Pickleball: Everything You Need to Know About America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Despite its humorous name, the sport of pickleball has seen serious growth over the last decade. The sport continues to gain popularity in the United States, particularly among active adults. As of 2017, statistics from the USA Pickleball Association state that there are upwards of 2,815 million players in the US, with 75 percent of core participants aged 55 or older. If you’ve been hoping to get out on the pickleball court, here’s everything you need to know before you pick up your paddle.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a hybrid paddle sport that contains elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s played on a lined court in singles or doubles using paddles and a plastic ball. Pickleball has become as popular abroad as it has in the US, and in 2010, the International Federation of Pickleball was formed to regulate and expand the sport.

History of Pickleball

The sport has an origin story that might tickle audiences. It was created in 1965 by Washington State House Representative Joel Pritchard and his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. In an attempt to keep their families entertained one lazy Saturday afternoon, Pritchard and Bell set up an improvised game of badminton using ping-pong paddles and a perforated ball. The following weekend, McCallum was introduced to the game, and the three men collaborated to solidify the emerging rules, drawing heavily from those of badminton.

As for why the hodgepodge game is called “pickleball,” Pritchard’s wife is credited with the name and said that it came from the idea of a “pickle boat,” where members of the crew are chosen from the leftovers of other boats.

Pickleball Rules

ProLite, Gamma, and Onix.

Pickleball Tournaments

Like any other sport with a dedicated following, pickleball has a standardized rating system to categorize players into distinct skill levels from 1.0 to 5.0. Players who rank at a level of 4.0 or higher may wish to participate in one of the many regional and national organized competitions. The USA Pickleball Association hosts an annual regional tournament in upwards of 10 areas for individuals and teams from every corner of the country to prove their paddle skills.

Away from home, players who are 50 and older can meet like-minded devotees on the court at the National Senior Games Association’s annual pickleball tournament. For enthusiasts who enjoy the beach as much as they do competition, Latitude Margaritaville and builder Minto sponsor the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, each year.

Active Adults and Pickleball

The Villages in Central Florida is the largest active adult community in the world and has the pickleball facilities to match. Often called the “mecca of pickleball”, The Villages has over 100 dedicated courts and a robust pickleball club that hosts year-round tournaments.

Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida, has 17 outdoor pickleball courts nestled within the state’s second-largest 55+ community. The community’s pickleball team, dubbed the “Smashers”, is 1,000 members strong.

Quail Creek in Green Valley, Arizona, has 16 outdoor pickleball courts, six of which are lighted. Membership with the Quail Creek Pickleball Club includes access to instructors, tournaments, and logoed apparel.

Robson Ranch in Denton, Texas, offers 18 pickleball courts to residents, two of which are indoors. Residents have the opportunity to take their pickleball game far and wide as members of the community’s travel team.

Sun City Hilton Head in Hilton Head, South Carolina, offers 12 pickleball courts to residents of the largest 55+ community in the state. Eight of the outdoor courts are lighted for year-round play in the mild temperatures.

To learn about even more 55+ communities with a vibrant pickleball culture, check out our list of best communities for pickleball enthusiasts.