The Rise of Pickleball: America’s Fastest Growing Sport

In 1965, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game of Pickleball as a way to keep their kids active during the summer holidays. Little did they know that this simple game would turn into one of America’s fastest-growing sports. As the Coronavirus pandemic took hold in 2020, Pickleball participation surged, with people of all ages picking up the game as a fun way to stay active while gyms were closed.

Pickleball’s appeal lies in its simplicity and sociability, making it a game that can be enjoyed by individuals of all fitness levels. The game, which combines elements of tennis and ping pong, is played on a smaller court with a paddle and wiffle ball. With a 21.3 percent increase in participation in 2020 compared to the previous year, Pickleball has continued to grow in popularity.

Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors by singles or doubles, with serves made underhanded and games usually played to 11 points. The game’s low impact nature makes it accessible to many, with players able to burn calories and increase their step count while having fun on the court.

For those looking to improve their Pickleball skills, following some pro tips can help elevate your game. Starting each game with proper foot positioning, weight distribution, and paddle placement can make a difference in your performance. And for those looking to train like a pro, incorporating rotational medicine ball throws, jump lunge medicine ball throws, and versa climber workouts can help improve your game.

With Pickleball’s rise in popularity and accessibility, it’s no wonder that this sport has become a favorite among many Americans. So grab your paddle and ball, head to the court, and experience the fun and fitness benefits of Pickleball for yourself.