Pickleball, one of the mainstream games in America, is now making waves nationwide. This unique yet fun sport is popular among individuals of all age groups.
In recent years, pickleball popularity has been at an all-time high. Why?
Well, its health benefits and flexibility have made it the fastest growing sport in America. With 4.8 million people playing pickleball in America, you can easily tell that it’s a nationwide sensation.
Numbers don’t lie, and you can witness it! From new courts establishment to multiple professional tournaments, the pickleball trend is growing with each passing day.
So, what makes pickleball one of the most renowned sports in America?
Let’s dig deeper to find out.
Pickleball Popularity: A Historical Background
Now that we have had a brief overview of pickleball popularity, it is best to do a background check. Introduced in the year 1965 by three fathers – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum pickleball was just a means of entertaining themselves and their families.
Playing it like tennis, badminton and table tennis. With a paddle and a plastic ball named P-38, pickleball remains a popular choice for individuals.
Although it may have begun on a small scale, because of its ease of usage and because the games can be entertaining, it has grown to become popular in recreation centers, learning institutions, and athletic facilities as well as it has advanced to professional levels.
Pickleball Statistics: Let’s do the math!
Perhaps with the best pickleball statistics, one can use it to describe its demographics. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) report states that by the time 2023 began, there were more than 36.
According to the latest trends, 5 million people reported playing pickleball in the last one year at least. It should be noted that the number has risen considerably from a couple of years back when the player number was almost 3. 5 million in 2019.
The rate at which pickleball has grown over the last two years alone is alarming, considering that it has grown from 2015 by more than 600%. Add this to the fact that it has been tagged the fastest growing sport in America.
This kind of growth is attributed to pickleball because it is a fun game that everyone and anyone can practice without many difficulties and legal, recognized requirements of hefty equipment.
Some of the physical benefits of pickleball include, Regardless of how seasoned a sportsman is, he or she can play pickleball.
Who Plays Pickleball?
There is no doubt that pickleball’s player network is a mixed bag. In the past, the sporting activity could only be associated with seniors, especially with retirement homes.
Although, there are signs that the game is gradually attracting young players, especially in the current years.
You’ll be astonished to know that the average age of pickleball players is 38 years, which means it now ‘’takes’’ 55 years and above players to play pickleball.
This change has been recognized due to the rising pickleball popularity among millennials and Generation Z in sporting activities.
Moreover, the gender distribution in pickleball is fairly balanced, as about 60% of the players are male and 40% are female.
People are also practicing it with their families more often as it is also becoming a perfect way for people of different ages to spend time playing together.
Pickleball Trends: Why is It in such fast growth?
What makes pickleball the most trending sport in America?
Here are a few factors:
Accessibility
Outdoor pickleball courts are visible in parks and grounds, and they are also available in community and clubhouses. Due to the small dimensions of a court, the construction is going to be much simpler and, therefore, cheaper than that of a full tennis court.
Low Barrier to Entry
This is not surprising as pickleball is very easy to learn and does not even necessarily require expertise or expensive equipment like many other sports.
All and all, you would need a paddle and a ball, or better still, be ready for a match.
The rules of the game are also simple to understand; they are suitable for those new to the game most of the time.
Health Benefits
Pickleball popularity is growing as it’s equally good for those who avoid getting injuries.
With activities such as running, jumping, and stretching, you can choose great cardiovascular exercise in a fun way.
But while playing pickleball, you may feel restricted as the court is not as big as tennis.
Additionally, the ball does not travel as fast as in tennis, which means you’ll end up putting a lot of stress on the body, which may result in fatigue or injury.
Social Interaction
People find pickleball fun because it is also sociable in addition to the fact that it is quite easy to learn.
People in pickleball are also known to get to know more people and be part of a certain group.
The fact that this game is played in doubles also promotes togetherness hence making it a great social event.
Cross-Generational Appeal
There are not many games that have such a diverse audience regarding their age.
People of all ages, including children, the mid-adults, and the elderly, take part in pickleball trends and their patronage increases the growth of this game.
These aspects make the sport popular, and many analysts have pointed out that the future growth of pickleball is not saturated at all.
How Many People Play Pickleball?
With the growth of the sport, more players want to develop and advance to the following pickleball levels.
The sport helps provide a good foundation for those who are just entering the sports activity arena, as well as challenging for people who play at an elite level.
The players have section 5 where they can play in local leagues, clubs, regional tournaments, or even international tournaments.
Pickleball’s ranking system has been effective for the players because it can be used to determine progress and thus set further objectives.
Pickleball Popularity: Health Benefit Check!
In addition to being entertaining and social, the health benefits of pickleball have a positive impact on every individual’s well-being.
Being recognized as one of the low-impact sports it is an excellent way to get a cardiovascular workout while avoiding extreme stress on the bones and joints.
Pickleball has some benefits associated with it; people who play pickleball regularly consider it to increase balance, coordination, and agility.
It is also another effective means of losing calories—any player can lose as many as 500 calories in an hour depending on the vigor employed while playing.
Some of the health benefits that are associated with pickleball make it a healthy option for those who wish to have an active form of exercise.
What does Pickleball Future hold?
Hence, given the growth of pickleball popularity, it has the potential to be bright in the future. Due to the increasing influx of people into this sport, the cities and towns are putting up more structured pickleball courts.
The competition has also become more professional with the increment in the amount of money involved as well as more sponsors available every year.
The major brands are not bure too; some of the world’s leading brands in sportswear, such as Adidas and Franklin Sports, are now setting pickleball trends by showcasing different accessories, too.
Further, physical education teachers in schools and universities are incorporating pickleball into the curriculum, hence betting for future generations.
Some of the gurus suggest that pickleball can spread its wings and start world tournaments and championships soon.
Wrap Up
It only took pickleball from being an easy backyard game then becoming the fastest growing sport in America.
Finally, over 36 million pickleball players, players of diverse age distributions, and an endless list of physical benefits indicate the reason why this game is sweeping across the country.
If you want to find a way to have a good time and increase your level of physical activity, make new friends, and practice in the latest and most exciting game, pickleball will help.
Going forward, the value of pickleball now seems apparent and it also shows that it is just going to keep getting more and more popular.
