Why is pickleball so popular?

Although it has been around since the 1960s, pickleball has gained a lot of popularity over the last 10 years. But why is pickleball so popular, and should you consider playing?

Pickleball is for everyone (mostly)

One of the reasons pickleball has become so popular is because (almost) anyone can play. You will see players out on the court from 5 years old to 90+ years old.

Compared to other sports, there is a low (but never zero) chance of injury, a low cost to entry, and it is not too physically strenuous. Plus, it’s great, low impact exercise.

Additionally, there are adaptations of pickleball for all abilities, including wheelchair pickleball. The rules of wheelchair/adaptive pickleball are very similar to those of pickleball, wit a few small changes.

It’s a good challenge

Pickleball is very easy to get into, but one of the other reasons it’s so popular is because it’s also very challenging. While you can become an intermediate player pretty quickly, it’s a lot more difficult to become an expert — meaning there is always room to grow.

This causes an obsession in many players who want to continually get better, and the best way to do that is to play regularly.

Easy access & new courts

Because of pickleball’s popularity, courts and dedicated pickleball facilities have been sprouting up all over the world. Even if you are in a small-sized city, there is a good chance that you have at least one pickleball court in your town, or close by.

If you do not have any pickleball courts near you, you can create your own pickleball playing area on any of the following:

• Tennis courts

• Basketball courts

• Pavement or other concrete

• And plenty more! (just bring your own net)

Lower equipment barrier to entry

Pickleball’s low barrier to entry includes the required equipment, which is not much. When you start playing pickleball, the main thing you will need to purchase is a pickleball paddle. You can generally find an inexpensive one (less than $50) until you learn what you like and don’t like about the sport and the paddle itself. You will also need a pickleball ball, but most facilities will have some that you can use.

However, there are a lot of pieces of pickleball gear you don’t need to buy in the beginning, because you can use things you have at home. These include:

• Tennis shoes.

• Athletic clothing.

• Backpack or other carrying bag to hold your paddle, towel, etc.

• Accessories like towel, hat, etc.

It’s good for you

Not surprisingly, pickleball is great for your health. Although it may not always feel like a strenous workout, pickleball is great exercise for any levels and abilities. Sometimes having fun helps you forget you are actually working out.

Pickleball is social

Pickleball really is for everyone, and so you will meet all kinds of people out on the court — which is a good thing! Not only that, but the (small) dimensions of the court mean that you will be physically close to all the other players.

Because of this, you will have a chance to socialize with everyone who is playing that day. A lot of pickleball is based on open-play, so you may meet all new people every day. Or you may play with the same people every time. But either way, you will have a chance to socialize while improving your game.

Why pickleball is so popular

There are a lot of reasons pickleball has become so popular in the last few years, but the inclusive nature of the sport is helping it become one of the most popular sports in the US.