By Kevin Tran
Imagine a sport that combines the speed of badminton, the fun of ping-pong and an adaptation of a tennis strategy. That sport is pickleball, and it’s gaining traction at an astonishing rate.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball’s rapid growth began in 2021, with participation increasing by 86% through 2022, but what’s the reason behind pickleball’s massive gain in popularity? Unlike many sports, pickleball is very accessible.
With small courts, lightweight paddles and a slower-moving ball, pickleball is an enticing game that doesn’t require much equipment or skill to get started, creating an easy environment for new players to get quickly involved.
Senior Tom Doan, who has been playing pickleball for nearly 8 months, recalls being introduced to the sport.
‘’I was first introduced to pickleball on my birthday. My friend invited me out to play and I was terrible, whiffing the ball, missing serves and losing all my games,” Doan said. “However, there was a silver lining, I wanted to play more.’’
This desire to improve even after struggling is what keeps many players committed to playing the sport.
Furthermore, pickleball can be played in various locations, from parks to gyms, requiring minimal and affordable equipment, which adds to its widespread accessibility. This low barrier of entry attracts potential athletes who want to pick up the sport.
‘’Pickleball is particularly accessible for beginners,’’ senior Donaven Tran, another avid pickleball player who is passionate about the sport, said. ‘’Thanks to the abundance of public parks and community facilities in Orange County, getting started is budget-friendly. A basic paddle and pickleball set costs around $20.’’
Additionally, according to an article on heart.org, there was a major increase in players during 2021 and 2022 likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As people turned to outdoor activities, pickleball offered a perfect solution for safe and socially distanced exercise with smaller courts and fewer players.
Another significant factor in pickleball’s major rise is its appeal to older adults. While many sports require significant endurance, pickleball is a game that focuses more on strategy and placement rather than raw power and stamina. This makes pickleball a great option for people who are looking for a gentler but still competitive sport.
Beyond its entertainment value, pickleball is also a highly social game. The smaller courts encourage more interaction between players compared to sports like tennis. This encourages more conversations and interactions during a match.
‘’My favorite moment playing pickleball was during the rain with four of my other friends. The forecast predicted that it would rain heavily that night but we still went out to play. Although we did slip many times, it was beyond fun and we made an unforgettable experience out of it,” Doan said.
He was able to turn a rainy night into a memorable experience with his friends through pickleball which illustrates the sport’s unique appeal and strong sense of community.
Overall, pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity is due to its accessibility, appeal to diverse age groups, and the strong sense of community it fosters. Whether you’re an athlete who wants to play a competitive sport or a newcomer who’s looking to socialize and stay active. In the end, pickleball provides both competitive athletes and those seeking a more casual, social activity.
