Pickleball. Weird name, addictive game.

If you’ve been hearing more and more about it lately, you’re not alone.

Pickleball is now officially the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

So, what’s the big deal?

Why are millions of people trading in their tennis rackets and gym memberships for a paddle and a court?

Here are five big reasons why America is falling in love with pickleball—and why you might too.

If you haven’t got time to read this full article here’s a summary on why Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the USA!

Let’s be honest—some sports are intimidating.

Great News!

Pickleball isn’t one of them.

Whether you’ve played tennis, ping pong, or nothing at all, you can pick up the basics in one session.

The court is small, the paddle is light, and the ball moves slower than a tennis ball.

That means:

• Less running = less joint strain

• Longer rallies = more fun

• Quicker progress = faster confidence boost

It’s the perfect blend of low barrier to entry and high reward—instant enjoyment meets lifelong fun!

The secret behind why Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the USA is that it isn’t just a game—it’s a whole social scene.

Players often say they came for the sport but stayed for the people.

Local courts are buzzing with friendly competition, laughter, and casual conversation between points.

Doubles is the most popular format, and that means you’re almost always playing with someone – and making new friends along the way.

Whether you’re looking to get fit, make friends, or just unwind after a long day, pickleball’s vibe is unmatched.

From teenagers to grandparents, everyone can play.

In fact, one of the coolest things about pickleball is how it bridges different generations.

It’s not unusual to see a 20-something and a 60-something teaming up, or battling it out across the net.

For families, this is gold—finally, a game everyone enjoys playing together.

No screens, no stress, just shared fun on the court.

The numbers don’t lie.

Over 13 million Americans are playing pickleball in 2024, and that number is still climbing.

According to the latest APP Tour’s Pickleball Participation Report, 48.3 million adult Americans – nearly 19% of the total adult population – have played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months.

Cities and towns across the country are converting tennis courts, building pickleball-specific facilities, and launching leagues, clubs, and tournaments.

That means it’s easier than ever to:

• Find a court near you

• Join a beginner’s clinic

• Get quality coaching

• Meet other players your level

• Even travel to resorts offering pickleball vacations!

In short: Pickleball is no longer a trend. It’s a movement that’s challenging traditional sports like tennis, squash and even golf!

No matter what your age if you’re on a court you’ve got some of that competitive spark running through your veins!

Pickleball gives you a perfect way to scratch that itch without burning out.

The game is fast-paced, strategic, and can absolutely get intense—but it’s also incredibly fun.

Whether you’re chasing a higher rating or just battling your neighbor for bragging rights, pickleball lets you play to win—but, and here’s maybe the key to it’s success – laugh while doing it.

While we were writing this article we kept coming up with new reasons why Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the USA – keeping our list to just five proved too difficult!

So here’s the most popular bonus reason as voted for by us!

It’s not expensive to play!

No fancy gym membership or club fees required.

No $300 racket.

All you need is:

• A paddle (starting around $40)

• A few balls

• Some court shoes

That’s it.

Many community courts are free or very low-cost, which makes pickleball one of the most accessible sports in the USA to get started.

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