Play Pickleball in Long Beach
Pickleball has quickly become a net alternative to tennis and is poised to do as much with golf, i.e. be seen as a pleasurable and effective way to conduct and grow business away from the office or convention center floor. There are reasons for this–most of them fun–so here’s a few ways a paddle can help improve your racket.
IT’S EASY
One of pickleball’s best selling points is how quickly you can pick up the game. “The reason pickleball is a monster like nothing seen in the the sports industry is how easy it is to learn,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads, a website that locates pickleball courts near you and arranges matches. The compact court, low net and forgiving nature of the ball, means virtually anyone can pick up the game quickly. “That’s very motivating and fun,” Mackie said. “Rarely does someone play golf a first time and say, ‘Oh, that was fun.’”
IT’S OPEN
The culture of pickleball is not only open to newcomers, but also to single players or doubles partners looking for a game against another pair. Most courts have set ups designed to welcome anyone new or from out of town, making it a sport especially welcoming to the business traveler. For many players, the social nature of the game is its biggest draw. Also, the inclusiveness. Courts typically include players of all genders, ages and experience levels.
IT’S EVERYWHERE … AND GROWING
Almost overnight, pickleball courts seem to be everywhere—and Long Beach is happily in on the action. Visitors can grab a paddle and join the fun at three courts at Bayshore Recreation Center (5417 E Ocean Blvd), six at College Estates Park (820 Stevely Ave) and four at Marina Vista Park (5355 E Eliot St). All have permanent painted lines, but you’ll need to bring your own net. Looking to make a game part of your Long Beach getaway? Courts at El Dorado Tennis Center (2800 Studebaker Rd.) and Billie Jean King Tennis Center (1040 Park Ave) can be reserved for $5. At Sports Basement (2100 N Bellflower Blvd), the 16,000-square-foot Flight Deck features five free open-play courts for customers; open play runs Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM–7:30 PM and weekends, 9:30 AM–6:30 p.m. Even Long Beach Airport (4100 Donald Douglas Dr) has joined the pickleball party with two temporary pickleball courts activated periodically throughout the holidays.
IT’S ENGAGING
Because the sport is played on a relatively small court where players stand just a few feet from each other, play and conversation tend to flow. Imagine if you’re working toward building a stronger bond within your company team or looking to make a connection with a potential business partner, the game allows you to do this naturally, while having a great time. “You see it all the time,” Mackie said. “Because you don’t really tire out, there’s a lot of opportunities between games to connect. A lot of time to talk business.”