The Economist dubbed pickleball the fastest growing sport in America. As of February 2022, more than 4.8 million people are playing the sport — which, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, is roughly double the number of players from five years ago.
"Pickleball’s the new jam: Why it’s now the fastest-growing sport"
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is a game that is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels.
Rules for pickleball are simple, making it a great introductory sport. It can also be quite the challenging, fast-paced, and competitive game when people become more experienced at playing.
Why is pickleball gaining in popularity so quickly?
The growth of the sport in recent years probably has a lot to do with the fact that it is a sport that is easy to learn and fun for mixed groups, no matter the age, gender, or skill of the players.
So what is it that engenders such a deep love for the game played with a paddle and Whiffle ball?
Without further ado, here are ten reasons why people love pickleball.
1. Pickleball does not have a steep learning curve. Although playing tennis, racquetball or squash previously certainly helps, the game can be picked up quite quickly by most – and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be having some great rallies in no time.
2. Pickleball can be played by people of all ages.
3. Scoring is much more intuitive than tennis. Unlike tennis, there is no such thing as love, deuce or ad – and the game is not scored with the arbitrary numbers of 15, 30, and 40. Rather, most games are simply played to 11 points, win by 2. The only wrinkle is that you can only win points on your own serve or your partner’s serve.
4. The pickleball court is much smaller. An official pickleball court has an area that is about 3-4 times less than a tennis court. This means longer rallies and smaller properties to cover
– perfect for those of us who do not move as well as we once did.
5. It’s portable and mobile – In addition to playing pickleball at dedicated facilities, you can also bring your own net (or something to use as a make-shift net such as lawn chairs, bicycles, blocks of wood, etc.) to your venue of choice. Then simply chalk in some lines and grab your paddle and ball and you’re ready to play. If you don’t have pickleball courts nearby don’t fret. You can play on your local tennis courts, your driveway or your dead-end street.
If you’re really gung-ho, build your own pickleball court in the backyard! There’s really no shortage of options.
6. Pickleball has a great fun/social aspect to it. Whether you are socializing with your doubles partner, your opponents or those playing on other courts, pickleball is downright fun – and laughter is bound to ensue.
Laughter not only provides one with a sense of well-being but it also helps to reduce stress.
Pickleball definitely provides ample opportunity for laughter and fun.
7. Pickleball can be competitive. In addition to the fun/social aspect, pickleball can also quench the competitive thirst for those who are a bit more “cutthroat.” Whether it is participating in the Senior Olympics, playing in a USAPA sanctioned event, or just competing against your Tuesday afternoon “nemesis,” pickleball provides an opportunity for spirited competition.
8. Pickleball has numerous health benefits. This may come in the form of lower blood pressure, a boosting of the immune system, stress reduction, improved mental acuity or just getting/keeping one in shape.
It sure beats getting on the treadmill for an hour!
9. Pickleball is relatively inexpensive to play. Courts are popping up all over the place where you can play – outdoor parks, churches, schools, and tennis facilities where they have converted tennis courts into pickleball courts. With paddle prices less than $100 and courts that are becoming more ever-present, the cost is typically not a factor. Most places to play are either free or have a relatively small charge for “court-time.
10. Pickleball can break up the monotony of golf in the morning and dinner on the patio in the evening