As I sit here on my front porch, brainstorming a topic for this week’s blog post, I’m surrounded by the ambient noises of the neighborhood. “Hello’s” from passing dog walkers, children’s laughter from the local playground, and construction equipment from the many summertime renovations. But there is one sound that drowns out the rest. That cyclical “thump” I hear from dawn til dusk. The sound of the pickleball.

During covid, the town did some upgrading to our local park, which (lucky for me with four boys) is practically in my front yard. We live within spitting distance from basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and a variety of ball fields. But the addition of the pickleball courts has leveled up this ‘hood.

Not being a pickleball player, I wasn’t sure, at first, what this new, slightly annoying sound was. All I knew was that it was loud, noticeable, and played on repeat ALL. DAY. LONG. After a few years of passing this growing buzz at the courts, I have gained a fond appreciation of the sound, and what it represents.

On some days, it’s full of college students. On others, mostly seniors. Often, I even spot my offspring over there, playing with a variety of generations. Friends, acquaintances, and strangers. What the sport of pickleball has done for us socially, physically, and mentally, over the last decade, is truly extraordinary. Since the time it began taking off in popularity in the 2010s, it quickly became the fastest-growing sport in North America.

THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS

While many focus on what the sport brings to our physical fitness  (like improved muscle tone, balance, coordination, and weight management), it’s the complimentary mental and social benefits it brings that makes it stand out.

Pickleball is one of the only sports that people of ALL generations, abilities, and lifestyles can play together. The accessibility and simplicity make it an incredibly inclusive way to socialize. Not only does it increase our likelihood of meeting new people, but it strengthens communities, a priority of Surgeon General Murthy (from his 2023 advisory about the loneliness epidemic.)   

A game like pickleball, which combines both the physical and social aspects, is incredible for our mental health.  The endorphin release and social interaction is a great way to keep modern-day anxieties at bay, while the concentration and coordination needed are great for improving mental sharpness.

Combine all these physical and mental benefits with the social connections made on the court, and it is no surprise that the sport is growing at record rates. So maybe you’re that hardcore tennis player who rolls their eyes at the thought of a pickleball. Or one of my many neighbors who complain about that bothersome bounce that plays on repeat. Or maybe you’re simply annoyed by all the rage. I encourage you to, instead, consider this. Pickleball is NOT just a sport; it’s a bridge between generations, a stress reducer, and most importantly, a community builder. Embrace that annoying sound, the game, and the joy and connection it brings to so many.