Pickleball has exploded onto the scene recently. However, it’s roots are deeper and much more intriguing than you might think. In 1975, the comedy classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” was released in America. One of the central jokes of the film involves the characters banging coconut halves together to simulate the noise of a horse walking. Ten years earlier, in Bainbridge, Washington, a sport was invented that creates the same noise mimicked in Monty Python. That sport is now known as Pickleball.
The sound of the composite hole-filled ball being struck by a board that is no longer than 17 inches could easily be a replacement for the gag that was made memorable by the famed British comedy troupe. And, in fact, the name of the sport could be considered a bit of a joke itself as Joel Pritchard, the founder of the game along with Bill Belt and Barney McCallum, decided on using the name of his dog “Pickles” as a tribute.
A Boom In Popularity
While the sport doesn’t take itself too seriously, it is a game that is seriously growing. From 2017 to 2022, the number of pickleball players roughly grew by around 140%, with 85% of that being from 2021 to 2022. And it would be no surprise if that number doubled again between 2022 and 2023. This would mean an increase from more than 3.132 million players in 2017 to more than 16 million by 2024. Such an explosion of players has already led to 158% growth in the paddle industry in the last two years.
Though the pickleball court looks as though it could be conjured from a tennis court, the game actually requires a distinct playing field with rules that reflect the difference. As of now, there are only around ten thousand such courts in the country. Much like the growth of a city’s population not keeping up with the infrastructure, the demand among the pickleball community for more courts is outpacing their supply.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
What makes this game so engaging? Why are so many people looking to pick up the pickle paddle and play perpetually? Well, it’s a simple enough game that mixes elements of the already enjoyable tennis, badminton, and table tennis games. But, unlike many other sports, it does not rely on the participants running miles back and forth in the blazing heat of summer for the sake of exercise.
This mixture appears to be particularly appealing to those ages 18-34, as that is currently the demographic among which pickleball is the most popular. This is in contrast to the image the sport has gained as being for an older generation. Perhaps the appeal among younger people can also be attributed to the many celebrities and professional athletes looking to get in on the fun, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Real Housewives star Eva Longoria, Andre Agassi, and Marty Turco.
Competition Leads to Big Bucks
And be assured, this sport gets its share of competitive ranks. As of now, there are 47 sanctioned tournaments that include prize money of up to $11 million. These tournaments have been organized through multiple professional leagues that play in three tiers – PPA 2000, PPA 1500, and PPA 1000. Which level one competes in determines the amount of prize money available. These tournaments are played throughout the calendar year and at multiple locations across the country, which accommodate for the various weather conditions they face. For example, northern states like Illinois have indoor facilities that handle the Indoor Championship. The rankings are awarded on a point system that is accumulated throughout the Pickleball season. The highest points are awarded in the PPA 2000 tournaments, and the tally of those points will bring the top eight point earners to a Final that will determine the #1 player of the year.
All players start with a single swing. So, pick up a paddle. Meet up with some friends. Drop serve, but don’t volley in “The Kitchen.” Tap paddles at the end of a good game. And whatever else you do – don’t think of the clacking coconuts.
Written by Ed Smith @edsmith7133