Pickleball: The Rise of America's Newest Obsession

Over the last few years, pickleball has been gaining popularity across America. This sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is played on a smaller court with a lower net and a paddle instead of a racket. It's easy to learn, low-impact, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.

Best of all, Woodbridge has two dedicated pickleball courts at the Sports Complex!

Part of the appeal of pickleball is its social aspect. It's often played in doubles, which means players can enjoy the game with friends or meet new people. Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere to accommodate the growing demand — I even noticed a pickleball resort in Los Barilles, Baja Mexico, while on vacation!

Pickleball has also gained attention from professional athletes and celebrities, such as Bill Gates and Justin Timberlake. In fact, there are now pickleball tournaments and leagues across the country, with thousands of players competing at all levels.

So what's behind the rise of pickleball? Some experts point to the aging population in America, who are looking for low-impact ways to stay active. Others attribute it to the sport's accessibility and social nature. Whatever the reason, it's clear that pickleball is here to stay.

Have you tried pickleball yet? If not, it might be time to give it a shot and see what all the fuss is about.

Here are some statistics about the growing popularity of pickleball in America:

• According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball participation increased by 21.3 percent from 2019 to 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

• In 2019, there were an estimated 3.3 million pickleball players in the United States, and that number is expected to grow even more in the coming years.

• The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) has reported more than 8,000 registered places to play pickleball across the country, including indoor and outdoor courts.

• While pickleball is popular among older adults, it is also gaining traction among younger generations, with 64 percent of players are under the age of 65 (USAPA).

• Pickleball is also becoming more competitive, with hundreds of sanctioned tournaments taking place each year, including the US Open Pickleball Championships, which had more than 2,200 participants in 2021. Could one of our own members be the next US champion?

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Mar 4: St Patricks Round Robin noon-3

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May 13: Mother’s Day Round Robin 9am-noon

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