A lifetime of Racquet Sports awaits!
The Pickleball revolution
At Ready to Racquet, we are passionate about racquet sports. Once the flame is properly lit, it can ignite a lifetime of enjoyment and fulfillment, whether it be playing Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, or Squash!
There’s a small revolution happening in the racquet world, with Pickleball emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports globally. In the United States for example,
Pickleball is now the third most participated sport, just behind biking and running.
So, what’s driving this revolution? Why are athletes flocking to Pickleball courts?
In terms of long-term fitness, Tennis undeniably offers more robust health benefits, as highlighted by studies like the one from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which correlates Tennis with increased longevity. The study found playing Tennis added on average 9.7 years to life. Tennis requires agility, speed, balance, and strength, all contributing to a full-body workout that few sports can rival. The hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking required also offer significant cognitive benefits.
However, Pickleball excels at being an easier entry point into racket sports, and a more accessible way to stay active. It may not replace Tennis in terms of physical rigor, but it complements it by making racket sports more widely available to a broader audience.
The appeal of Pickleball
Ultimately, the rise of Pickleball isn't about being a better version of Tennis but rather about offering an alternative that prioritizes ease, social connection, and inclusivity over high-intensity fitness. Both sports have their distinct advantages, and for many, Pickleball provides the perfect mix of activity and fun.
While the techniques and fundamentals of racquet sports like Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, and Squash overlap, Tennis demands a higher level of athleticism. It can take years of dedication to confidently play and fully enjoy Tennis.
Pickleball, on the other hand, offers a different experience. Played with a Wiffle ball that moves through the air at about one-third the speed of a tennis ball and reacts more slowly on the court, Pickleball requires a little less stress on timing and running. This gives athletes more time to build confidence in their technique, making it easier and quicker to achieve proficiency and enjoy the Sport.
Simply put, rewards in Pickleball come a little faster. This is what’s driving athletes to Pickleball – its ease of play and the immediate sense of achievement it provides.
Pickleball 2032! …Brisbane Olympic Games …let’s get the kid’s involved!
Tennis and Pickleball
A perfect match
If Pickleball were a major threat to Tennis, we wouldn’t see so many successful Tennis celebrities actively promoting both Sports. A quick glance at social media platforms shows these athletes championing Pickleball. We believe these sports can and should coexist, offering complementary benefits that can help develop today’s and future racquet players.
In our Ready to Racquet classes, we see the value of Pickleball not only as a Sport but a means to help kids establish technique while gaining a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment all at once. Once they’ve built a foundation, if desired we challenge and extend their racquet prowess with Tennis, stimulating further growth and development.
Join us, and discover the joy of racquet sports—a journey that can lead to a lifetime of health, fitness, and fun!
Meet Tim
Head Coach, father of two and passionate about tennis and pickle ball
A dedicated coach, Tim McDonnell (B.Comm/B. Bus Mgmt) provides a supportive environment where kids are encouraged to try new things, make mistakes, and celebrate their progress.
Pictured left is Tim with Junior Racquet Practise players at Clifton Hill Tennis Club, Arvy, Kai + Leylai.
