While it was once reserved for mostly older players, the largest category of pickleballers are now ages 18-34, according to Pickleheads.
Players on the same court often vary widely in age, skill level and gender, and it’s fairly easy to learn. Its accessibility is one of the most appealing factors for new audiences,“People could go out and win games their first time playing, and I think that’s a big reason why people want to come back and do it again,” Mackie said. “ a 16 year old talking to a 70 year old. It’s a sport that spans all generations and there just aren’t a lot of other sports like that.
There are currently no permanently-netted public pickleball courts in The Woodlands, so participants either have to pay membership fees at private clubs or bring their own net.Mackie, who put together what he believes to be the largest most comprehensive pickleball court database in the country to create Pickleheads, said permanent courts are crucial for the sport’s growth.
“All it takes is one,” Mackie said. “ I would say the Holy Grail is if you have a public facility, you’ve got at least six outdoor dedicated courts, and especially in a place like where there’s nice weather, you can play outside most of the year, that’s what will really take the sport from nice growth to crazy growth.”