MONTECITO’S MOST-LOVED SPORT: PICKLEBALL
Growing nearly 40% in popularity since 2019 and with over 4.8 million players worldwide, pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, with homeowners swapping out their swimming pools for private courts.
WHAT IS IT?
Originating in 1965 as a result of summer boredom, pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton rolled into one. It is quite easy to learn and is enjoyed by people of all ages- children and retirees alike. Pickleball can be played both competitively and casually, as well as indoors and outdoors. In Montecito, there are a handful of recreation centers that offer public courts and plenty of tournaments year-round that make playing accessible and fun. The game is perfect for a social, moderately intense pastime that doubles as a work out and way to mingle with friends and family.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Pickleball is played on a court the same size as a doubles badminton court, and requires a waffle-like ball and lightweight paddle to play. The court is striped similarly to a tennis court and includes a 7-foot zone outlined in the center known as the “kitchen.” Players, or more commonly known as “picklers,” are meant to avoid the kitchen as it is a non-volley zone and could result in faults.
The game includes serving the ball underhand, cross court, where it must bounce before the receiving team can counter. The serving team must then wait for the ball to bounce once again before the ball can be volleyed back and forth. Traditionally, the game is played to 11 and can be as fast-paced as players would like it to be.
USA Pickleball
BENEFITS OF THE GAME
One of the many reasons pickleball has shot into such great popularity is that it has been found to improve one’s overall sense of well-being. Research shows that pickleball is inversely related to levels of depression, meaning the more one plays, the healthier their mindset can be. Moreover, players take to the game because it serves as a gathering place and a productive way to pass the time with friends. In fact, studies have found that a primary reason picklers make a habit of playing is the ability to be social. What better way to hold yourself accountable in your fitness journey than to take up a pleasurable exercise with friends?
WHERE CAN I PLAY?
BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB
2005 BIRNAM WOOD DRIVE
Offered at $7,495,000
All Birnam Wood Golf Club homeowners automatically become members of this premier golf club community, enjoying fun gatherings and posh amenities like the newly remodeled clubhouse, a fabulous restaurant, a fitness gym, and tennis/pickleball courts.
ENNISBROOK
415 MEADOWBROOK DRIVE
Offered at $6,900,000
Amenities of the Ennisbrook community include three gated entries, tennis/pickleball courts, a pool, a fitness center, a clubhouse, and the beautiful 44-acre Ennisbrook Preserve filled with trails and natural delights.
Reserve courts at the Santa Barbara Municipal Tennis Courts or the Goleta Valley Community Center to experience the game for yourself.
The City of Santa Barbara
