When it comes to racquet sports, there are many that give you a good workout – Squash as we all know is excellent for enhancing your life, but Pickleball, another member of the racquet cousin family is quickly becoming another racquet sport that is starting to grow in popularity.
As part of the racquet cousin family, Pickleball and Squash are somewhat similar to one another. In fact, some Squash players even play both sports as a means to perfect their skills and techniques.
History of Pickleball
Pickleball is a relatively new sport, having been invented in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, and his friend Bill Bell. The sport was created as a form of entertainment for Pritchard’s family and friends, who were looking for a fun and easy game to play together.
The name “Pickleball” is said to have originated from the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball when it went out of bounds during early games. The family started calling the game “Pickleball” after the dog, and the name stuck.
The first Pickleball court was created in Pritchard’s backyard in 1965, and the sport quickly gained popularity in the Pacific Northwest. In the early years, the sport was played with a badminton net, paddles made from plywood, and a perforated plastic ball.
As the sport grew in popularity, players began to make improvements to the equipment and rules. In the 1970s, fibreglass paddles replaced wooden paddles, and the ball was changed to a more durable plastic ball with larger holes. The sport also developed official rules and regulations, which were published in 1984.
Today, Pickleball is played by millions of people around the world, and the sport continues to evolve as new players and innovations come to the fore. In 2016, Pickleball was recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and there are hopes that it may one day become an Olympic sport.
Characteristics of Squash and Pickleball
When it comes to popularity, well Squash and Pickleball are both popular racquet sports that are played with similar equipment; nevertheless, there are several differences between the two sports:
Court Size and Dimensions:
Squash is played on a smaller court that measures 32 feet by 21 feet, while Pickleball is played on a larger court that measures 44 feet by 20 feet. Squash courts also have four walls, while Pickleball courts have only two walls.
Equipment:
Squash players use a small, lightweight racquet and a small, rubber ball that is hollow and bouncy. Pickleball players use a larger, solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
Scoring System:
In squash, players need to win three out of five games, and each game is played to 11 points. In Pickleball, players usually play to 11 points, but the winning score can vary depending on the level of play and the rules being used.
Physical Demands:
Squash is generally considered a more physically demanding sport than Pickleball, as it requires a lot of quick movements and changes of direction. Pickleball is considered to be less physically demanding but still provides a good workout.
Player Demographics:
Squash is typically played by older, more experienced players, while Pickleball is more popular with younger players and beginners. This is partly due to the fact that squash requires more skill and experience, while Pickleball can be picked up relatively quickly.
Racquet cousins’ comparison
When it comes down to it, there are many different racquet sports; each has its own unique characteristics and rules. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular racquet sports, including squash and Pickleball:
- Squash: a fast-paced indoor sport that is played on a small court with four walls. The ball is hit back and forth between players using a small, lightweight racquet. Squash requires a lot of skill, agility, and endurance, and is often played at a high level of intensity.
- Pickleball: a relatively new sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a court with a net, using a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Pickleball is less physically demanding than some other racquet sports, making it a good option for people of all ages and abilities.
- Tennis: one of the most popular racquet sports in the world, and is played on a court with a net using a larger, heavier racquet and a yellow felt ball. The scoring system in tennis is different from squash and Pickleball, and the game is typically played over the course of several sets.
- Badminton: like indoor cousin Squash, it is also a fast-paced sport but is played on a court with a net using a lightweight racquet and a shuttlecock. Badminton requires a lot of speed and agility, as players need to move quickly around the court to hit the shuttlecock back and forth.
Both good for health and wellbeing
From the outset, while both squash and Pickleball are enjoyable racquet sports, they have distinct differences in terms of court size, equipment, scoring, physical demands, and player demographics.
In conclusion, each racquet sport has its own unique characteristics and challenges, and choosing which sport to play often comes down to personal preference and individual skill level. Squash, Pickleball, Tennis, Badminton, and even table tennis are all great options for staying active and having fun.
