Nearly 60% of pickleball players told us they play at least once a month, with26% playing 5-10 times per month. They mainly play on public courts, and they overwhelmingly (99%) play socially rather than in official league.

The top destination for consumers to shop for pickleball paddles and balls, according to our survey, is sporting goods stores (65%), with nearly half (47%) of consumers telling us they plan to pay between $50-$100 for a paddle.

On the footwear side, while a growing number of brands are making pickleball-specific footwear, only 10% of consumers told us they are wearing pickleball-specific shoes on the court, and 78% told us they would appreciate a salesperson recommending a pickleball footwear brand to them. There is still plenty of opportunity for continued growth in this category it would appear!

The top destination for buying shoes to play pickleball, according to our survey, are sporting goods stores (53%) and run specialty stores (22%).

What influences consumers to purchase a specific brand of pickleball equipment, apparel or footwear? In our survey, respondents told us the top determining factor was a friend or family member’s recommendation of a product, followed by a product review in an online article or a discounted price.

For further proof that pickleball players can’t get enough of the game, when asked if it should be an Olympic sport, 75% said YES!

What do you like most about the sport of Pickleball?

20s

Super fun and social and easy to pick up!
Female Age 26

It’s accessible and fun for all skill levels. I can play with my friends who are really good and I can play with my friends who are just getting started and I’ll have equally fun times. Male Age 27

The people and the competition. It’s a simple game to learn and extremely fun to play with different people with different skill levels. I do enjoy more competitive play too. Male 29

Accessible, fun, social, can play with a wide range of skill levels, doesn’t require much specialty equipment.
Female Age 26

Low barrier to entry, hard to master. Great for all ages. Male Age 27

It is a social thing and allows me to connect with all my family members and friends of all ages. Female Age 25

30s

The inclusion. Everyone can play. Male Age 31

It’s easier on my knees then tennis. Male Age 39

I like that it is an active sport that is available for all ages. I like that it can be leisurely and competitive and that it’s just fun. Female Age 30

Pickleball is the perfect blend of the speed of ping pong with the scale of tennis and really gets my heart rate going in a fun not too serious game. Male Age 37

I exercise and play a sport that is easier than tennis. Makes me run (I do not like jogging) and keeps my brain engaged. Female Age 39

I think its a great way to get in shape, I like that it keeps you moving during play. I also like how all ages seem to be playing it and it’s became a nice social sport. Much cheaper than golf! Male Age 33

The combo of it all and the speed. Male Age 34

It’s more approachable than tennis for most people and it’s easier to find people willing to Play or give it a shot. Male Age 30

I like that the barrier to entry is low, and it is a bit easier to pick up than tennis. It is also nice that there are so many leagues and more people my age (millennials) getting into the sport. It makes it a more social experience. Female 33

It’s a lot of fun, and far more technical than initially thought. Male Age 35

I am totally 100% ADDICTED to pickleball. I think it’s not having to chase the ball down so much like you do in tennis. It stays with you. I like that I can play it with my parents, even grandparents to a level. It’s fun for all ages. Female Age 31

How much activity you get through the sport, being competitive and getting exercise while having fun is a sneaky and great way to get your steps/activity in. Female Age 34

Friendly competition, great exercise and hand-eye coordination. Female Age 34

It’s age and talent inclusive. Female Age 30

I like that it brings people outside and gets them active and there’s a group/community element to it. I think all of those things are very important to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Male Age 38

It’s a great sport for all ages. It can be very social or highly competitive. I could play in a friendly game with people double my age in doubles or play competitively in a competition with someone half my age in singles. That’s rare for a sport that has a low cost of entry and high accessibility. Male Age 35

Short form cardio with the scalability to make it as intense as you choose. Male Age 30

Chance to be active and have fun. Female Age 39

It’s something I can continue to play for years to come! Fun and fast paced. Female Age 32

I love how easily accessible it is for people of all ages and backgrounds. You can play with minimal gear or you can spend a lot for professional equipment. It is such a fun sport to play with friends and family of all ages. Male Age 35

A great low impact sport that takes talent and practice, but is not intimidating for new players. Male Age 30

40s

Social aspect and it is open to those that can’t really take the physical pounding of playing tennis. Male age 49

I like that anyone can play, regardless of age or gender. Female Age 42

It’s a social sport. Female Age 46

I like being active outside with my husband. Female Age 48

It’s very challenging less stressful than playing tennis and much more fun . You get a complete body work out and loads of fun at the same time. Female Age 45

Pickleball has been a lot of fun. There isn’t a lot of pressure for me to be very competitive but it does give me a great work out while still having fun with others. Female Age 45

That everyone can play it. Even if the person never played before. Female Age 43

Can play indoors or outdoors with friends. Female Age 43

Being outside with friends. Great exercise. Playing pickleball with all different ages. Fun sport to play.
Female Age 48

Super fun. With any tennis or ping pong back ground you can be competitive almost immediately. Male Age 42

What I like most about the sport of Pickleball is the accessibility and inclusivity it offers to players of all ages and skill levels. A combination of fun gameplay, social interaction, and health benefits make Pickleball appealing sport for individuals looking to stay active and engaged. Male Age 48

I like that anyone can play it without necessarily being an athlete.
Female Age 42

It’s casual but also high performance sport. You can adjust your level of comfort. I think it is a fun and engaging sport, and it has a social aspect that I love. Female Age 44

50s

I picked it up easily, not as rigorous as tennis but still feels athletic, you can have a conversation. Addictive! Female 54

I love it. I think it can be a great workout and can be very fast paced or on a day I’m tired I can also tone it down a bit. I like how anyone can play it and get something out of it. Female Age 54

I like that I don’t double fault due to a poor overhead serve. Male Age 50

The ability to compete, meet new people and get lots of exercise. Female Age 59

I like that it attracts a wide variety of players and levels. Its social and fun. It can be as competitive as you want it to be. Female Age 59

It’s easy to learn, great exercise and fun. Female Age 50

I love the social aspect of it. I am an extremely social and active person. Pickleball has brought that out more. Female Age 55

60s

Love the pace and easier than tennis! Female Age 68

Easy to pick up on how to play. Except scoring. That is stupid and hard. Female Age 67

It’s fun and easier on the body than tennis as we get older! Female Age 61

Easy to play, difficult to master. There is always something new I am learning about me and the game. Male Age 63

Quick paced, dinks rule, patience is king. Pickleball is so fun, competitive and social. Female Age 62