It was a balmy afternoon in July 2024 when senior Asher Huner first stepped onto a pickleball court. Though it appeared somewhat like a tennis court, with the same blue ground, white lines and low net, it was distinctly smaller and with different markings.
As a lifelong tennis player, he was used to racket sports, but he knew tennis often took time for people to learn. Pickleball, he soon understood, could be picked up quickly. Soon, the game felt addictive.
“It became my favorite thing to do during the summer. I would go to the court with some of my best friends and we would go and just play pickleball for hours on end,” Asher said. “It was just one of the best experiences, playing until we watched the sun set.”
Pickleball, which has been one of the fastest-growing sports in America for the past few years, has captured the attention of people predominantly for its social appeal as well as its easy and enjoyable gameplay. It’s even an option in U-High P.E. classes.
The game was invented in 1965 in Washington state by a family looking for a fun sport to play with their kids. As opposed to a racket, the game features a paddle, which is a bit larger than one used for ping pong, and a Wiffle ball. The court itself is about 40% smaller than a tennis court in length and width, and does not have the same double alleys.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has grown in popularity by 311% from 2021-24. It is estimated that there are over 68,000 courts around the country, and the sport continues to grow in popularity each year.
“I think it is much greater than a sport. It really creates relationships, with family, with friends, even with strangers,” Asher said. “It brings you a lot of fun but also more friendships. I’d love to play in a college club and indulge in that community.”
Junior Carin Henger began playing pickleball with her family a couple of years ago on the courts in the public park near her house. After falling in love with the sport, they bought a net to set up in their backyard, since the public courts are often very busy.
“Because of the smaller court, you’re not moving as much as in tennis, and I think the points go a little bit faster because you can get really close to the other side,” Carin said. “It’s also not too difficult so it’s just really fun to play with anyone.”
This year, when she saw it as an option for two P.E. electives, which bring the popular sport to Lab’s classes, she signed up for both. Though Carin had played before, she said her friends picked up the sport rather easily, thanks to its simple rules.
“Now, when I play with my friends, we have a very competitive game, which I love,” Carin said. “There’s a social aspect of pickleball that’s really special, where you just get to have fun and get your mind away from everything else.”
