advertisement
3 May 2022
If you haven’t heard about pickleball, it’s time to learn. Pickleball, a sport invented in the US in Bainbridge Island, WA, is rapidly becoming more and more popular in the US, and for a good reason: it’s fun! To put it simply, pickleball is a cross between tennis and ping-pong. It’s basically if you were to scale up a ping-pong table and run around on the table as you bounce a ball back and forth with big ping-pong paddles.
advertisement
In Arizona, in particular, it’s also quickly becoming very popular. This is probably because the weather in Arizona is perfect weather for outdoor pickleball about 8 out of the 12 months of the year. It’s also no secret that retirees enjoy living part-time in Arizona to enjoy the warm weather while escaping the heat by relocating back up north (also known as snowbirds). And because pickleball is a highly accessible sport, it has been naturally appealing to older folks who love to stay active.
But while retirees seem to be the demographic that is putting pickleball on the map, it is starting to dawn on people of all ages that pickleball is a blast. Especially here in Arizona. According to Google, Arizona ranks as the 3rd most popular state for interest in pickleball. Not only that but Gilbert and Scottsdale rank in the top 15 cities with the most significant number of pickleball courses per 20,00 residents in the US in 2020. And that number is growing. The largest indoor pickleball facility in the U.S. will open in Chandler sometime in 2022, and ‘The Topgolf of pickleball’ is coming to metro Phoenix in 2023.
advertisement
Pickleball, like tennis, can have some obscure rules that can cause you to scratch your head at the logic; does that add to the fun? Who knows, but it sure makes you feel like you’re part of an exclusive club.
We love to explain the game in total but to give it the explanation it deserves, check out this fully comprehensive guide to playing pickleball: the official USA Pickleball rule guide.
As for my own experience, pickleball is best played when you have at least one experienced player to help you with the tricky rules of the game. Rules like how to call the score, when you can and can’t step in “the kitchen,” and when you must allow the ball to bounce on your side of the court, to name a few rules of the game that can get in your head. Once you get the hang of it, it can soon become a favorite sport!
=====
Author’s note: this topic was thanks to a reader’s article suggestion. Thank you, reader! If you have a topic you’d like us to explore, feel free to fill out the article suggestion box to the bottom right!
advertisement
Arizona may be best known for deserts and red rocks, but the state has quietly built a thriving wine scene that continues to surprise visitors. Thanks to high elevations, mineral-rich soil, and dramatic temperature swings, Arizona produces award-winning wines with character and depth. From laid-back tasting rooms to scenic vineyard views, these are the best wine tasting destinations in Arizona. advertisement Verde Valley Wine Trail The Verde Valley is Arizona’s most accessible and popular wine region. Set among red rocks, rivers, and historic towns, this area offers a relaxed, scenic wine experience that pairs perfectly with weekend getaways. Why it
If you’ve spent any time researching Sedona, Arizona, you’ve likely come across the term Sedona vortex. Often described as mysterious, spiritual, or even life-changing, Sedona’s vortexes are one of the area’s most talked-about attractions. But what exactly are they, and why do so many people feel drawn to them? advertisement Understanding the Sedona Vortex A Sedona vortex is believed to be a place where the earth’s energy is especially strong. Visitors often report feeling heightened emotions, clarity, inspiration, or a sense of calm while spending time in these areas. Some describe physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, or lightheadedness, while
Arizona during the Wild West era, spanning roughly from the 1860s to the 1890s, was a region marked by adventure, danger, and dramatic change. From lawless boomtowns to resilient settlers, the territory’s unique blend of cultures and challenges shaped its enduring legends. Here are ten captivating facts about what life was like in Arizona during that time: advertisement 1. Lawlessness and Notorious Towns Towns like Tombstone became infamous for their lack of law and order. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is just one example of the many violent confrontations between lawmen, outlaws, and vigilantes that defined the era. 2.
The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the most iconic symbols of the American Southwest, and for good reason. These towering cacti are found primarily in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, California, and Mexico, standing tall and proud with their arm-like branches reaching toward the sky. While most people are familiar with the saguaro cactus thanks to Western films and desert landscapes, there are several fascinating facts that many may not know about this unique plant. Here are some intriguing facts about saguaro cacti that may surprise you! advertisement 1. They Can Live Over 150 Years Saguaro cacti are
