The newest sports phenomenon taking over courts and parks across the country is none other than pickleball. 

Fort Wayne has invested in the sport with 36 outdoor courts popping up across city parks with six more inside McMillen Park Community Center. You can also find matches at YMCA branches as well as Spiece Fieldhouse. Although it started in the 1960s, pickleball has become insanely popular in the last several years. 

Statistics for 2023 show the sport has grown to 36.5 million players, $152.8 million in paddle revenue, and 10,320 pickleball courts in the United States, according to Pickleheads.com. 

Looks familiar

Similar to tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court with more action. Scoring is similar to tennis with a hint of a badminton. 

You play to 11 points and you must win by at least two points. There are faults and, yes, they are quirky. 

The rectangle closest to the net is called “the kitchen.” If your serve does not clear the kitchen, it is a fault. If you hit it out of bounds or into the net, that is also a fault. 

Helping with search

Looking to up your pickleball game? There are tons of camps offered across the U.S. From Nike to Gamma to World Pickle Team. There are camps for all ages and abilities. 

Maybe looking into getting better equipment? The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion paddle is ranked the best paddle in 2023, the best beginner set is SLK NEO 2.0 by Selkirk, and the best band for your buck is the PCKL Launch Series paddle, according to Pickleheads. 

Along with helping you find equipment, Pickleheads’ website goes further, guiding you toward courts and players. They even have a free scheduling tool that allows you to send invites, create group chats, and take the hassle out of setting up a game. 

“Traffic to our website for searches in Fort Wayne is up 1,400 percent from January,” Pickleheads co-founder Brandon Mackie said. “So, we’re seeing lots of excitement and growth in the area.” 

On top of that, he said that two parks in Fort Wayne are receiving a pickleball upgrade. Tillman Park is getting eight new dual courts that can be used for tennis or pickleball. And Huntertown Park is adding six courts as well. 

Sport for every skill level

Pickleball truly is on the rise. 

With more courts being built and the community searching for places to play, it is taking over the sports industry one pickleball at a time. 

The sport is becoming popular due to its accessibility. Not only is this sport for all ages, but it is also all for all skill levels. 

Whether you are an avid player, or just a casual player, there are courts surrounding your city waiting for the next group to take action. 

To find out more information and courts available near you, head over to Pickleheads.com and get to playing.