Whether students are heading south to warmer climates or relaxing at home for spring break, the recess from classes offers a chance to relax, reset and, once a sufficient amount of resting has been achieved, get outside. While lounging by the pool or playing a round of golf might top some to-do lists, others could be trading in their usual activities for a new wave of sports that are taking over beaches and parks alike. Spikeball and pickleball have emerged as some of the latest trending sports, capturing the attention of casual players and seasoned athletes alike. What makes these games so appealing, and will KSC students be picking up the paddle or playing spikeball this spring?
If you’ve never heard of or played either pickleball or spikeball, don’t worry—these games are simple to pick up, and their rules are a blend of familiar sports. Pickleball, for example, can be described as a hybrid of ping-pong and tennis. It’s played with paddles and a lightweight ball, where groups of players rally over a net in singles or doubles matches. Spikeball, on the other hand, is a fast-paced game where two teams bounce a ball off a small net, aiming to outmaneuver their opponents.
Beyond their fast-paced nature, what truly sets them apart is their social nature. Both are easy to learn and highly interactive, making them ideal for friendly games as well as competitive action.
“I definitely enjoy spikeball. I think it can be really competitive with everyone running around trying to get the ball,” said first-year Alex Willard. “When you have a group watching or cheering you on, it’s definitely a good time.”
The social and competitive nature of both spikeball and pickleball have gained traction globally. This has led to the creation of professional leagues and national tournaments in the United States. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the past several years, with participation nearly doubling from 2020 to 2023. In spikeball, The Spikeball Roundnet Association hosts an annual national tournament and continues to expand on college campuses and in club leagues. Despite their rapid growth and increasing recognition, not all KSC students see these sports as legitimate competitions.
“Spikeball I don’t really like personally just because I never really got into it,” said first-year Giuseppe DeNucce-Simms. “I don’t really see it as a sport either. I think it’s more like a game, like a fun game to play.”
However, others argue that the skill and competitiveness of both make them compelling enough to be recognized as legitimate sports.
“I think that they’re both very unique, but they are both sports and I think that they should be getting the attention, ” said Willard. “If you’re good enough at it, why not make it a competitive thing?”
Regardless of whether you feel that spikeball or pickleball should be considered a competitive sport, the ease and accessibility of both are factors in their popularity and a key reason why they continue to see growth. Unlike traditional sports like tennis or volleyball, these games don’t require expensive or bulky equipment. Pickleball requires just a paddle and a ball, and some local parks now have dedicated courts for the game. The lightweight nature of the equipment makes it easier for players of all ages and skill levels to pick up and play, from casual games to more competitive ones.
“I think pickleball has become pretty popular recently among older people but it’s still pretty fun,” said junior Caroline Chase. “I’ve played it a couple of times and I can see why people enjoy it.”
With the games becoming more popular on college campuses and local parks, KSC seems to be a potential place for interested students to try their hand at either or both of these sports. However, students have different perspectives on how and where these sports would be a hit.
“I don’t think if they put them out in the quad, anybody would actually participate, honestly, just from my personal experience,” said DeNucce-Simms. “But I think that if they had them in intramural leagues, people would definitely sign up and want to play and take it very seriously.”
Chase shared a similar sentiment, noting, “It would be cool to see these sports a little bit more on campus or try having them in intramurals, I can imagine a lot of students would be interested in that.”
With growing interest in both sports, whether students play casually or competitively, only time will tell if spikeball and pickleball take hold on our campus at Keene State.
Elías Stowell Alemán can be contacted at
estowellaleman@kscequinox.com
