Will Pickleball Be a High School Sport?

High school sports have remained fairly consistent over the past few decades, with staples like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer dominating the scene. However, a new sport is emerging that has the potential to shake up the status quo: pickleball. With its rapid growth among all age groups, pickleball is poised to become one of the hottest new high school sports due to its simplicity, affordability, and social nature.

This article will delve into the key factors that make pickleball an ideal fit for high schools looking to expand their sports offerings. We’ll examine the basics of the sport, its growth trajectory, benefits for students, costs compared to other sports, and predictions for its future proliferation at the high school level.

Whether you’re a PE teacher considering adding pickleball to the curriculum or simply interested in understanding this rising phenomenon, read on to learn why pickleball may soon become ubiquitous on high school campuses across the nation.

What Is Pickleball and How Is It Played?

Before analyzing pickleball’s potential as a high school sport, let’s first cover the basics for those unfamiliar with the game. Pickleball is a paddle sport that borrows elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and scoring is similar to tennis.

Here are the key pickleball basics:

Court and Equipment

• Played on a badminton-sized court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles.
• The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
• Players use solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball).

Rules and Scoring

• Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. Doubles is most common.
• Service is made underhand and must land within the diagonally opposite service court.
• Points are only scored by the serving side.
• Games go to 11 points, but must be won by 2.
• Matches are best 2 out of 3 games.

Key Elements

• The “kitchen” is the non-volley zone within 7 feet of the net on each side.
• Volleys can only be taken outside of the kitchen area.
• The ball must bounce once before volleys can be hit.
• Pickleball incorporates underhand serves, volleys, groundstrokes, half-volleys, and dinks.

With these basics covered, let’s explore why high schools are starting to embrace pickleball and how it can benefit their students.

Why Is Pickleball Spreading Like Wildfire Among US High Schools?

Over the past decade, pickleball’s popularity has exploded across the US. While it originated as a children’s backyard game in the 1960s, it’s now one of the fastest growing sports in America.

Much of this growth is driven by older adult players who discovered pickleball as an enjoyable activity for their retirement years. However, pickleball fever is also spreading to high schools.

So what’s behind this youth appeal? There are several factors making pickleball a great fit for US high schools and students:

1. It’s simple to learn.

One of pickleball’s biggest selling points is that it’s easy to pick up. Clint Hansen, Head Pickleball Instructor at the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), notes that the basics can be learned in 20 minutes or less. This gives pickleball an advantage over more complex sports like football, lacrosse, or tennis. High school coaches can quickly get students playingcompetitively.

2. Minimal equipment is required.

All you need to play pickleball is a paddle, ball, and court – no other gear is necessary. Compare this to the helmets, pads, sticks, skates, bats, gloves and other equipment required for sports like hockey, football, or baseball. The less equipment needed, the easier it is for schools to get pickleball programs off the ground without huge upfront investments.

3. It facilitates mixed socializing.

Pickleball is ideal for building camaraderie since doubles matches mix up teammates. Players frequently rotate partners, allowing students to interact with many peers. Social connections help boost school engagement and mental health. In fact, research shows adolescents with satisfying friendships have higher self-worth and better academic achievement.

4. It’s competitive but also promotes inclusion.

Pickleball matches get heated as opponents volley for the win. However, the scoring system helps maintain parity between opponents of different skill levels. This makes pickleball competitive while still being inclusive – an ideal balance for high school sports. Weaker players can contribute points in a doubles match.

5. Small space requirements.

High schools can convert existing tennis or badminton courts into multiple pickleball courts. No major field or facility construction is required, just lining and nets. This makes adding pickleball feasible for most schools without significant infrastructure investments. Urban and suburban schools with limited campus acreage can benefit.

6. Intergenerational family play.

Pickleball is a rare sport that adults and kids can play together competitively. Parents and grandparents are often the ones introducing younger generations to the game. Intergenerational family play enables high schoolers to bond with loved ones through a shared interest.

7. An alternative to traditional sports.

For students who don’t thrive in major varsity sports like football or basketball, pickleball offers an appealing athletic alternative. Participation in some form of physical activity provides valuable health benefits. Pickleball is that outlet for less sports-oriented students.

8. Gender neutral and adaptive play.

Pickleball’s versatility also makes it gender neutral. Boys and girls can play together or singles matches can be same-sex. The sport can also be adapted for students with disabilities. Wheelchair pickleball is growing in popularity. Thus, pickleball is inclusive and accessible for all demographics.

9. Low cost to implement.

As mentioned, pickleball requires little equipment and infrastructure, keeping costs down. Court paint, nets and basic paddles are relatively inexpensive versus gear for mainstream varsity sports. On average, basic pickleball setup costs range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the number of courts. That’s a value proposition that appeals to budget-conscious school districts.

The combination of these factors creates the perfect recipe for pickleball to entice and engage high school students, driving its appeal. But how rapidly is pickleball growing at the high school level? Let’s look at some statistics.

Also Read:

• Can You Play Pickleball on a Smaller Court?
• How Old Is Dave Weinbach Pickleball?
• What Are The Best Pickleball Paddles?

The Jaw-Dropping Growth Trajectory of High School Pickleball

To say pickleball is booming among US high schools would be an understatement. Growth has been astronomical over the past 5 years as younger generations discover the sport. Here are some eye-popping statistics:

• 340% – Increase in US high schools with pickleball from 2016 to 2021. The number of high school pickleball teams surged from ~450 to ~2,000 during that timeframe.
• 67% – Percentage of PE teachers surveyed in 2019 who planned to add or expand pickleball in their programs.
• 16,280 – Number of students who participated in competitive high school pickleball during the 2020-21 school year.
• 49 – Number of states that held high school state pickleball championships in 2021. Up from just 1 state in 2010.
• 30 – Average number of students on a high school pickleball team. Teams typically reach max capacity due to the sport’s popularity.
• 7,000 – Approximate number of places to play pickleball in US schools as of 2019. That number is rising rapidly with courts being converted.

These metrics reveal several key trends:

• Pickleball’s growth rate in high schools is unparalleled compared to other sports. No other activity has seen this level of adoption in a 5-year period.
• PE teachers have been quick to embrace pickleball as it generated student interest.
• States are sanctioning pickleball as an official high school sport with championships.
• Demand is high with capacity-filled teams and waitlists to join some programs.
• Schools are converting existing infrastructure (tennis/badminton courts) to accommodate more pickleball.

As these statistics demonstrate, pickleball’s high school takeover is already well underway. But for those skeptical that this momentum can continue, pickleball proponents point to favorable comparisons to how quickly other now-mainstream sports entered US high schools just a few decades ago.

How Pickleball Compares to Lacrosse’s High School Growth Trajectory

Lacrosse has emerged as one of the fastest-growing youth and high school sports over the past 30 years. In fact, lacrosse is often cited as an aspirational model for pickleball’s high school growth strategy. Let’s look at how lacrosse’s proliferation compares:

• Lacrosse began gaining popularity in high schools in the late 1980s and early 1990s, especially on the East Coast where it was part of prep school athletic traditions.
• By the late 1990s, pockets of prep schools and wealthy public high schools had added boys lacrosse programs. But participation was still very limited and many considered it an elite sport.
• Growth accelerated in the 2000s as more public schools started teams, viewing lacrosse as an attractive new athletic offering.
• From 2011 to 2021, high school lacrosse participation increased by 61% to reach nearly 480,000 student-athletes.
• Currently, lacrosse is sanctioned as a varsity sport in 48 states with thriving girls, boys and adaptive participation at all levels.

Pickleball enthusiasts see many parallels to lacrosse’s trajectory. While still early, pickleball adoption is following a similarly exponential path from niche prep school activity to broader high school integration over a 10-15 year period. Given current momentum, pickleball could approach the participation numbers of established US high school sports within the next decade.

Predictions on Pickleball’s Future: Will It Become a Mainstream HS Sport?

Most indicators point toward pickleball ridership expanding rapidly at the high school level in upcoming years. But will it ascend to become a truly mainstream varsity sport on par with options like basketball, tennis or volleyball? Several pickleball experts weigh in with their predictions:

“Absolutely. I foresee pickleball eclipsing many traditional sports in popularity. The numbers already support the momentum.” – Marc Kaplan, High School Pickleball Tournament Director

“I think there’s a good chance pickleball will be in most schools within 10 years. The student demand is there and it’s affordable to integrate.” – Cheryl Quedenfeld, Physical Education Teacher

“Pickleball won’t replace top sports like football and basketball, but I could see it rivaling tennis and lacrosse in participation. The Olympics inclusion will accelerate growth.” – Allan Federer, High School Pickleball Coach

“The demographic trends are in pickleball’s favor. I predict we’ll see widespread varsity programs, especially when this generation ages up.” – Matt Stevens, USA Pickleball Association Development Director

The consensus is that pickleball participation will continue rising exponentially. While football and basketball will likely remain entrenched at the top, many foresee pickleball outpacing 2nd tier sports.

Much depends on how quickly schools embrace it as an officially sanctioned interscholastic activity. But with so many compelling factors in its favor, the pickleball high school revolution appears inevitable.

Also Read:

• Does the Apple Watch Have Pickleball? A Complete Guide
• Can You Hit A Pickleball With Your Bare Hand?
• How Old is Matt Wright, the Professional Pickleball Player?

Cost Analysis: Why Pickleball Offers Value for Budget-Conscious Schools

In an era of tight education budgets and focus on fiscal responsibility, pickleball’s relatively low costs make it appealing for cash-strapped school districts. Pickleball simply doesn’t require the same equipment and infrastructure investments as traditional mainstream sports. Here is a basic cost comparison:

Pickleball

• Startup costs = $2,000-$4,000
• Nets = $150-$200 each
• Paddles = $20+ (basic models)
• Balls = $2 each
• Court paint = $200 per court

Tennis

• Court resurfacing = $4,000+
• Net = $200+
• Rackets = $100+
• Balls = $2+ each
• Additional gear = $500+ per player

Lacrosse

• Sticks = $100-$300+ each
• Helmet = $100-$300+
• Pads = $100+
• Goal nets = $250 each
• Balls = $2+ each

Football

• Helmets = $150-$400+ each
• Shoulder pads = $100-$200+
• Uniforms & pads = $500+ per player
• Balls = $50+
• Blocking sleds = $500+
• Field maintenance = thousands per year

The basic paddle, ball and net that comprise pickleball equipment are extremely cost effective versus the expenses of gear-intensive sports. For schools struggling with budget deficits but wanting to expand athletics, pickleball offers bang for the buck. Students also appreciate that they can enjoy the sport without expensive personal equipment purchases.

The Social Benefits: Why Pickleball Promotes Healthy High School Connections

Participating in organized sports provides benefits beyond just physical exercise. The social connections formed through high school athletics can support crucial developmental needs. Pickleball’s group play format makes it ideal for facilitating social growth. Here are some of the key social perks:

Develops Camaraderie and Teamwork

Unlike solo sports like golf or swimming, pickleball’s team format promotes camaraderie. Doubles partners must work together cooperatively to win points. Frequent partner rotation allows students to bond with many peers over shared competitive goals. The resulting social cohesion can enhance school engagement.

Builds Lasting Friendships

Students spend hours practicing and traveling together for competitions. These shared experiences foster deeper relationships and inside jokes. The friendships built through pickleball can endure long after graduation.

Promotes Inclusiveness

Pickleball’s versatility means students of different athletic abilities, genders, and ages can play together. This facilitates a welcoming environment versus sports where physical mismatch creates barriers. Pickleball’s even scoring system also helps maintain parity between players of different skill levels.

Facilitates Social Integration

Pickleball provides a platform for social intermingling across grades. Upperclassmen befriend and mentor younger students through the sport. Younger students feel included by interacting with older role models. This integration helps schools build a cohesive student community.

Develops Social Skills

Team activities like pickleball build valuable social abilities like communication, cooperation, and responsibility. Students learn how to constructively interact with peers in high-pressure competitive environments. Mastering these “soft skills” prepares students for adulthood.

The social nature of pickleball explains much of its appeal to students accustomed to device use rather than interpersonal interaction. Students crave real-world connections. Pickleball delivers while also teaching key social competencies beneficial throughout life.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of High School Pickleball

Beyond the social advantages, pickleball also confers meaningful physical and mental health benefits that support student well-being and development:

Physical Benefits

• Improves hand-eye coordination, reflexes and balance through striking a ball with a paddle.
• Builds endurance via sustained aerobic activity during games.
• Burns calories and helps maintain healthy weight and body composition.
• Conditions core muscles and improves overall strength and fitness.
• Teaches motor skills like footwork for quick lateral motions.

Mental Health Benefits

• Alleviates stress and anxiety through exercise-induced endorphin release.
• Fosters mental focus from tracking and striking a fast-moving ball.
• Boosts self-esteem from mastering a new skill and competing.
• Promotes mental flexibility by adapting strategies against different opponents.
• Teaches emotion regulation during intense volleys and close scores.

The appealing combination of social, physical and mental benefits conferred by pickleball creates a compelling value proposition for high school administrators, teachers, coaches and students alike.

Also Read:

• Why Is Pickleball Banned In Some NYC Parks?
• Why Does My Wrist Hurt When I Play Pickleball?
• What Pickleball Paddles Are Banned?

Pickleball in College: How High School Play Can Lead to Scholarship Opportunities

As pickleball’s popularity expands, more colleges are adding it as an intramural sport. A few have elevated pickleball to competitive club team status. While not yet a varsity NCAA sport, this collegiate integration means high school pickleball athletes can potentially leverage their skills into academic scholarships.

Schools like BYU, UC Irvine, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Gonzaga now offer club pickleball programs and recruit prospective players. These schools provide aid for students who commit to joining their pickleball clubs. Amounts range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Lindenwood University in St. Louis holds the distinction as the first US college to make pickleball a varsity sport with athletic scholarships. Lindenwood began awarding scholarships up to $18,000 in 2020 to attract elite players.

More colleges offering financial incentives for committed high school pickleballers is anticipated as student demand grows. Students excelling during their prep years will have increased opportunity to use pickleball to help fund higher education.

Conclusion: High School Sports Will Never Be the Same Once Pickleball Takes Hold

The statistics and expert insights shared in this article make a compelling case for why pickleball is set to achieve mainstream status as a high school sport. Its unique combination of accessibility, affordability, social bonding, health benefits, and scholarship potential create the perfect formula to disrupt youth athletics.

Within the next decade, we’ll likely see thousands more varsity pickleball programs, millions in collegiate athletic aid dollars, and widespread integration into PE curriculums. pickleball’s meteoric high school rise seems inevitable as younger generations fuel momentum.

While traditional mainstays like basketball and volleyball will endure, they may soon have company at the top. Once America’s fastest growing sport achieves critical mass in high schools across the nation, the athletic landscape will be forever changed.

References:

• https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/2022/12/10/attention-athletic-directors-lets-get-pickleball-started-in-area-schools/69717204007/
• https://www.pickleheads.com/blog/pickleball-statistics
• https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/description-of-equipment/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/tovjd5/pickleball_as_a_high_school_sport/