PICKLEBALL
The latest global craze: a perfect blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
PARIS - PORTE DE VERSAILLES
16, 17 & 18 APRIL 2027
PICKLEBALL IN A NUTSHELL
The origins
Pickleball originated in 1965 in the United States, on Bainbridge Island. Three fathers, looking for a way to keep their children occupied, improvised a game using wooden table tennis bats, a perforated ball and a lowered badminton net. The name is said to come from the family dog, ‘Pickles’, who spent his time chasing the ball. This friendly sport quickly took America by storm before sweeping across Europe.
Pickleball: The art of strategy and the ‘dink’
Often described as a sport that is easy to learn but difficult to master, pickleball is played on a smaller court, which encourages quick reflexes and precision. In France, under the auspices of the FFT (the governing body), the sport is booming thanks to its intergenerational appeal. The game is often won at the net, in the ‘Kitchen’ (the no-volley zone), where strategic patience trumps brute force.
A multifaceted sport
For the public
Instant enjoyment. With no major technical hurdles, you’ll be having fun from the very first minutes. It’s the ideal sport for tournaments with family or friends, combining fun with moderate physical exertion.
For businesses
A spirit of collaboration. The compact playing area encourages communication. It is the ultimate team-building tool: accessible to all staff, regardless of their fitness level, and designed to strengthen bonds.
Inclusion and health
Sport for life. Excellent for cardiovascular health and mobility without putting too much strain on the joints. Its accessibility makes it a powerful driver for health-through-sport initiatives and the inclusion of older people.
Pickleball in a few key figures
Did you know?
Pickleball has a unique area known as ‘The Kitchen’. Volleys are not allowed there! This rule forces players to use the ‘dink’, a short, tactical shot that makes the sport far more strategic than it appears.
OUR EXHIBITORS
Just a little more patience… The best of Pickleball is being prepared behind the scenes.
