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. In Long Beach popular courts include three located 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.). Though all have permanent painted lines, they do require you bring your own net. Both El Dorado Tennis Center (2800 Studebaker Rd.) and Billie Jean King Tennis Center (1040 Park Ave.) have courts that can be reserved for $5. Mindful of the sport’s popularity, the city of Long Beach is looking into constructing even more.
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.”