Pickleball was born in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—improvised a backyard game using a wiffle ball, paddles, and a lowered badminton net. What started as a family pastime soon evolved into a national phenomenon that combines the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
Today, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Reports show a surge of over 50% in participation from 2022 to 2023 and more than 200% over the last three years. Once seen as a retiree’s hobby, the sport now attracts players of all ages—especially younger adults in their 20s and 30s.
Why It’s So Popular
Pickleball’s meteoric rise is credited to its accessibility and social nature. Games are short, easy to learn, and require less physical intensity than tennis. Courts are popping up everywhere—from local parks to luxury resorts—and cities are racing to build new ones as demand skyrockets.
Is It a Senior Sport?
While older adults were among the early adopters, pickleball’s current demographic paints a different picture. Families, working professionals, and even school programs have embraced it. It’s truly an all-ages sport, though its lower-impact nature makes it especially appealing to seniors who want to stay active without high-stress movements.
Tennis vs. Pickleball: The Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Risks | Lower-body injuries (knees, Achilles, calves) and falls are common, especially among older players. Estimated U.S. medical costs linked to pickleball injuries exceeded $350–$400 million in 2023. | More upper-body strain, especially in the shoulder and elbow from overhead serves. Still considered higher-impact overall. |
| Gear Costs | Paddles range $50–$200; balls cost about $1–$3 each; portable nets $80–$300. | Racquets range $150–$300; balls $5–$8 per can; plus ongoing stringing costs. |
| Court Access | Fast-growing number of public and community courts nationwide; still limited in some cities. | Long-established infrastructure; many cities now share tennis courts with pickleball players. |
The Great Court Debate
As pickleball expanded, it created unexpected tension between tennis enthusiasts and pickleball players. The dispute revolved around court sharing, noise complaints, and loss of tennis space. To address the issue, local governments and sports organizations began promoting coexistence through scheduling systems, noise-reducing materials, and the construction of dedicated pickleball courts. The result: less friction and more opportunities for both sports to thrive side by side.
Top Pickleball Tournaments in the U.S.
- Minto US Open Pickleball Championships – Naples, Florida
- USA Pickleball National Championships – Dallas, TX (2023) and Mesa, AZ (2024)
- PPA Tour (Carvana Professional Pickleball Association) – Year-round national circuit
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) – Team-based league ending with finals in New York City
- APP Tour (Association of Pickleball Professionals) – Global events across the U.S. and abroad
Top Pickleball Players (as of 2025)
Women: Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, Anna Bright, Parris Todd, Lea Jansen, Kaitlyn Christian, Brooke Buckner, Judit Castillo, Salome Devidze, Tina Pisnik.
Men: Federico Staksrud, Ben Johns, JW Johnson, Dylan Frazier, Riley Newman, Tyson McGuffin, Christian Alshon, Gabe Tardio, Jack Sock, James Ignatowich.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball
| Aspect | Indoor Play | Outdoor Play |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Type | 26 larger holes, softer feel, more control. | 40 smaller holes, harder plastic, travels faster and bounces higher. |
| Conditions | No wind or sunlight, stable lighting, consistent bounce. | Weather-dependent; wind and heat affect play, balls crack faster on rough courts. |
| Speed | Consistent rallies, slightly slower ball flight. | Faster overall pace due to surface and ball design. |
Choosing Between the Two
Pickleball is ideal if you want short, social games and lower startup costs. Tennis still reigns for players seeking longer rallies, a full-body workout, and established league systems. Both sports encourage fitness, coordination, and community—and both deserve a spot in your recreation routine.
-Vũ Thanh Thuỷ-
Sources & Further Reading
- USA Pickleball Association
- Bainbridge Island Museum of History
- Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Reports 2023–2025
- The Dink Pickleball Analysis 2025
- Emory Healthcare Sports Medicine Reports
- UC System Orthopedic Injury Data 2024
- Forbes Health, “Pickleball Injury Costs” (2024)
- Wall Street Journal & USTA Shared-Court Reports (2024)
- Minto US Open & USA Pickleball Championship Data 2024–2025
- PPA & APP Rankings, October 2025
- DUPR & Selkirk Equipment Testing Reports