Global Pickleball Expansion: Pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. It’s played in over 40 countries and is becoming a favorite for all ages. From its humble beginnings near Seattle, Washington, in 1965, pickleball has grown into a global sensation with millions of players and thousands of places to play.
Pickleball is Popular in Schools and Worldwide
Over 2,000 schools in the United States have added pickleball to their gym classes. The sport is also celebrated each year on National Pickleball Day, August 8. With growing popularity, many countries have created their governing bodies for pickleball.
Key Pickleball Rules and Court Facts
A pickleball net is set at 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches in the middle. The pickleball court measures 20×44 feet, about the size of a doubles badminton court.
There is a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net called the kitchen.
After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before volleying, following the double-bounce rule.
Growing Player Numbers and Global Reach
As of 2023, over 4.8 million people in the United States played pickleball, showing a 39.3% rise since 2020, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Around 75% of regular players are under the age of 55, even though pickleball is often seen as a sport for seniors.
Pickleball Equipment Sales Are Rising
Sales of pickleball paddles, balls, and nets are rising every year. Sporting goods stores report large increases in demand as more people take up the sport. Equipment has evolved too, with paddles now made from wood, flax fiber, and carbon fiber.
Pickleball Brings Big Economic Impact
Major pickleball tournaments bring in millions of dollars to host cities. Visitors spend on hotels, restaurants, and shops during events, helping boost local economies. At the 2021 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, there were over 2,342 participants, setting a record.
Fun Facts About How Pickleball Got Its Name
There are two main stories about how pickleball got its name. One says it was named after Pickles, the dog of a co-founder, who chased balls. The other theory is that it came from the term “pickle boat,” which refers to a crew made up of leftovers from other boats.
Why Pickleball Keeps Growing
Pickleball mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it fast-paced and fun for players of all skill levels. The number of places to play has more than doubled in the past decade, from about 4,300 in 2010 to over 10,000 in 2021. Pickleball games are usually played to 11 points (win by 2), though tournaments sometimes go to 15 or 21.
News in Brief: Global Pickleball Expansion
Pickleball is growing rapidly worldwide with over 4.8 million players in the U.S. It is taught in over 2,000 U.S. schools and celebrated annually on August 8. Pickleball courts, tournaments, and equipment sales are rising fast, showing no signs of slowing down.
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