By Jim Carella, Director of Pickleball TPC Sugarloaf Country Club
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America with nearly 20 million players in 2025. Over the last three years, participation in pickleball has risen by more than 200 percent, but the most startling statistic is the fact that 70 percent of all pickleball players are between the ages of 18-44!
What was once perceived as a game for retired people is now embraced by all ages. Pickleball has been introduced in elementary schools across the country and is quickly becoming a varsity sport in high schools. College campuses across the United States have become completely consumed with the sport and some have even provided scholarships for student athletes to compete in clubs and varsity teams. While pickleball is not an official NCAA sport, trends are showing it to be a strong possibility in the future.
So how can we prepare for what is becoming a younger, faster, and more physical game? Maintain good physical fitness by training specific movements that occur on the pickleball court. If needed, consult with a personal trainer; also stay as flexible as possible by doing yoga and other exercises that promote stretching. Hip flexors and knees are vital to having good court positioning in pickleball. Drill, drill, drill to improve your game. True, it is not as much fun but vitally important for your game! Do not be afraid to play out of your circle of friends. This will introduce you to different styles of play.
Pickleball is an incredibly fun and social way of staying active and engaged. Staying injury-free is something that needs to be worked on by preparing your body for this high-energy and lightning-fast game!
Have fun. Stay healthy. Enjoy your friends and as always, happy pickling!
