Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for the past three years. Many people are curious about who is playing this sport and why it's becoming such a popular game in the USA and around the world.
Let's take a closer look.
Who Plays Pickleball?
To the casual onlooker, the word pickleball may conjure the image of a group of enfeebled senior citizens standing around on half a tennis court waiting to be bested by a stiff breeze and a lucky serve.
But real pickleball players know that this is just a negative stereotype--and a complete fallacy.
While it's true that the second biggest age bracket for pickleball is those who are 55+, the idea that pickleball does not require athletic ability is a total misconception.
The truth is that, while often less intense than full-court tennis, pickleball does require physical strength, stamina, flexibility and endurance.
The popular sport is favored among senior citizens, but not every senior is capable of being a pickleball pro.
Pickleball players in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s are those who have maintained active lifestyles and have kept their bodies in shape over the years.
Pickleball is not just for "old people." It's for athletes of all ages.
Do younger people play pickleball?
We mentioned that the second biggest age bracket is 55+, so what is the biggest? According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, pickleball's biggest age bracket in 2023 is players 18-34.
That's correct, pickleball has gone mainstream and is growing wildly in popularity among young professional athletes.
Young people love pickleball.
If you don't believe me, ask 28-year-old APP Tour player Hunter Johnson of New Braunfels, Texas, who ditched his professional tennis career to become a pickleball pro.
Many athletes find pickleball more challenging and exhilarating than tennis, pushing tennis down in the ranks of popularity in recent years. It will only be a matter of time before pickleball takes tennis over completely.
Pickleball is Here To Stay
Across all demographics--age, gender, race, creed, nationality etc.--the pickleball fans are growing in number. America's fastest-growing sport, pickleball has become mainstream and more and more popular among a wide array of individuals.
This energetic and amazing sport is here to stay, so get out there, grab your paddles and play some ball. But remember, stay out of the kitchen!
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