Unless you’ve been on a space trip to Mars the past few years, you are probably aware of the massive explosion in popularity of pickleball. 2024 saw pickleball lead the charge with the fourth consecutive year as the fastest-growing sport. With 19.8 million people in the US last year playing the game, there has been a 311% growth in pickleball in the last three years!
As a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach, I get asked by those who aren’t in the sport yet what has caused the growth? And I’ve been asked if this is just a fad that will slow down soon? I’ll answer the 2nd question first – NO! Pickleball is here to stay, and there are several reasons and one of them is the title of this blog – it’s beneficial for your Brain!
The answer to the first question is multi-faceted. Here are my thoughts on the main reasons why pickleball has exploded in growth:
- Community and/or Social Connection – I’ve listed this first because, in my opinion, this is the main driver. We know from brain science that the number one job of the brain is to keep you alive and safe. What does that have to do with playing pickleball? When you connect with other like-minded people who are playing the sport for many of the same reasons that you are, then you’ve created a powerful brain and body connection. You’ve found your TRIBE! You feel safe, you feel empowered to be you, and you’re having fun. There are many stories that I’ve collected from playing pickleball around the US that would warm your heart to hear how this sport has filled the vacuum in people’s lives after significant losses. Here in the Indianapolis area, there is a group called Social Dinkers (for those that don’t play the game, a “dink” is a shot you use in pickleball). It’s been around for at least 15 years, and they have created a caring, loving group that embraces all types and skill levels of players. More importantly, they come alongside people in their hour of need and celebrate birthdays once a month! Our great friend Christine Best has been a driving force for this group for many years.
- Enhances brain plasticity – what we have learned about the brain in the past few years dispels the myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! We used to believe that declining cognitive functioning was something that happens to all of us, and there was nothing we could do about it. Nothing could be further from the truth, and pickleball is proving this new brain science. When you play the game, whether it’s for fun or for competition, you are creating new neural connections that cause the brain to respond, adapt, and grow.
Now, some of you who play the game might be joking about the scoring that is used and how many times you may have looked at your partner and asked, “What’s the score?” Yes, it is initially one of the areas that beginners are challenged by, but once you get it your brain says, “got it.” A mental lapse in the middle of an intense game is not a sign of cognitive decline, it’s a sign that you were so engaged in the last point you forgot about everything else for a moment. I call it “taking a trip to the Bahamas!”
- Stress relief and mood enhancement – as you are learning to play the game, and then progressing in your skill level, along with creating new neural pathways, your brain releases chemicals that provide powerful, positive stimulus for you. The following is a list of potential chemicals and their benefit;
- Endorphins – these are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. The combination of aerobic and anaerobic activity can improve endorphin levels, leading to what is referred to as the “runner’s high.”
- Dopamine – this is associated with pleasure and reward. The enjoyment of playing, especially with your friends, mastering new shots, and improving your skill level will increase dopamine release, which reinforces motivation and focus.
- Serotonin – the exercising that is required to play pickleball can elevate these levels, and it helps regulate mood, reduces stress, and can promote a sense of calm and well-being.
- Brain-Derived Neutrophic Factor (BDNF) – this chemical supports the neuron growth I mentioned in point #1. It helps you improve your memory and your cognitive function, which should enhance your learning ability.
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Norepinephrine – when the game gets fast paced, the competitive nature of the game increases your heart rate and energy levels, which increase your awareness and alertness. You’re awake at an entirely new level!
Here’s the truth – I could go on with the benefits because they are numerous. I’ll stop for now and do a Part 2 of this topic soon, as I think you get the point. Pickleball is the game you should be playing! Some of you who are athletes in other sports might be thinking, “Ed, any sport, such as tennis, cycling, baseball, basketball, etc., would accomplish the same thing, so you haven’t convinced me that pickleball is different.” My answer to that is to go back to point #1. This is the magic elixir as to why pickleball has exploded. Howard Ross wrote a book a few years ago titled Our Search For Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart. In the book, Howard believes that Maslow may have it wrong on his hierarchy of needs in that he placed it on the pyramid as the 3rd level. He believes it should be first, and I’m in alignment with him. One of the things that was proven through the COVID-19 debacle we all experienced was the deep need for community and connection. Pickleball had been around for a long time, but COVID exposed our deepest need, and many of us found an outlet that we’re never going to leave. I’ve participated in many sports and at some fairly high levels, such as running, cycling, and tennis. None of those sports provided the connection and bonding experience that pickleball has given me and many millions of other people.
The final point that emphasizes the community and social power of pickleball is that this sport brings people from all walks of life, all levels of athleticism, many different body types, and age groups together. It brings families together like the family of 4 last Saturday – Dad, Mom, a 13-year-old, and an 11-year-old playing together for almost 2 hours. No iPad, iPhone, or video games! Just a typical family connecting and bonding in a way that left them feeling fulfilled and happy to spend quality time together. And guess who brought them to 3rd Shot Pickleball Indy? The Grandmother who plays with them, too! Here’s looking at you, Jane!
Pickle On!
Ed Chaffin, PCC, PPR Certified Pickleball Coach
