Almost 50 million Americans are already conquered, pickleball is now conquering Europe and France. An easy-to-enter racket sport that highlights team spirit and is often played in doubles. “In some clubs we practice with music. It’s really fun. There is less sportsmanship and competition than in tennis. We come to have fun, to exchange. The proximity on the court facilitates communication”, assures Jean-Luc Pinchon, president of US tennis Yèvres. His club is organizing a discovery day on November 30 before opening a first section in Eure-et-Loir.
“What changes compared to tennis is the shot is drier, while in tennis we have the impression that it is more cushioned. We can still give effect to the ball and, at the end of the match, I admit that I am not tired, unlike tennis”, promises this new enthusiast of the discipline. A simple and fun sport, pickleball also offers a lot of modularity with competitive, mixed, intergenerational or familial.
“At the end of the match I’m not tired! »
“We have a miniature tennis court, it’s a bit like playing on a ping pong table. It is ideal for playing with children, parents, grandparents or friends! In the summer we play a game on the beach which is very similar, even if there are no rebounds or no-volley areas, but the spirit remains”, assures the coach. It is the first to eleven or fifteen points, with a difference of two points, to win the game. Pickleball is played on a 6.10 x 13.41 m court, with a small, solid square racket and a fairly light perforated ball.
The practice does not require too rigorous a physical condition. “This makes for much shorter matches that require less physical conditioning. This is what motivates, because it is within everyone’s reach,” explains the pensioner. Four pickleball courts can be installed within a tennis court. Also practical for clubs, given its low cost. The game requires only a very limited investment for both clubs and players.
“The equipment is not expensive, around 100 euros for a court, 25 euros for a pair of rackets and two balls. It really is an accessible sport. For less than a tennis racket you can have a complete kit”, calculates Jean-Luc Pinchon. After the demonstrations at Roland-Garros, pickleball had its first French Open in June in Aix-en-Provence with almost 700 games .
The first pickleball rankings were released on Tuesday, November 5, proof that the sport continues its rise into the hearts of tennis clubs. “We are a very small club and our vocation is free time. It’s sport even after the Paris 2024 Olympics. It’s not necessarily competition, it’s fun. Some go jogging, four of us do it with rackets, it’s more fun! » laughs the president.
In Yèvres, the discovery day on November 30th will be open to professionals aged 6 to 90. All information is active [email protected]. The initiations will be held in the sports hall from 2pm to 6.30pm.
What are the key differences between pickleball and tennis in terms of gameplay and physical demands?
Interview with Jean-Luc Pinchon, President of US Tennis Yèvres
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Jean-Luc! It’s exciting to have you here today to talk about the growing popularity of pickleball, especially in the United States and its recent spread into Europe, including France. Could you start by sharing what you think is driving this surge in interest?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: Thank you for having me! The interest in pickleball seems to stem from its accessibility and the fun it brings. It’s a sport that emphasizes team spirit and social interaction. Unlike tennis, where competition can be quite intense, pickleball encourages people to come together, enjoy the game, and exchange ideas while playing. We’re seeing clubs in France organizing discovery days, which is a fantastic way to introduce people to the sport.
Time.news Editor: That sounds wonderful! You mentioned the social aspect. How does the game foster communication among players?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: The layout of the court and the nature of the game itself foster a sense of proximity. Players are often in doubles, which creates a unique atmosphere where teamwork is crucial. Additionally, some clubs, including ours, incorporate music into the gameplay. This not only makes the game more enjoyable but also encourages laughter and conversation, further enhancing the social experience.
Time.news Editor: You compared pickleball to tennis in your comments. Can you elaborate on the differences in gameplay and physical demands between the two sports?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: Absolutely! Pickleball is played on a smaller court—about 6.10 x 13.41 m—making the movements less strenuous. The shots are drier and quicker compared to tennis; you get immediate results from your play. Many people find that they can enjoy a good game without the exhaustive physical condition required by tennis. I often say, “At the end of the match, I’m not tired!”, which is a refreshing change for many of us!
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective! With such an easy entry point for beginners, what age groups and demographics are you seeing most interested in pickleball?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: That’s one of the beautiful aspects of pickleball—it truly is intergenerational. Families can play together—parents, children, and even grandparents can join in. We’re setting up our first pickleball section in Eure-et-Loir, and I believe it will attract a mix of players, from young children to older adults, since the game is straightforward and enjoyable for everyone.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a great activity for family bonding! Can you tell us about any initiatives your club has planned to promote pickleball further in your community?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: We’re very excited about our upcoming discovery day on November 30. This will give people a chance to try out the sport, learn the rules, and experience the fun firsthand. We’ll also organize regular events to keep interest alive, encouraging people to come back for more. The goal is to build a welcoming community around pickleball, helping it grow in popularity here in France.
Time.news Editor: That sounds fantastic, Jean-Luc! Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to individuals looking to get started in pickleball?
Jean-Luc Pinchon: I would say, just jump in and try it out! Find a local club or community that offers clinics or discovery days. It’s a very welcoming environment, so don’t worry about your skill level—everyone is there to have fun. Grab a paddle, some friends, and enjoy the game. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite sport!
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Jean-Luc. It’s inspiring to hear about the community spirit surrounding pickleball, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to grow in France and beyond!
Jean-Luc Pinchon: Thank you! I’m excited to see the growth as well, and I appreciate the opportunity to spread the word!
