Thankfully, spring fever is over, and it’s a great time to be outside and get some vitamin D! If you’re looking for an activity to keep you in the sunshine, pickleball is the perfect way to gather with friends and family or meet new people this summer. 

Pickleball has been rapidly growing in popularity. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row as of 2023. Not only is pickleball becoming increasingly popular, but it’s also a go-to activity for seniors. TIME states, “more than half (52 percent) of core players–those who play eight or more times a year–are 55 or older, and almost a third (32.7 percent) are 65-plus.” 

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and social paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to make an ultimately exciting game. Players hit a Wiffle ball, which is about the same size as a baseball, but is plastic, hollow, and lightweight. It’s easy for beginners to jump in and learn, but it can quickly develop into a fast-paced, competitive game. 

Pickleball is becoming more and more popular with seniors because the court is small and easy to navigate. Playing doubles (having two people on each side) limits the amount of movement to make it a relaxing experience that will get your heart pumping in a healthy way.

The benefits for older generations

As children, we learned how important exercise is for the body and mind, but is exercise important for seniors? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages older adults to get regular physical activity because it can prevent and delay many health problems that seem to come with age. Regular physical activity improves muscle strength and allows seniors to keep doing day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others. For adults 65 and older, the CDC suggests 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. 

Pickleball is considered a low-impact sport because it doesn’t put excess pressure on the joints and muscles. This sport has also been known to improve balance and flexibility. One of the more common low-impact activities is swimming, which has also been shown to help seniors stay healthy. Yet, pickleball is a very social sport that allows neighbors, friends, and family to participate in a fun activity while not pushing the physical boundaries too far. 

How to get involved

Beginning a sport can be challenging, from finding a place to play to getting the right equipment. Here are some courts and businesses that offer classes to help you get started. Check online to see specific information like equipment rentals and times.

Learn How to Play

Brec – Greenwood Community Park Tennis Center

13340 Scotlandville-Zachary Hwy., Baker. 

(225) 272-9200

brec.org

Bocage Racquet Club

7600 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge

(225) 924-6273

bocagerc.org

New Orleans Jewish Community Center

5342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans.

(504) 897-0143

nojcc.org

Goldring-Woldenberg JCC – Metairie

3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

(504) 887-5158

nojcc.org

UNO Recreation & Fitness Center

2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans.

(504) 280-6357

uno.edu

Courts

West Baton Rouge Community Center

749 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. 

(225) 336-2423

wbrparish.org

Lyons Recreation Center

624 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans.

(504) 658-3004

nordc.org

Joe W. Brown Park Gym

5601 Read Blvd., New Orleans.

(504) 658-3080

nordc.org

Gernon Brown Rec Center

1001 Harrison Ave., New Orleans. 

(504) 658-3151

nordc.org

Morris Jeff Recreation Center

2529 General Meyer Ave., New Orleans. 

(504) 658-3170

nordc.org

Health Club By Hilton

2 Poydras St., New Orleans.

(504) 556-3742

hilton.com

Val Riess Park

1101 Magistrate St., Chalmette.

(504) 278-4296

visitstbernard.com

Mel Ott Multipurpose Center

2301 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna.

(504) 363-1597

gretnala.com

Belle Terre Playground

5600 Belle Terre Rd., Marrero.

(504) 349-5044

jprd.com

John Slidell Park

105 Robert Blvd., Slidell.

(985) 646-4371

louisiananorthshore.com

Cross Gates Family Fitness

200 N. Military Rd., Slidell.

(985) 643-3500

crossgatesclub.com

Tournament

For the Love of the Y

Date: August 26-27

Cost: $80

Registration Ends: August 4

Paula G. Manship YMCA  Lamar Tennis Center

8100 YMCA Plaza Dr., Baton Rouge. 

pickleballbrackets.com