There\u2019s a new sport on the block, and while it may have been causing waves across the pond for some time, we\u2019re now feeling the ripples reaching us here in Portugal. Invented in 1965 in the state of Washington in the US, pickleball has been gaining momentum, dubbed the fastest-growing sport in the US since 2018, with celebrities and high-profile athletes raving about it left, right, and centre.<\/span><\/p>\n Labelled a \u201cgame for all ages\u201d, \u201cfor the family\u201d, a \u201csocial thing\u201d, and an inclusive and friendly sport, it\u2019s not surprising pickleball\u2019s gained so much traction, but first: what is pickleball?<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Though enthusiasts need no introduction, for those who have never played, pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, using a solid paddle to hit a light, perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net. It can be played indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court using a net placed slightly lower than a tennis net in singles or doubles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, where can you play?<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As golfers, tennis players, and cyclists have long been aware, the Algarve is a prime location for any outdoor sport. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters filled with winter sun, and pleasant conditions year-round, the region is the place to enjoy the great outdoors and work up a sweat in the sun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Gorgeous beaches bathed in cool water and resorts with glistening pools provide the perfect opportunity to cool off after any exercise, no matter how rigorous, so whether you\u2019re easing into sports or coming over for a strenuous training routine, you\u2019re sure to find the facilities you need to both work hard and play hard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And speaking of facilities, with the ripples of pickleball washing up on our shores, clubs have begun to spring up across the country, drawing in players who can\u2019t seem to get enough of the sport. Founded in August 2022, the Portuguese Pickleball Association provides a <\/span>comprehensive list<\/span><\/a> of clubs nationwide where you can join other enthusiastic players. In fact, pickleball truly does bring people together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In the mixing pot of nationalities and cultures that is the Algarve, it\u2019s only natural that foreigners would bring new trends, fashions, and crazes here, and pickleball is no exception. With the match struck by American and British expats who have moved over here, the spark has grown into a blazing fire, pulling in people of all nationalities, ages, interests, and cultures to play the fun sport.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A prime example of pickleball breaking down barriers and catalysing connections is the Vila Real de Santo Antonio Pickleball Club, founded in 2020. Started by two American lovers of the sport with only five players, the club has grown and now has over 753 followers on <\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a>. In fact, one of its founders even calls it \u201cthe UN of pickleball with Danes, Swedes, Ukrainians, Portuguese, British, French, Italian and American players.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n So, whether court sports take your fancy, you\u2019re an avid pickleballer looking for somewhere new to play, you\u2019re keen for an activity to get you out in the sun, or are looking for fun for all the family, pickleball may just be exactly what you need. And where better to play than at a resort with several courts, specialised coaches on hand to show you the ropes, and social events to meet other like-minded fans? <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Pickleball?<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Algarve: Providing Prime Conditions for Pickleball<\/b><\/h3>\n
Pickleball: Bringing People Together<\/b><\/h3>\n
Pickleball Facilities at a 4-Star Resort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n