, May 29, 2026

Picking Up Pickleball

By Flora Vogel ’26
Illustration by Luke Best

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Pickleball is said to be the fastest-growing sport for the past four years. Estimates of the number of players in the United States start at 20 million at the low end, with more than 16,000 places to play (with the number of individual courts being much higher). Perhaps the best measure of the game’s staying power is that the pickleball market is estimated at $1.5 billion. We asked Flora Vogel ’26, former vice president of the LMU Pickleball Club, for her tips on how to get started. There’s no excuse for being late to this game. —The Editor

An illustration of scholars examining and measuring the ball used in pickleball.
An illustration of scholars examining and measuring the ball used in pickleball.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a game with similarities to tennis. It’s played with a racquet (a paddle) and a ball (a plastic wiffleball) on a badminton-sized court. Indoor or outdoor, pickleball can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, athletic ability, or skill set! 

An illustration of different people playing pickleball.
An illustration of different people playing pickleball.

Who should play pickleball?

Pickleball is for everyone. Are you a former athlete looking for a new, competitive sport? Pickleball. Do you like hanging out and competing with friends? Pickleball. Recently moved to a new city and looking for community? Pickleball. Pickleball! The answer is always pickleball! 

An illustration of a woman thinking about different pickleball paddles.
An illustration of a woman thinking about different pickleball paddles.

Pick Your Paddle

Many courts offer loaner paddles for new players. When buying, prices may vary depending on brand and style. Starter paddles can range from about $25 to $50 each. There are also many budget options, from tennis companies like Franklin and Wilson and pickleball brands like Selkirk. If you’re on a budget, check your local thrift stores for hidden gems.

An illustration of a person wearing a flamboyant pickleball outfit.
An illustration of a person wearing a flamboyant pickleball outfit.

Pick Your Gear

Athletic gear is always recommended, but feel free to pull up to the courts in style! Athletic shoes are a must, but check with your local courts about shoes, as some courts only allow non-marking soles — running shoes may not be allowed! But, if you are only playing for fun, don’t worry about how you look. Just make sure you are having fun!

An illustration of a man, in a tracksuit, teaching how to play pickleball.
An illustration of a man, in a tracksuit, teaching how to play pickleball.

Do I Need a Teacher?

The best way to learn how to play is to just start! But pickleball facilities generally have coaches on staff as well as group classes for beginners. Once you have the game down, coaches can help with form and technique to push you to be more competitive on the court.

An illustration of young explorers looking for places to play pickleball.
An illustration of young explorers looking for places to play pickleball.

Where to play?

The first thing to do is to find courts. Nowadays, that’s easy: As the sport’s popularity grows, pickleball-specific facilities are appearing across the country, often with membership or hourly fees. But your local city Y or recreation center may have courts that are cheap or even free.

An illustration of three people and a cat holding a pickleball trophy.
An illustration of three people and a cat holding a pickleball trophy.

Join a League

The best way to meet new people, have more competitive games, and improve your own game is to join a league. Leagues can range in skill level, age, or gender, and they usually have a weekly schedule over the course of one or more months.

An illustration of four faces and a cat giving multiple star reviews for pickleball games.
An illustration of four faces and a cat giving multiple star reviews for pickleball games.

Find Your Level

Pickleball, like tennis, has a rating system that can help you find your level. The ratings range from 1.0 to 8.0, but most people start out at about 2.5. You can always be professionally rated by a coach or use a rating app like DUPR to find your true rating. But remember: Your rating doesn’t define you as a player!

An illustration of people standing on a large green Pickleball, playing the game.
An illustration of people standing on a large green Pickleball, playing the game.

Find Your Pickleball People

Pickleball is all about community. Once you begin playing, you’ll have people, across the
country and around the world, who share a love for a game with a wooden paddle and a plastic wiffleball. Go get started!

Read: Networking Pride

Flora Vogel ’26 is an animation major and former vice president of the LMU Pickleball Club. She began playing in 2022 and now competes as a member of LMU’s collegiate team. Vogel works as a coach at California Smash Pickleball and Social Club in El Segundo, where she runs programs and hosts private lessons.