Join the Pickleball Craze: Get Involved with the Fastest-Growing Sport in the US

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.[0] A fusion of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, the sport has seen a rapid increase in popularity in recent years.[0] As of 2017, an estimated 3.13 million people in the U.S. were playing pickleball, and many municipal tennis courts are being transformed to accommodate the game.[1]

Ace Pickleball Club, a franchise offering innovative indoor pickleball facilities, is set to debut early in 2023.[2] The first unit, a corporate-owned venue in Roswell, Georgia, will be about 36,000 square feet with 14 indoor regulation size courts.[3] Every court will be equipped with technology for livestreaming and instant replay, and members will be able to access the facility 24-hours a day.[4]

In Johnson County, communities have installed permanent pickleball courts, including at Youngs Creek Park in Franklin and Craig Park in Greenwood.[5] Other area community centers, churches, and other indoor facilities cater to pickleball with designated times.[5] Pickleball can be played on a tennis court, with two no-volley zones known as “the kitchen.”[6]

Playing pickleball may have numerous health benefits, according to recent studies.[7] These include improved cardiorespiratory fitness, lowered blood pressure, and even a decreased risk of depression.[7] The game is easy to learn, fast-paced, and social, appealing to all ages and physical abilities.[8]

For the 2023 season, Major League Pickleball will be increasing its number of teams to 16.[1] Odell Beckham Jr. is now an investor in a couple different professional sports, including a stake in Club Necaxa of Liga MX and Major League Pickleball's expansion franchise in Washington D.C.[9]

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, there are plenty of ways to get involved with pickleball. All you need are some paddles, a wiffle ball and a court, and you’re ready to join in on the fun.[10]

0. “CG embraces pickleball's growth | Area News | pinalcentral.com” www.pinalcentral.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.pinalcentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/area_news/cg-embraces-pickleballs-growth/article_1117b11d-f466-5f8d-a1ad-5296c1cc13d5.html

1. “Pickleball pilot program sparks excitement in Milpitas | The Milpitas …” milpitasbeat.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://milpitasbeat.com/pickleball-pilot-program-sparks-excitement-in-milpitas/

2. “The Wild World of Pickleball & Tennis Court Battles | The Magazine …” www.sandiegomagazine.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/features/battle-for-pickleball-courts/article_7cacbff8-9053-11ed-8085-c7225c834079.html

3. “Ace Pickleball Club to Debut First Indoor Pickleball Franchise …” www.franchisetimes.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_news/ace-pickleball-club-to-debut-first-indoor-pickleball-franchise/article_0685ad26-98f5-11ed-9e5c-57770fdf47c9.html

4. “ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED …” www.victoriaadvocate.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/ace-pickleball-club-to-debut-their-highly-anticipated-indoor-pickleball-franchises-in-the-us-in/article_4f48017c-f338-5025-bd17-57d7b417ecac.html

5. “New 24-hour indoor pickleball court open in Franklin – Daily Journal” dailyjournal.net, 24 Jan. 2023, https://dailyjournal.net/2023/01/19/new-24-hour-indoor-pickleball-court-open-in-franklin/

6. “Pickleball – GraysHarborTalk” www.graysharbortalk.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.graysharbortalk.com/event/pickleball/

7. “Health Benefits of Pickleball: Research Shows Improved Fitness …” www.onfocus.news, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.onfocus.news/health-benefits-of-pickleball-research-shows-improved-fitness-lowers-risk-of-depression/

8. “The Rise of Pickleball | Moffly Media” mofflylifestylemedia.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://mofflylifestylemedia.com/the-rise-of-pickleball/

9. “Odell Beckham Jr. purchases stake in Mexican soccer club and …” www.cbssports.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/odell-beckham-jr-purchases-stake-in-mexican-soccer-club-and-major-league-pickleball-franchise-per-report/

10. “Milton Roberts Center offers pickleball – Knox TN Today” www.knoxtntoday.com, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.knoxtntoday.com/milton-roberts-center-offers-pickleball/