Watch Out Soccer & Tennis. Youth Pickleball Is on the Rise!

Photo Credit: NJP, Las Vegas Regional Tournament 

“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.”— Michael Phelps

Pickleball isn’t just a sport for retirees anymore. Or even for active adults. Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities for kids and teens across the country. With its fast-paced play, easy-to-learn rules, and emphasis on fun and teamwork, pickleball is catching on in school gyms, after-school programs, and youth tournaments nationwide.

Whether your child or grandchild is new to sports or looking for something new to master, pickleball is an ideal choice for all ages and skill levels. Here's why youth pickleball is on the rise—and how to help your young athlete get started.

Why Pickleball Works for Kids and Teens

Pickleball is designed for accessibility. Unlike many youth sports that require expensive gear or years of practice to enjoy, pickleball can be picked up and played in a single session and still provide plenty of room for skill development.

Top reasons kids and teens love it:

• Smaller courts make movement less intimidating
• Shorter paddles offer better control for growing hands
• Underhand serves reduce strain and build confidence
• Fast rallies keep kids engaged—less standing around
• Social gameplay creates new friendships and builds sportsmanship
• Inclusive rules allow kids of different skill levels to play together

Whether your child prefers singles or doubles, competitive play or casual fun, pickleball provides a flexible format that adapts to their personality and pace.

Benefits Beyond the Court

Like other team sports, pickleball helps kids and teens build physical coordination, mental focus, and teamwork. But it offers even more unique advantages:

• Sharpens hand-eye coordination in a compact, controlled space
• Builds cardiovascular endurance without excessive joint impact
• Fosters patience, adaptability, and quick decision-making
• Encourages social interaction with players of all ages
• Boosts confidence through consistent, achievable improvement

For the shy ones, it’s a low-pressure entry point into sports. For competitive kids and teens, it’s a growing space to shine.

For shy kids, it’s a low-pressure way to get active and a possible entry point into sports. For competitive kids and teens, it’s a growing space to shine and a  growing sport with national recognition and opportunity.

How to Get Started

You don’t need much to start playing. Most beginner programs provide paddles and balls to borrow during the sessions. Here’s how to get going:

1. Find a Youth Pickleball Program
   Check your local parks department, YMCA, community centers, or pickleball clubs. Many offer “Learn to Play” clinics, youth leagues, or even summer camps tailored for kids. Encourage your child to start small. Just one clinic or rec match can be all it takes to ignite their pickleball passion.
   
   
2. Start with the Basics
   Focus on fun first. Kids should learn fundamentals such as serving, dinking, scoring, and paddle safety in a supportive environment.
   
   
3. Invest in the Right Gear (if ready)
   Once your child is committed, consider buying a lightweight edged paddle and proper court shoes. Running shoes lack lateral support, which is essential for safe movement in pickleball. Many brands now offer youth-specific paddles with smaller grips and fun designs.
   
   
4. Consider Junior Tournaments
   The US Open Junior Pickleball Championships, APP Junior Tour, and National Junior Pickleball (NJP) circuit offer great opportunities for kids and teens aged 8–18 to compete in singles, doubles, and team formats. These events also build community and sportsmanship.

Schools and PE Programs Are Catching On

More and more schools are integrating pickleball into their physical education curriculums. The game’s simplicity and smaller footprint make it ideal for gyms and schoolyards. USA Pickleball even supports “Pickleball in Schools” initiatives that provide equipment and teacher training for K–12 programs.

Advocates are also pushing for more courts in underserved communities, helping make pickleball accessible to all students regardless of background.

Pickleball Is Heading to College

Numerous colleges and universities across the U.S. now have competitive pickleball teams and clubs—including Utah Tech University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Texas – Austin, University of Washington, Indiana University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, Texas A&M, UCLA, and many others.

These schools are investing in new courts, offering scholarships to student-athletes, and competing in both the DUPR Collegiate National Championships and/or the Collegiate Pickleball Tour.

For the Guardians: What You Should Know

Pickleball is one of the safest, most inclusive, and fastest-growing sports your child can play. Injuries are rare, gear is affordable, and it offers a mix of fitness and fun that’s hard to beat. Your child can play recreationally or competitively, growing at their own pace.

It’s also one of the few sports where you can play with your child, not just cheering from the sidelines. Families that play together, stay together and nothing beats the energy of a cross-generational doubles match!

Game Point

Youth pickleball is more than a trend. It’s the future of the game. It combines fitness, fun, and friendship in one accessible sport that’s easy to love and hard to outgrow. So grab a paddle, find a local clinic, and watch your child fall in love with the fastest-growing sport in the country.

See you on the courts!