The recently concluded PWR DUPR India Masters propelled Pickleball's popularity one step further after its successful conclusion in New Delhi. However, even as the sport continues to gain global recognition, climate change is emerging as a major factor that could determine the future of the game.
In an exclusive interview with Pickleball Now, Naveen Beasley, one of the USA's top pickleball stars, discussed how the ever-evolving climatic conditions can impact the game and force players to change their strategies.
One area impacted by climate change is the nature of the playing surface. According to Beasley, the specific type of court—whether it’s a hard court or a roll-out court—can greatly alter how the ball behaves during play. These surfaces then interact with environmental conditions, influencing factors such as grip, speed, and bounce, which ultimately shape the game's overall experience.
Comparing courts in the United States and India, he said that in the USA, pickleball courts are typically modified tennis courts, utilizing the same hard surface. However, in New Delhi, Beasley was happier with the "roll-out" court—a softer mat placed above the hard surface. Though softer than traditional courts, Beasley noted its quality, mentioning minimal irregular bounces and the court's suitability for high-level play.
Comparing the speed of play, he observed that on such surfaces, the ball tends to slow as temperatures rise. "As the day goes by, it gets slower in this court. When it's hot, the ball slows down, unlike in tennis where heat speeds it up," Beasley explained. This impact on speed is something players must account for, especially in warmer regions.
Climate Conditions and Their Influence on Gameplay
According to Beasley, climate change isn't just a mere concept for pickleball players; it's a factor that impacts the gameplay directly. The ball used in pickleball has holes and compresses under different temperatures. In hotter conditions, the ball softens, leading to reduced bounce and slower speeds. "Pickleball is the opposite of tennis. When it is hot, it compresses on the paddle face and doesn't go anywhere. In cold, the ball hardens, and you have to hit it harder to control it," Beasley explained.
Humidity also complicates gameplay. "Humidity plays a part, too, because in pickleball, there are no strings on the racket. So what happens is when there is humidity, the ball can slip off your paddle, it becomes like a slippery surface, like an ice rink almost. So humidity has a lot to do with it and heat. Pickle Ball is not a solid ball. It has holes inside of it and also you can feel it, next time if you are in hot weather, squeeze the ball, it actually squeeze like a sponge. When in the cold weather, you cannot squeeze it," said Beasley.
"That's the reason why the ball travels slower in the heat; it compresses on the paddle face when it is soft, and it does not go anywhere. But in the cold it is like hitting with a wooden paddle and you have to hit the ball really hard. So I had to learn about all of those different things, really you have to change your playing style sometimes in certain conditions," he added.
For top players, adaptation to environmental factors is essential. As Beasley explains, "The best players in the world change and adapt to the environment they're in." For example, during a recent game in Delhi, he advised fellow player Dusty Boyer to switch from his usual power shots
"I told Dusty he was trying to hit it really hard, and I said to slow it down. Hit it with more topspin and, choose your angles and spots and then look to hit the power shot in between. He lost one game playing his way, and then he changed his method and won the next two easily," Beasley recalled.
As climate changes affect the way pickleball courts and balls perform, players need to adapt to these challenges. According to Beasley’s predictions, there will be a new wave of strategic thinking in pickleball influenced by natural factors. Players must learn to master their game while considering the impact of the environment.