The rise of pickleball in the Netherlands: from backyard game to official sport
We take you into the world of pickleball, a sport that is conquering the Netherlands after padel and is also gaining popularity in Europe. In this blog we explore the rise of pickleball, interesting facts about the sport and introduce the modular sports floor Ultimate Flow, which perfectly matches the needs of the pickleball player.
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Cas de Jong
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played with a pickleball racket or paddle -an enlarged table tennis bat- and a plastic ball with holes on a badminton-like court with a net that hangs slightly lower than in tennis. The game can be played both in singles and doubles, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
The origin of pickleball dates back to 1965, on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, where it was invented as a family-friendly backyard game. Since then, the sport has gradually gained ground internationally. In 2022, pickleball was declared the official state sport of Washington. From the United States it flew over to Europe and therefore also to the Netherlands.
The growth of pickleball in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, pickleball has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2013, the first pickleball was played in our country. Now sports clubs and recreation centres are beginning to embrace the sport, encouraged by the low threshold to get started and the social nature of the game. The Dutch association: Pickleball Holland, plays a central role in promoting the sport by organising events, tournaments and workshops.
"Dink responsibly, Don’t get smashed"
Interesting facts about pickleball
Versatility: Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it an excellent choice for Dutch sports facilities that want to offer activities all year round.
Accessibility: The game is quick to learn, which makes it attractive to beginners.
Social and Competitive: Pickleball is known for its strong sense of community, where players of different ages and backgrounds come together.
A commonly used term in pickleball is; "Dink responsibly, Don’t get smashed" which refers to the strategic use of the dink, a soft shot played just over the net, and avoiding a position in which the opponent can execute a powerful smash. The dink is a technique to move the opponent out of position and prevent them from hitting powerful shots from a favourable position. "Don’t get smashed" is a playful warning not to end up in a situation in which the opponent gets the chance to make a hard shot that is difficult to return. This expression therefore emphasises the importance of positioning and strategic play in pickleball.
The modular sports floor Ultimate Flow: an excellent choice for pickleball
An important aspect in facilitating pickleball is the choice of the right surface. Here we introduce: The "Ultimate Flow", a modular sports floor that is specially designed for racket sports and the dynamics of pickleball. The floor offers excellent grip, which is essential for the quick movements, abrupt stops, maximum ball control and ball bounce that are typical of pickleball.
Advantages of the modular sports floor Ultimate Flow:
Safety: Because the floor offers optimal grip and has excellent ‘stop and go’ properties, the chance of slipping is minimal. In addition, the Ultimate Flow sports floor is an ergonomic floor, making it gentle on the back and joints. Because of these properties, the risk of injuries is lower.
Durability: The modular tiles are made of UV-stabilised polymer composite and are resistant to intensive use and weather influences. The sports floor has excellent draining and sound-absorbing properties and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The warranty on the modular sports floor is no less than 15 years and at the end of its lifespan it is 100% recyclable.
Easy Installation: The modular floor requires minimal maintenance and is easy to install, dismantle and move. Ideal for events and multifunctional sports accommodations.
Conclusion
The growth of pickleball in the Netherlands offers new opportunities for sports managers and decision-makers within the sports sector. With the addition of the right facilities such as the Ultimate Flow sports floor, an attractive, safe and sustainable environment can be provided for this accessible sport and (future) pickleball players.
