In the past, the sport of pickleball developed a reputation for being a senior game, as the game was predominantly played by people over the age of 55. While a huge percentage of the pickleball population is over the age of 55, recent trends show that the sport of pickleball is catching fire with younger generations.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2019 Pickleball Participant Report, about 3.3 million people play pickleball in the United States. Of this 3.3 million people, there are “casual” pickleball players and “core” pickleball players. Casual pickleball players play pickleball 1 to 7 times per year, while core pickleball players play pickleball 8 or more times per year. From 2015 to 2018, the percentage of casual pickleball players and core pickleball players that were under the age of 55 grew (the percentage of casual pickleball players that were under the age of 55 grew from 25% to 36%, and the percentage of core pickleball players that were under the age of 55 grew from 78% to 84%). In other words, the average age of a casual pickleball player and core pickleball player is declining, and more and more younger players are entering the pickleball community.
Even though the sport of pickleball has a reputation as a senior sport and is still largely played by players over the age of 55, the sport of pickleball is re-characterizing itself as a sport for all ages. From juniors to seniors, the sport of pickleball is for you.
