Over 4 million Americans have already found the secret to staying fit. It is a game called Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in America. And the great thing about the game is people plan to stick with it, and they wish they could play more, according to a December 2021 survey of 1,622 adult players by Pickleball Fire Magazine.

How Likely Are People to Keep Playing?

95% of players surveyed are very likely to keep playing the game over the next year.  It was true for both men and women as 96% of females, and 94% of males are likely to play in the next year.  Lynn Cherry, the publisher of the Pickleball Fire Magazine, said, “It is amazing how you can get a great workout playing Pickleball, and people are devoted to the game.  You can contrast this with people’s New Years resolution’s to get fit where most quit after a few weeks.  They should try Pickleball instead, and I bet they will stay with it.”

How Many Hours Per Week Do People Play?

As you can see, the survey participants enjoy the game and this also shows in how many hours per week on average they spend on the courts. 61% of women and 65% of men play six or more hours per week.  Over 23% of survey respondents play 11 hours or more per week, an even split between men and women.  Interestingly, older Pickleball players spend more time on the court than younger ones.  68% of respondents over 65 play six or more hours per week compared to 60% in the 55-64-year-old age group, and 52% for those under 55.

What is Stopping People From Playing More?

While most respondents spend six or more hours per week on the court, many would like to play more.  23% of participants would like to spend more time on the court, but they don’t have the time. 

19% of those surveyed would play more if courts were closer, while 6% would play more if they did not have to wait to play.  Lack of courts especially impacted those who play less than 3 hours per week as 45% said not having courts close by or having to wait is an issue. So, the lack of courts is limiting, as people would play more if court time is more available.

However, another reason preventing people from playing more often is the sport can be hard on your body as you get older. 12% of respondents 65 and older said this was a factor compared to 6% for players 55-64 and <1% for players under 55.

Still, Pickleball is a fun game that people are likely to continue to play. Compare this to 96% of people who make a New Year’s resolution and then quit.  Cherry said, “Pickleball has an undeniable appeal due to it being a very social game, easy to learn, and easier on your body than most other physical activities.  Cities need to build more courts to keep up with the demand, as almost one-quarter of players said they would play more often if courts were closer or less busy.” 

So, it is no wonder that Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. People who are already playing the game plan to stick with it and even wish to play more. Plus, new players are coming into the sport all the time as new courts are made available in cities and towns. Almost 700 venues have been added to USA Pickleball’s Places to Play website in 2021.

The survey was conducted from December 6-31, 2021. People who subscribed to Pickleball Fire received an email asking them to take the survey. Others who came to the website were also asked to complete the survey.   The majority of the respondents were from the United States and Canada.