Have you ever thought about why a game started in the 1960s is now the fastest growing sport in America? It’s a mix of table tennis, badminton, and tennis. Now, millions love it, with a huge jump in players over three years.
By 2023, almost 4.8 million people play it. The need for pickleball courts is huge, with new ones popping up everywhere. This has made a big community, with people of all ages playing together. Let’s explore why pickleball is getting so popular across the country.
Key Takeaways
- American pickleball has seen a 223.5% growth, with 4.8 million players in the U.S.
- Most core players are over 65, but participation among those under 55 is rapidly rising.
- Demand for pickleball courts exceeds supply, with approximately 50,003 known courts in the U.S.
- Corporate sponsorship in the sport is increasing, attracting various brands.
- The Professional Pickleball Association Tour began in 2018, with growing prize pools for players.
Understanding American Pickleball
The story of pickleball is really interesting. It started in 1965 when three dads made the game for their kids. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created it for fun during summer breaks. Now, it’s a popular game with a big community.
The name “pickleball” might come from a dog named Pickles or a rowing term. USA Pickleball leads the sport, offering tournaments and learning programs.
History and Origins of Pickleball
The first pickleball was made with homemade gear. It was easy to start playing. The rules and the game changed over time.
Anyone can learn to play pickleball. It’s great for beginners. Courts are like badminton courts, 20′ x 44′. The net is 34 inches high for singles or doubles games.
Equipment is affordable and easy to carry. Players use composite paddles and a special plastic ball. You can play in many places, like parks or gyms.
How Pickleball is Played
Pickleball is fun and brings people together. It’s for all ages, from seniors to young players. Everyone enjoys the friendly games.
A guide on warming up for pickleball shows how to get ready. This helps players do better and stay safe. Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
Explosive Growth of American Pickleball
Pickleball is getting more popular fast. In 2023, about 13.6 million people played it, up from the year before by 65%. This shows more people are joining in, with almost one in five adults trying it last year.
Participation and Demographics
Young players, aged 18 to 34, love pickleball the most, making up 28.8% of players. But seniors, aged 55 and up, are also big fans, making up 19.8%. The South Atlantic region has the most players, with about 1.9 million.
The West North Central region saw a big jump in new players, 30% more than last year. Even though some areas grew slower, like the Middle Atlantic, pickleball is still getting more popular. With almost 50,000 courts, it’s becoming a big part of American sports.
