Pickleball has exploded in popularity, but with great hype comes great misinformation. Somewhere between your neighbor’s backyard paddle party and your coworker’s “hot take” at the office happy hour, a bunch of pickleball myths have cemented themselves like gum on a high school desk.
I’ve played, I’ve heard them all, and—yes—I’ve even believed a few when I first started. So, let’s bust these stubborn myths wide open before someone tries to “coach” you with bad advice again.
Myth #1: “Pickleball is just for retirees”
Ah yes, the stereotype: pickleball as the slow-motion shuffleboard of sports. Don’t get me wrong—yes, plenty of retirees play, and many of them will destroy you on the court while wearing orthopedic shoes. But the average player base is now packed with 20-, 30-, and 40-somethings who own both a Theragun and an air fryer.
This isn’t mall-walking. Pickleball can be fast, sweaty, and slightly dangerous if you underestimate that one guy in a headband who “used to play a little tennis.” Spoiler: he was state-ranked in ‘98.
Myth #2: “It’s easy—anyone can master it in a day”
Sure, you can learn the rules quickly. It’s basically ping-pong meets badminton meets “don’t step in the kitchen.” But mastering it? Whole different story.
I once thought I was getting good—until a woman named Deb hit me with a third-shot drop so perfect I questioned my self-worth. This game has layers. Footwork, shot selection, spin… it’s like chess, but with cardio and a plastic ball that makes a satisfying pop.
Myth #3: “The paddle doesn’t matter”
Right, and the guitar doesn’t matter if you’re trying to play Stairway to Heaven.
Sure, you can start with a $30 big-box special, but once you realize you’re addicted, the paddle becomes an extension of your soul (and your forehand). Weight, surface texture, core material—it all changes how you play. Plus, admit it: you kind of want one that looks cool so you feel like a sponsored pro in your neighborhood Facebook group photos.
Myth #4: “It’s not a real workout”
Tell that to my quads after a three-hour Saturday morning tournament. Pickleball may not look like much from the sidelines, but get in a competitive match and you’ll discover muscles you haven’t met since high school gym class.
Also, the lateral movements and constant mini-sprints? Sneaky intense. You’re basically doing HIIT training disguised as fun. The Apple Watch calories-burned screen doesn’t lie.
Myth #5: “It’s just a fad”
I remember when people said that about yoga, and now you can buy a $90 mat that’s basically a status symbol.
Pickleball has infrastructure, major sponsors, pro leagues, and courts popping up faster than Starbucks locations. Whole neighborhoods are fighting city councils over converting unused tennis courts. You don’t get that level of chaos over a “fad.”
Myth #6: “It’s only fun if you win”
Nah. Some of my favorite games were losses—specifically the ones where I spent half the match laughing because my partner and I both dove for the same ball like it was the last slice of pizza.
Pickleball has this social, slightly ridiculous energy where even intense games feel like a party. You will make friends, occasionally enemies, and at least one rival who seems to appear at every open play session.
Final Serve
Pickleball myths are like the kitchen rule—everyone’s heard of them, but not everyone understands them. The reality? Pickleball is for all ages, surprisingly technical, physically sneaky, and here to stay.
So, next time someone tries to tell you it’s “just for old folks,” invite them to a game. Then watch them limp to their car while you Google “best pickleball paddles for under $150” with a smug grin.
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