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By now, you have probably seen a headline or two calling pickleball the "fastest-growing sport" — and it is not just hype. Courts, clubs and leagues are popping up all over the world, and millions of people are joining the action.
In the United States, nearly 50 million people, or around 19% of Americans, picked up a paddle last year, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals. Here in Australia, the sport is also surging. Pickleball Australia reports that player numbers have more than tripled since 2020, with over 90,000 players joining community and social sessions around the country.
At Picklepulse, we are not surprised to see pickleball booming. It is fast-paced, sociable, inclusive, and just seriously good fun. But beyond the court, pickleball is also doing something amazing for players' wellbeing.
Pickleball Is Great for Mental Health
A new report from Apple, based on data from Apple Watch users, found that playing pickleball is not just a great physical workout. It also helps people feel happier and more connected.
According to the study, players who frequently hit the courts had 60% lower scores of depressive symptoms compared to the general group of participants. In short, racket sports like pickleball help people work out both their body and their mind.
Why Pickleball Boosts Your Mood
When you are playing an aerobic sport like pickleball, your body releases endorphins. These "feel-good" hormones help relieve pain, reduce stress and lift your mood.
Pickleball is also a brilliant way to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. The average game lasts around 90 minutes, so just two sessions a week can make a huge difference to your fitness and mental health.
Another big reason people love pickleball? The social connection. Whether you are playing doubles with friends, meeting new people at a local club, or joining a league, pickleball creates a real sense of community. Humans thrive when we connect with others, and pickleball makes it easy and natural to build those relationships.
Playing also gives you goals to work towards — whether that is improving your game, winning a few rallies or simply getting out there each week. Setting and achieving goals, even small ones, builds a sense of pride and purpose, which is brilliant for your wellbeing.
It Keeps Your Brain Sharp Too
Pickleball is not just good for your body and mood. It is great for your brain as well.
When you are on the court, you have to stay alert, react quickly and think strategically. This kind of physical activity, which combines movement and mental focus, helps maintain cognitive skills like memory, processing speed and decision-making. Studies suggest that playing sports like pickleball can help prevent cognitive decline as we age.
Plus, many pickleball games take place outdoors. Exposure to natural light has been linked to better sleep, improved energy levels and a higher overall quality of life.
How to Get Started
The pickleball community is famously welcoming. If you are new to the sport, we recommend watching a few short videos to get a feel for the rules. If you are still unsure, booking a casual beginner session or a coaching lesson is a great way to get started.
Always warm up before you jump into a game. Light stretching or a quick jog can help get your body ready and reduce the risk of injury. And remember, if you are coming back from an injury or feeling any aches, start slow and listen to your body.
You do not have to play for hours to feel the benefits. Even a 15–30 minute game can give you a healthy boost, both physically and mentally.
At Picklepulse, we believe pickleball is a powerful way to stay active, meet people, lift your mood and keep your mind sharp. Whether you are smashing a winning shot or laughing over a miss-hit, every moment on the court is good for you.
Ready to pick up a paddle and see the difference for yourself? Wanna hit the court? Grab your paddle here, at Picklepulse.
See you on the court. Let's Pickle.