I know everyone is going on and on about pickleball and how interesting it is. Why do you think they love it so much, and it’s growing rapidly?
I’ll discuss the main factors for you so you can join in the fun of this game as well.
As a pickleball player, only knowing how to play isn’t enough. I feel like one should know all about the game they’re playing.
So, let’s talk about why pickleball is so popular.
Eight Reasons of Pickleball Popularity
Pickleball is an easy and inexpensive game to play and also is the fastest-growing sport in America.
I’ll give you some common reasons why this is:
1. Easy To Learn
The first reason why everyone seems to join this game is that it requires no technical skills.
With just little practice and know-how of the game, it can be played easily by all, regardless of their age and athletic qualification.
2. Social Activity
The second reason is that pickleball is a social game. There’s a community vibe going on in the game.
You will have a good time playing it as it has a smaller court with not much space, so you can even speak to your opponent’s easily.
3. No crazy athletic skills required
Everyone loves pickleball because it is easier on the body. You don’t have to be a perfect athlete or go to the gym for 5 hours to make your body eligible for it.
Minimal movement is needed to play this game. Even if you play it for a long time, it won’t make you as tired and out of breath as other sports often do.
4. Easy to use equipment
The equipment used in pickleball is also one of the reasons why the game is so popular.
The paddles are larger, making it easy to hit the ball. The courts are much smaller compared to other games such as tennis.
All in all, it is easier than other games to play and practice too.
5. Being in the zone
Pickleball is a game that will put you in the zone. You wouldn’t want to think about something else when you are playing.
It will take all your focus, and trust me, it will be for the better, like the saying “living in the present”.
6. Health Benefits
Pickleball is an ideal game because it will give you just leisure time and aid your health. One of the many benefits is a low-intensity workout routine, which helps maintain balance.
If you add pickleball to your routine, you will see visible healthy changes in your body.
7. Affordable for everyone
Pickleball is an easy-on-pocket sport despite its crazy popularity. Everyone can join it because it requires no crazy training or heavy equipment that will crush your wallet.
A paddle will not cost you more than $30. Similarly, a six balls pack will cost you $10 at most.
8. Ideal for parks and recreation department
With its fast growth, many parks and recreation departments are remodeling tennis courts into pickleball courts. There will be more space resulting in more games and more players.
When did Pickleball become Popular?
Pickleball was invented by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
They created this spectacular yet easy game in the 60s, and the people in their 60s mostly played it, but today, everyone, regardless of their age, loves and plays this sport.
Pickleball grew slowly in the beginning but picked its pace in later years.
Finally, in 1972, Pickle-ball Inc. was incorporated, formally giving it its deserved relevance. It is now played and adored in the whole United States passionately.
How many People Play Pickleball?
With pickleball’s speed rate, new players are switching and choosing this game everyday widely.
According to the sports and fitness industry association (SFIA), It is America’s fastest-growing sport these days, with over 4.8 million players. This is double the amount it was five years ago. Crazy, right?
Who Plays Pickleball?
Even though pickleball first came into being, mostly people of old age played it, but with its rapid growth, everyone seems to enjoy it no matter their age.
According to SFIA, people between the ages of 18 and 54 are the most common pickleball players.
One of the reasons for its popularity is that it has no strict age policy and everyone can play it regardless of their age.
In short, you are never too old or even too young to join pickleball and enjoy it.
Where is Pickleball most Popular in the World?
Pickleball is played in 60 countries, including Spain, Italy, England, Mexico, and Canada, but it is most popular in the United States.
The popularity of pickleball is divided across the country; for example, Naples, Florida, is called the pickleball capital of the world™. The Naples pickleball centre even trademarked it.
It is played so much in the US that there are over 35,000 open courts (there are always building new ones) in approximately 9000 places.
Statistics of Pickleball Growth
As mentioned above, there are over 4.8 million pickleball players, and they are only growing every day.
According to USA Pickleball, there has been an 11.5% average increase in pickleball players every year over the previous five years.
14.8% increase in 2020 and 2021 with 21.3% growth in its previous years.
There are 3.5 million casual players who play 1 to 7 times per year, with the rest playing more than eight times per year, making them core players.
Statistically, only the number of casual players increased in 2020 and 2021 by 22%.
In 2021, the average age of pickleball players was 38.1 years old; it decreased from the average age of 2020 to 2.9 years. The average age of casual players is 34.3, and of core players, 47.9.
Casual players consist of 52% of players who are 55 or older, with 79% of core players who are mostly 54 or younger.
Pickleball proved to be the best and most fast-paced sport from 2020 to 2021 because it was regarded as the fastest-growing sport for players younger than 24 by 21%.
At the same time, the growth of casual players increased to 10%. Even though 60% of men and 40% of women play pickleball, the growth rate of women pickleball players is higher.
The table below would show you the accurate percentage of casual and core pickleball players in 2021
| AGES | TOTAL PERCENTAGE | PERCENTAGE OF CORE PLAYERS | PERCENTAGE OF CASUAL PLAYERS |
| 6-17 | 21.2% | 14.2% | 23.9% |
| 18-34 | 28.8% | 16.8% | 33.5% |
| 35-54 | 20.4% | 17% | 21.8% |
| 55-64 | 12% | 19.2% | 9.2% |
| 65+ | 17.6% | 32.7% | 11.6% |
Final Thoughts On Why Is Pickleball So Popular
Now I hope you understand why pickleball is so popular. Pickleball’s progress over the years is one of the most impressive things I have ever witnessed.
As a player myself, I am very proud to play this game with many benefits for me and my body. I hope you understand how interesting this game is and give it a go yourself. All the best!
I am Michael Wanner, an experienced and educated expert in the field of pickleball. I hold a degree in Sports Science from Cleveland State University, Ohio, USA. My expertise lies in the technical aspects of pickleball and how to play it effectively. I have spent many years playing and coaching pickleball and have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers. I am a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their pickleball skills and strategies.
