Let’s Play Pickleball! All About our Favorite Sport

There are many things to love about life at a Trilogy® or Shea Homes® community, but at the top of the list is the fun lifestyle and amenities homeowner enjoy at select communities. From well equipped fitness centers with a range of class offerings to resort and lap pools, from sport courts to walking, biking and hiking trails, there is usually something for everyone.

One favorite at Trilogy and select Shea communities across the country: pickleball! This fun and social sport that’s become wildly popular combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s easy to learn, which makes it fun for people of all ages and skill levels. For those wanting to know more about this national phenomenon, the basics of Pickleball are simple:

• Can be played indoors or outdoors.

• Played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net.

• Players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.

• Games are played as doubles or singles.

Trilogy & Shea Homeowners Love Pickleball!

All Trilogy and select Shea communities—located in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington—have or will soon have pickleball courts and Member-led clubs that bring people together for casual and more competitive play. It’s one of the most popular activities among homeowners and is a great way for neighbors to do something that’s really fun and keeps everyone active. Several of our Pickleball Clubs throughout the Trilogy network have more than 200 members!

Of course, a big reason for pickleball’s popularity is that it’s easy to pick up quickly, giving even new players confidence and skill to play with others. Pickleball has some distinct advantages over its sister sport, tennis:

• The court size is smaller (about one-third the size of a tennis court) so it’s easier to maneuver with less effort.

• The net is shorter by about 10 inches.

• Serving is done underhand, which is simpler for most players to learn.

• Racquets are smaller and lighter, making them easier to maneuver.

• Pickleball balls are also lighter, requiring less strength to hit and make it over the net.

• Games are shorter and quicker.
   

Homeowner Dan Warner in Florida picked up pickleball in his early 70s. He teaches weekly pickleball classes so other neighbors can join in the fun, works part time at a pickleball equipment store, and loves playing with friends and neighbors. Hear him talk about what he loves about the sport of pickleball and how it has made his retirement a true example of Living Happier!
 

Pickleball is the Country’s Fastest Growing Sport

You may have read in a lot of news media lately that Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. USA Pickleball reports that the sport grew 14.8% from 2020 to 2021 and 21.3% from 2019 to 2020. And while the sport is popular among players 55 and older, it’s growing fast across all ages. In fact:

• The average age of all players is 38 years old.

• The average age of “core” players (who play eight or more times a year) is 48.

• The average age of “casual” players (who play 1-7 times a year) is 34.

• Growth of total pickleball participants from 2020 to 2021 was fastest among players under 24 years old (21%).

• Annual growth among players 55 and older was 10%.
   

Potential Benefits of Pickleball

Like any form of exercise, pickleball can be good for your cardiovascular health and overall physical well-being (once you clear participation with your doctor of course)! You’ll work up a sweat, but the smaller court size means less running after the ball (easier on the knee joints) and the lighter ball means hitting requires less strength (easier on the shoulders and elbow joints). Other benefits include:

• Improved flexibility due to whole-body movement

• Improved hand-eye coordination

• Increased muscle strength

• Enhanced mental health due to the natural mood-boosting neurochemicals that come from physical activity

There are plenty of others too. Check out Psychology Today’s deeper dive into the physical and mental benefits of pickleball!

Explore The Joy of Pickleball

USA Pickleball is a great resource to learn more about pickleball. Here’s your sign to explore the sport and come see what Trilogy and select Shea communities have to offer those who love pickleball. It has definitely created a community within several of our communities! So, give it a try. You’ll be glad you did. Whether you’re a devoted Pickler already or curious about America’s fastest-growing sport, Trilogy is the perfect place to hit the courts with friends and join the fun! We have pickleball at every Trilogy community, and are planning for it at all locations whose amenities are in development.