticed that compared to high-impact activities like basketball or soccer, pickleball is much gentler on the body (even though I felt quite sore after playing 7 games this week). This makes it ideal for kids of varying fitness levels and abilities.
The slower pace and smaller court size significantly reduce the risk of injuries, allowing children, including myself, to enjoy the game without worrying about excessive physical strain.
7. Family Friendly Activity
I love that pickleball is a sport the whole family can enjoy together. Whether I’m playing doubles with my kids or participating in a friendly tournament, pickleball provides a fantastic opportunity for quality family time and bonding.
For example, on our recent trip to Lake Tahoe, we found a beautiful pickleball court an played with the entire family.
It’s also accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, making it the perfect choice for multi-generational fun.
8. Needs only 2 people to play
Many sports such as soccer or basketball or football require a lot of people to play the game. So, the only times you can play some of those games is quite a bit of coordination.
Thankfully, you can play pickleball with your son or daughter immediately. You do not have to wait to coordinate a large gathering, which can encourage you to play more.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an awesome sport to teach your young children. Hopefully these 8 reasons compel you enough to get a pickleball paddle and head to the nearest court.
Ben Tejes thoroughly enjoys pickleball and actively researches how to stay healthy. He enjoys sharing both pickleball and health topics in his writing. In his free time, you can find Ben spending time with his wife and 4 young children exploring the Bay Area, California.