Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Pickleball is a popular sport in the United States for a variety of reasons. One reason is that it is relatively easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. It is also a low-impact sport, which means it is less strenuous on the body than other sports like basketball or tennis. This makes it a good choice for people who are looking for a less physically demanding activity.
Additionally, pickleball can be played on a variety of surfaces, including grass, concrete, and indoors, which makes it a versatile option for people living in different parts of the country.
In Utah, pickleball courts have become so popular that many cities have built them in city parks. Some players have decided to build their own courts in their backyards.
According to USA Pickleball, there are only approximately 10,000 pickleball courts in the country, but that number is growing every month. Hotels and sports clubs, including Marriott and Omni Resorts, are converting tennis courts into pickleball courts.
How popular is pickleball in the US?
According to the US Pickleball Association, there are more than 4.82 million pickleball players in the United States.
USA Pickleball Association marketing consultant Laura Gainor says the sport is the nation’s fastest-growing sport due to a 39.3% growth in participation over the past two years.
The CEO of USA Pickleball, Stu Upson, said: “The pandemic helped pickleball to accelerate the growth. Before that, it was growing very steadily.”
The popularity of pickleball has also increased rapidly among spectators. The Carolina Hurricanes owner recently acquired the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, the league’s first professional tournament. As a result, a second professional pickleball tour was sanctioned by USA Pickleball a year later.
Why is pickleball the fastest growing sport?
There are many factors which make pickleball an exciting game for the players. You can quickly learn the rules and techniques of the game within a few hours.
This makes pickleball popular among seniors because it is easy to learn and does not require a lot of physical exertion. For these reasons, it has become one of the fastest growing sports in America.
All Ages can Play
The best part of this game is that people of all ages can easily learn and start playing this game. The average pickleball player age is 47.9 years.
Easy to Learn
After taking a few days of lessons and practicing, you can easily play a few matches. You can also easily practice against the wall in your garage or basement to improve your hand-eye coordination.
Healthier Alternative to Tennis
There are many similarities between pickleball and tennis, but pickleball is much less demanding. Playing it doesn’t require good physical shape, since the ball doesn’t bounce as high as in other sports.
Outdoors or Indoors
Indoor or outdoor pickleball courts can be used for pickleball.
By marking lines and placing pickleball nets, it can also be played on badminton, basketball, and volleyball courts.
Play Anywhere
You can play anywhere you want . You can create a court by drawing a few lines using chalk on the road and place the portable net, and start playing the game.
It is Affordable
Pickleball is an affordable sport to play. You simply need a Pickleball paddle and shoes to start playing this game.
The Rules are Simple to Learn
If you’ve never played pickleball before, you won’t have a hard time figuring out the basic rules.
The paddle will cost you from $30 to $200, depending on the quality and brand of your pickleball paddle. With that, you need a few pickleballs for practice.
Conclusion
Last but not least, pickleball is a very social sport. People can socialize and make new friends through this sport, because it is often played in groups. Pickleball’s popularity in the United States is largely attributed to these factors.
Frequently asked questions
What year did pickleball first gain popularity?
During the pandemic of 2019, pickleball gained popularity, accelerating its growth. Before that, it was steadily growing. The USA pickleball association reported a 23% increase in pickleball players.
What is pickleball and how is it played?
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court with a low net and players use wooden paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball back and forth over the net.
How is pickleball similar from tennis?
Pickleball is similar to tennis in that it is played on a court with a net. However, it is played with shorter rackets called paddles with a wiffle ball and the court is smaller in size.
What are some of the social benefits of playing pickleball?
Pickleball is considered a low-impact sport because it puts less stress on the body compared to other racquet sports like tennis. This is due to the smaller court size, lighter ball, and shorter rackets used in pickleball.
Is pickleball more popular in certain regions of the United States?
Pickleball is popular in many parts of the United States, but it has particularly strong followings in the northwest and southwest regions of the country.
Are there any professional pickleball tournaments or leagues in the United States?
There are professional pickleball tournaments and leagues in the United States, including the US Open Pickleball Championship and the Major Pickleball League.
How can I get started playing pickleball in the United States?
To get started playing pickleball in the United States, you can search online for local pickleball clubs or organizations in your area. Many communities have public pickleball courts that can be used for free or for a small fee. You can also check with local recreational centers or YMCAs to see if they offer pickleball programs or facilities.
Are there any notable celebrities or athletes who play pickleball?
There are several notable celebrities and athletes who play pickleball, including former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens, and Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres.
How has the popularity of pickleball in the United States changed over time?
The popularity of pickleball in the United States has grown significantly over the past few decades. It has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with millions of people playing it at various levels of competition.
Can pickleball be played by people of all ages and skill levels?
Yes, pickleball can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a relatively easy sport to learn and can be played at various levels of intensity depending on the players’ preferences.
Meet John Wells, the passionate pickleball player and founder of Pickleball Advisor. With his love for the sport, John has been on a mission to empower others to succeed in pickleball by providing comprehensive reviews of the latest pickleball gear since 2020.