What Is Pickleball? The Fastest Growing Sport in America

Have you noticed more and more people carrying paddles and gathering at courts lately? That’s pickleball — the sport that’s sweeping the nation.

Pickleball isn’t just another passing trend. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., drawing players of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported more than 13 million Americans are playing pickleball as of 2025 — and that number keeps climbing.

• The Basics: Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a badminton-sized court with a low net, it uses a paddle (larger than ping pong, smaller than tennis) and a perforated plastic ball.
• How It Works: Games are usually doubles (2 vs. 2), though singles are common. Players serve underhand, rally, and try to score points by keeping the ball in play while avoiding faults (like hitting it out of bounds or into “the kitchen” on a serve).
• Why It’s So Popular:
• Easy to Learn: Most people pick it up in a day.
• Accessible: Kids, seniors, athletes, and beginners all find it enjoyable.
• Social: The small court encourages laughs, conversations, and friendships.
• Low-Impact: Great exercise without the wear-and-tear of high-impact sports.
• Pickleball in Texas: Across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, courts are filling up — and facilities like SOCIAL DINK (https://www.socialdink.com) in Corinth are leading the charge with indoor/outdoor courts and a social-first vibe.

Takeaways:
Pickleball is more than a sport — it’s a movement that builds community and keeps people active.