Pickleball has once again claimed the title of the fastest-growing sport in America. If you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the game, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The rules are simple and the dimensions of a standard pickleball court are compact, creating a low-impact, high-reward activity that is accessible to most people. In fact, the sport has been hugely popular with the 55+ crowd for years, with senior living communities promoting it as a draw for residents who want to stay active. (The Villages in Florida boast hundreds of pickleball courts.)

In the past few years, though, pickleball’s popularity has surged among people of all ages and activity levels in cities across the country, contributing to a 171% increase in participation. Not everyone is thrilled. The NY Post claims the sport is “wreaking havoc” in cities across the U.S., with lawsuits, scuffles and noise complaints owing to its controversial status. Despite this, the game continues to draw enthusiasts (and fanatics) to new and existing courts in the country. Here is the lowdown on both sides of the pickleball debate.

In this corner: pickleball haters

If you have played a game of pickleball, you likely know that it can be a bit noisy. The sport uses solid paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes, creating a pop-pop back-and-forth that produces a decibel level that’s roughly twice as loud as tennis and a bit louder than city noise. In fact, the pitch simulates the sound of a garbage truck.

It isn’t just the mechanics. Pickleball lends well to social activity, able to be played in twos or fours and, because it is active without being overly toilsome, can be played with groups of friends – maybe even alongside a few brews. The joviality isn’t always welcome when played late at night or in otherwise serene neighborhoods. 

The courts themselves are another contentious component. Tennis courts, where picklers often play, generally have spoken and unspoken rules of etiquette. For instance, it’s not unusual for tennis players to stay on the court for roughly an hour before yielding it to waiting players in the stands. Not all picklers are aware of – or abide by – the rules. And, most pickleball courts are converted from tennis courts, meaning that tennis players have fewer places to practice and play. 

And in this corner: pickleball advocates

Ask a pickler why they like the sport, and they may exuberantly rattle off a list of reasons. For some, it’s a way to stay active, meet new people and become a part of a movement that has a low bar for entry. But it isn’t just fun. 

Experts extol the many benefits of pickleball, like improved hand-eye coordination and improved physical health when played consistently. Even the noise-inducing rackets and holed balls make swinging a pickleball racket easier on arm joints, which can help people who may be prone to tendonitis or other overuse injuries. And, for players who use a wheelchair or other adaptive devices, governing organizations like USA Pickleball have ensured greater accessibility for more players through official recommendations and rules for play. 

Additionally, as the sport gains in popularity, independent pickleball courts are being erected so that players aren’t commandeering tennis courts. Concepts like Chicken N Pickle, which has locations in Texas, Arizona, Kansas and Oklahoma – with new locations on the way –  offer patrons the opportunity to enjoy a good meal, reserve a court and watch the picklers in action. Places like Pickle and Social offer locations in Georgia and Arizona to enjoy a club-like experience, offering a full-service bar, specialty drinks and more to enjoy after a lively match.

There’s also a matter of supply and demand in the increasingly heated wars between tennis players and picklers. Tennis has only grown in popularity by about 4% over the past few years, and picklers argue that many courts were underused and are now being fully utilized thanks to pickleball. 

So, what’s the verdict? 

Whether you love, hate or remain undecided on the sport of pickleball, it’s best to read up on pickleball and tennis court etiquette before playing. If you want to participate, make sure that your destination is properly zoned and accommodating of picklers to ensure that everyone – players, spectators and bystanders alike – can enjoy their lives (and their game).

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