The Rise of Pickleball in Argentina: A Growing Community
Pickleball's Emergence in Argentina
In Argentina, pickleball is steadily gaining popularity, transforming from an unfamiliar sport into a vibrant community of players, coaches, and clubs, particularly in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. The sport's appeal lies in its accessibility and social nature, which have contributed to its growth, even as padel remains the dominant racquet sport in the region.
Pickleball made its debut in Argentina in 2018, thanks to a series of unexpected events. Fernando Piazzese, a prominent padel coach and club owner, had never encountered pickleball until a friend returned from Miami with paddles and balls. Initially, Piazzese and his friends found the equipment amusing, but they soon became captivated by the game.
Without a dedicated court, they improvised at Piazzese's padel club, La Chimenea, using tape to mark a court. The unique sound of the ball and the fast-paced gameplay quickly drew them in. Piazzese recalls, “From that day, we didn’t stop. We started playing every day, six or seven hours a day.”
A significant turning point occurred three months later when professional pickleball player Corinne Carr, ranked No. 3 in the world, visited Argentina. She discovered La Chimenea through a Google search and reached out to Piazzese. Carr found a small group of players who had a solid foundation from their experiences in padel and tennis.
During her visit, Carr returned daily to teach them the intricacies of pickleball, including strategy and coaching techniques. After her departure, the group continued to play on Sundays, eventually organizing their first international tournament, which attracted participants from Brazil.
Fast forward eight years, and pickleball courts can now be found throughout Buenos Aires, from Recoleta to Nunez and Avellaneda. Piazzese conducts open sessions at Sportium Alcorta in Retiro, welcoming players of all skill levels. Tourists have also discovered the sport, often citing it as a fun way to engage with locals and practice their Spanish.
Beyond the capital, pickleball is expanding to cities like Mar del Plata, Córdoba, and Santa Fe, with advocates like Julieta Gambarte and Gonzalo Lloren Boscarino promoting the sport in Tucúman and northern Argentina. Lloren Boscarino shared, “I saw people playing pickleball in the gym and tried it. I didn’t stop. I play five times a week.”
Despite its growth, pickleball faces challenges, particularly with the overwhelming popularity of padel in Buenos Aires and limited infrastructure. Leaders of the Argentine Pickleball Association aim to train more coaches, increase participation, and enhance the competitive level of players this year.
“The important thing is the passion of Argentines,” Gambarte emphasized. “This project comes from the heart. None of us earns money from this.” For many involved, this passion is what propels the sport forward. Piazzese encourages others to give pickleball a try, highlighting its inclusive nature: “It’s the only sport where the grandfather, the son, the wife, and the grandson can all play together and have fun.”