Views

How Pickleball Became the Fastest-Growing Sport for Older People

In his latest piece for the Sporting Memories website, Jack Shaw looks into the origins of Pickleball, a sport which has become popular amongst older people across both sides of the Atlantic.

Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has gained a loyal following among older adults who want to stay active. While the sport originated in the U.S., it has become an international sensation.

The History of Pickleball

Joel Pritchard and two friends developed pickleball in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They played the first game using the only equipment they had — an old badminton court, table tennis paddles and a Wiffle ball. The rest was history. 

In 1967, Pritchard built the first pickleball court in his neighbor’s yard, cementing the sport’s birthplace on Bainbridge Island. Pickleball became more popular over the next few years, leading to the founding of Pickle-Ball Inc. in 1972 to sell rackets and balls. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the game slowly gained national recognition through various books and national media features. 

1984 changed the sport’s trajectory, as founders established the United States Amateur Pickleball Association, created the first official rulebook and prepared for national expansion. The same year, Arlen Paranto advanced the sport by inventing a composite paddle with honeycomb and fibreglass panels.

Becoming a Sensation

Twenty-five years after its invention on Bainbridge Island, pickleball had expanded to all 50 states. Its steady rise in popularity continued with the advent of dedicated websites, eventually becoming an official sport in the Arizona Senior Olympics. Thanks to this visibility, pickleball continued its growth for people of all ages. However, the most significant rise started in 2020 due to the pandemic, as more people picked up the sport because they wanted fun activities to do with their families and friends.

Cost-effectiveness has also been a significant factor in spreading the game worldwide. If you have paddles and a ball, you can play on a court for hours with your friends. It’s a healthy way to get outdoors and exercise. 

The next few years saw extraordinary growth in the U.S., with 48 million American adults playing the sport at least once. From small towns to major cities, you can find pickleball courts and people to play with. Organisations like USA Pickleball have also experienced significant growth, increasing to 70,000 members. 

Pickleball expansion hasn’t been exclusive to the U.S. — it has also gained popularity in other nations. For instance, the U.K. has 270 pickleball courts nationwide. Grab your friends and head to the Manchester Tennis and Racquets Club or the Northern Souls Pickleball Club in Blackburn. If your area only has tennis courts, you can convert them into pickleball-friendly spaces.

Pickleball’s Growth With Older People

A significant reason for pickleball’s growth is its accessibility. The relaxed gameplay allows entire families to enjoy it. Pickleball has proven to be fantastic for older adults because it provides a fun opportunity for exercise. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Guidelines recommend adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, so pickleball is a solid solution. 

Pickleball is repetitive, as you’ll move from side to side and try to hit the ball on your opponent’s side. While your mind focuses on the game, you get a terrific cardiovascular workout. Meanwhile, it can improve your balance and coordination because serving and hitting the ball requires good timing. 

While pickleball benefits your body, it’s also excellent for your mental health. Older people who play the sport benefit from boosted moods due to the endorphin release and physical activity. Getting in a few matches with your friends could also be a suitable source of social interaction. Retired adults looking for a new hobby should try pickleball and reap the rewards.

Those who play or plan to start pickleball should prioritise safety. Before you get on the court, grab a trusted pair of shoes to protect your feet. According to a 2023 University of Exeter and University of Salford study, inappropriate footwear can increase injury risks for court sports like pickleball. Other best practises for pickleball include stretching, using proper technique and investing in comfortable, well-fitting athletic wear. 

As an accomplished writer and Fitness editor at Modded, Jack Shaw has established his reputation as a respected authority on sports and their effect on physical health. His work can also be found in publications such as SportsEdTV, Better Triathlete and Senior Lifestyle Magazine.