Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America over the last two years, according to many sources such as Pickleball Player; Pickleball, USA; and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. It has grown in popularity because most ages, body types, and skill levels can play. It is an easy, affordable, accessible, fun, social, and friendly game that combines features of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. It is played with a large paddle and plastic ball on an indoor or outdoor court similar in size to a badminton court with a net like that in tennis, according to USA Pickleball. Pickleball Player, SFIA, and USA Pickleball all agree that beginners can learn quickly, and many become core players, meaning they play eight or more times a year.

To help others Get Healthy with Pickleball in Kentucky, the County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Mercer County taught 11 Fort Harrod Area Homemakers basic concepts and rules of pickleball. The lesson also includes benefits of pickleball. The majority of participants were aged 55-64 and ranged in age from 19-74. The majority of participants identified as Caucasian females. During this lesson participants were taught all the basic concepts of Pickleball, including the jargin of the game. Over the course of the two hour lesson participants practiced dinking and serving and then implented their learnings by applying it in a friendly game. All participants were able to play two games each. 

Following the lesson, agents collected evaluations from 8 participants. 100 % of participants learned the basic concepts and rules of pickleball. 100% of participants learned why pickleball is so popular. 100% of participants recognize the physical, social, and mental health benefits of pickleball. 100% of participants can identify local pickleball resources.

Most importantly, 88 % of participants reported they intend to play pickleball.

Participants specifically shared the most significant things they learned from the lesson were:

"How to keep score accurately"

"This is a fun way to move my body!"

"You don’t have to be athletic to play."

"Tara did a great job breaking down the concepts of the game and I am happy we were able for this to be a hands on lesson!"

Reference: 

Pickleball Player. (2022). Pickleball Popularity Statistics and Demographics: Facts & INFOGRAPHIC. Retrieved 11/15/22 from https://thepickleballplayer.com/pickleball-popularity-statistics-demographics-infographic