If you’re looking for a fun, sociable, and invigorating way to keep fit in Toronto, look no further than pickleball. At yesterday’s city council meeting, a move to rapidly expand the fast-growing sport in Toronto was approved and moves are now being made.
The city is set to significantly increase the number of outdoor pickleball courts from just one five years ago to an impressive 165 in 2023. An additional 30 outdoor pickleball courts are scheduled to be added this year, either as shared facilities or exclusively dedicated to the sport. In addition to the outdoor courts, over 50 community recreation centres are now offering pickleball programming.
“The City has quickly responded to the demand for pickleball, a highly engaging and accessible sport, by providing court opportunities for play across Toronto,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie. “A big part of the attraction of this game is that it can easily be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and ages and its court culture encourages competitive fun and fair play.”
Recognizing the skyrocketing popularity of this engaging sport across North America, the Council has approved the inclusion of purpose-built pickleball courts in new tennis court complexes and plans to establish a stakeholder advisory group for policy guidance. This move demonstrates the City’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for pickleball facilities and ensuring accessible programming for all ages.
The establishment of a stakeholder advisory group, similar to the Toronto Tennis Liaison Committee, underscores the City’s commitment to engaging with the pickleball community and incorporating diverse perspectives into policy and program-related decisions.
In line with the comprehensive Centennial Park Master Plan, a dedicated pickleball court complex will be developed in Centennial Park.
With an endorsement from city council, pickleball court dimensions will become a design standard for community recreation centre gyms. Additionally, the City aims to incorporate pickleball whenever repairs or development activities take place in outdoor sports courts. Furthermore, the City will actively engage with community tennis clubs operating in City parkland to explore ways to support the growth of pickleball within these clubs.
In addition, private pickle ball facilities continue to open in the city including a new court at Stakt Market in a collaboration with Fairgrounds, the company which brought a pickleball social club to midtown last year.
This hybrid game blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong is soaring in popularity throughout the city, with pickleball courts and clubs springing up all over the city. Its easy-to-learn rules and accessibility for all age groups make it a great choice for newbies and experienced sports enthusiasts alike.
Here is a beginner’s guide.
What is Pickleball?
First and foremost, let’s clear up what pickleball is. It’s a racket sport that combines elements from other racket sports like tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game is played on a court similar to a doubles badminton court, with a net in the middle, and is usually played in doubles format. The equipment used includes lightweight paddles and a plastic ball with holes, akin to a wiffle ball.
The sport’s unique name comes not from the food, but from one of the game’s co-creator’s dog, Pickles, who had a habit of chasing the balls during the game.
The Rules of the Game
The rules of pickleball are designed to be simple and straightforward. Each game is played until one team reaches 11 points, and points can only be scored by the serving team. A team serves from behind the baseline, aiming to land the ball in the opposite service court. The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting the ball without letting it bounce) are allowed.
One distinctive feature of pickleball is the “non-volley zone” or “kitchen” – a seven-foot zone on either side of the net where volleying is prohibited. This rule prevents players from executing smashes right at the net, promoting longer rallies and strategical plays.
Pickleball Equipment and Attire
To get started with pickleball, you don’t need much in terms of equipment. All you need is a pickleball paddle, a pickleball, and suitable athletic attire.
Pickleball paddles are larger than ping pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. They are usually made of lightweight composite materials like aluminum or graphite. Balls are similar to wiffle balls and can be found in both indoor and outdoor varieties.
As for attire, comfortable, athletic clothing and proper court shoes are recommended. Remember, this is a sport that will have you moving and sweating, so dress accordingly!
Getting Started with Pickleball in Toronto
Getting started with pickleball in Toronto is relatively simple. Many local community centres and sports clubs offer pickleball lessons for beginners. These lessons can provide you with the fundamental skills needed to play, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the rules.
Alternatively, there are now a number of neighbourhood clubs with fellow enthusiasts who host pickleball meetups, events, and tournaments throughout the city, allowing you to learn from more experienced players in a friendly and welcoming environment.
