You've heard the buzz from friends, parents, and the internet, but why is everybody talking about pickleball? Chances are you're performing a Google search for the answer, without ever having picked up a paddle (or maybe you just received your first invite to hit the court!). Join SportRx as we share what makes pickleball so popular and why it became America's fastest growing sport two years in a row.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
A. TOP 10 Reasons
1. Easy to Learn
2. Requires Minimal Equipment
3. Can Be Played Anywhere
4. Open to All Ages & Skill Levels
5. Social Atmosphere
6. Family-Friendly
7. Good for Your Health
8. Low-Impact & No-Contact Sport
9. Benefits Performance in Other Racquet Sports
10. It is FUN!
B. Shop Pickleball Glasses Online at SportRx
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball is popular because it is easy to learn, accessible to a diverse group of players, and boasts a thriving community of casual and competitive picklers. While the sport originated in 1965, it didn't boom in popularity until recent years. With a growth rate of 39.3% over the last two years, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) estimates there are 4.8 players nationwide and has officially announced pickleball as the fastest growing sport in America. This is the second year in a row that pickleball has earned this recognition.
TOP 10 Reasons to Play Pickleball
Whether you're new to the sport, or looking to improve your game, continue reading to discover the top 10 reasons for pickleball's popularity — and why you should give it a shot!
1. Easy to Learn
One of pickleball's strongest attributes is the ease of learning how to play. You can enjoy the game the second you set foot on the court and pick up all the rules in a mere few hours. Due to the small size of the court, which is about half the size of a tennis court, it's simple to accomplish a good volley during your first game. You can then improve your skills and perfect your technique with continued practice.
2. Requires Minimal Equipment
Pickleball is a unique sport because it has virtually zero barriers of entry (well, two to be exact). Equipped with a pickleball and paddle, you're ready to play. Pickleball courts are optional, since you can create your own makeshift court in your cul-de-sac, backyard, or local tennis court. Since there is so little equipment required to play, pickleball is an affordable option for getting outdoors (or indoors!), exercising, and enjoying a new sport.
3. Can Be Played Anywhere
As you get familiar with pickleball, you'll discover your preferences for indoor vs. outdoor play. Pickleball courts can be found in both environments, and where you play ultimately comes down to personal preference (or weather). As mentioned above, you can also play on non-official courts. Have some chalk on hand? Sketch out your 20 x 40ft court, pop up a net from the miscellaneous items in your junk drawer, and get to serving.
4. Open to All Ages & Skill Levels
Pickleball is an inclusive sport that players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy. From little ones discovering their first sport, to retirees who have experience on their side, pickleball welcomes all players, regardless of age. It is also accessible to beginners and competitive players alike. Whether you're a casual player who appreciates the occasional game, or a diehard pickler who is training for the Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships, your presence on the court can be as often as you like.
5. Social Atmosphere
One of the main reasons people keep coming back to pickleball is the social aspect of the game. It has curated a tight and welcoming community that shares a like-minded approach to friendliness, fun, and a good game. In fact, if you ask any pickleballer how they got into the sport, they very well may have joined based off an invitation. All it takes is one friend, relative, or work team-building event, and you're a member of the club. It's also a great way to meet people and build friendships — even off the court.
6. Family-Friendly
Looking for a way to cut back on your family's screentime and enjoy activities together? Pickleball is the perfect sport for getting the whole crew out and about — and moving. You can play singles, mom vs. dad, or doubles, girls vs. boys, kids vs. parents, etc., and we guarantee the whole family will leave with a grin. And if it's your lucky day, your tween may even admit that they liked it!
7. Good for Your Health
Get back to your New Year's resolution with a sport that's fun to play and counts as exercise. Pickleball is a great way to get your body moving, burn calories, and improve overall physical fitness. The smaller size of the court also makes it more manageable than the intense running required in tennis.
8. Low-Impact & No-Contact Sport
The pickleball court is a safe space to enjoy a sport with little risk of physical harm. Since pickleball is a no-contact and low-impact sport, your fear of injury or mobility issues can sit on the sidelines. It is also particularly beneficial for more mature players who crave gentle joint movement without straining the knees, hips, or shoulders. You can play at your own pace and reap the benefits of regular exercise that is easier on your body than other sports.
The one possible risk? Eye injuries. While playing pickleball is relatively easy on the body, the ball itself can pose a threat to your vision. To protect your eyes from the high velocity pickleball, our Sports Opticians recommend wearing pickleball glasses when enjoying the game. Choose from frames with clear lenses for indoors, or tinted for outdoors, and play confidently knowing your vision is protected. Visit our Pickleball Eyewear Buyer's Guide for more information.
9. Benefits Performance in Other Racquet Sports
If you already play another racquet sport, pickleball will give you the one-up needed to improve your performance across the board. It provides the opportunity to work on your agility, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and balance, all of which are crucial in sports like tennis, squash, and badminton. Regardless of which one you play, it's safe to say that any skills picked up on the pickleball court will easily transfer to any of your other favorite racquet sports.
10. It is FUN!
Most importantly, pickleball is FUN! A sport doesn't explode as quickly and as popularly for no reason, and pickleball's growth is largely due to pure enjoyment of the sport. Not sure if it's for you? There's only one way to find out! Pick up a paddle and let us know if you're hooked in the comments below!
Shop Pickleball Glasses Online at SportRx
Ready to hit the pickleball court and discover if the buzz is worth the hype? Give it your all with pickleball glasses that can handle the occasional impact and look good on, and off, the court. At SportRx, we have guides and tool tips throughout our site to help you learn everything you need to know about pickleball eyewear. From our Pickleball Lens Guide, to our top picks for the Best Pickleball Safety Glasses, we're confident you'll find the perfect frame to get a clear view of the court.
Need prescription? We've got you covered there, too. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house Sports Opticians who can help you build your prescription pickleball glasses. And, as always, you're backed by the SportRx See Better Guarantee™. If you’re not 100% satisfied, just let us know. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. We've got you covered for shipping — both ways!
