Just about one year ago, we began to take note of a new sport sweeping the nation- and its particular attraction for older adults. In fact, in just one year, pickleball, that weirdly named sport combining aspects of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, has become virtually a national obsession, with major brands getting some action, high-profile athletes and celebrities investing and playing, and cities all across the country (such as in Boston and New York) scrambling to build more pickleball courts. Given that April has been declared national pickleball month, we thought we’d follow up to see what’s new in the world of pickleball.

Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people playing pickleball in the United States jumped from 4.8 million to 8.9 million. In fact, nearly 1 in 6 adults in the US now plays pickleball and 83% of those now playing didn’t start until 2020 or even later. What’s caused this obsession, or even “derangement?” Well, if you know anyone who plays or you find yourself smitten, it’s easy to understand why. With just a modest amount of instruction, you can easily get out on the court and start playing, and with a smaller court than tennis and a large paddle, even those who are not so athletic can find themselves engaged and exhilarated. However, those of us who are “weekend” athletes have to be careful about plunging into pickleball. While it’s a great aerobic activity, you will need a warm-up to ensure your muscles are ready for the start and stop of play and your ankles and knees have sufficient stability to withstand running and turning. The Hospital For Special Surgery in New York recently issued guidance on stretching and exercising to prevent pickleball injuries. So grab a knee brace and click here.

What do you need to begin if you’re one of the few who has not yet embraced the sport? Finding a court in your neighborhood could be a challenge, though the US Pickleball Association has a website to help you locate a nearby court. Regarding equipment, the costs to play are relatively modest, with players spending on average $32/month on gear, court rental, or league membership. Speaking of gear, it’s possible to be judicious, but like any modern sport, the opportunity to load up on equipment, footwear, and even clothing and accessories can be limitless. For a sense of what’s possible and what’s extravagant, tie your court shoes and click here and here.

So if you’re game, pickleball seems like the ideal pastime to take up this spring. Find out more about ground strokes, dink shots, and other pickleball terms, by slicing your paddle here.