The Rise of Young Pickleball Players: Changing the Game Forever
The Rise of Pickleball Among Younger Players
Pickleball, once considered a sport for retirees, is experiencing a surge in popularity among younger players across the country. Jeremiah Norris, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Falmouth High, is one of the many young enthusiasts who have embraced the sport with fervor. Norris, who started playing pickleball as a high school sophomore, now plays six days a week and has noticed a significant shift in the player demographics.
“When I first started playing, it was only people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. There weren’t any younger people there. Now we’re starting to get some younger people playing, people my age,” Norris said.
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for the past three years, with new courts being constructed to accommodate the increasing number of players. The sport is attracting a diverse range of players, from teenagers to adults in their 20s and 30s, shaking up its reputation as an activity for older individuals.
Rocky Clark, the Atlantic regional director for USA Pickleball, noted the shift in demographics, stating, “It was really considered an old person’s sport, and just in the last three or four years, it’s really moved to the 20s and 30-year-olds, which is great.”
The growth of pickleball among younger players has been remarkable, with a 210% increase in players aged 34 and younger between 2018 and 2022. The sport has become faster, more competitive, and transformed from a pastime into a serious athletic pursuit.
Former tennis players have also been drawn to pickleball, recognizing its athletic challenges and social appeal. Players like Xander Barber and Jesse Butler, who have transitioned from tennis to pickleball, have found the sport to be just as competitive and energy-intensive.
With the rising interest in pickleball among younger players, the demand for more courts has increased. New pickleball-only facilities are being built in South Portland and Brunswick, while existing courts in towns like Portland, Kittery, and Saco are being expanded to accommodate the growing number of players.
Despite its popularity, pickleball has faced some opposition from neighbors due to noise concerns. However, enthusiasts like Linda Einsiedler have worked to address these issues by implementing noise-dampening measures and communicating with neighbors to find solutions.
Overall, the rise of pickleball among younger players is undeniable, with the sport becoming a mainstream athletic pursuit that appeals to a wide range of age groups. As more young people discover the excitement and competitiveness of pickleball, the sport’s popularity is expected to continue growing in the years to come.
