Don’t get caught in a pickle: Pickleball activities abound in OKC metro

If someone just out of the blue asked you what was the fastest-growing sport in the United States, what would you say or guess? If you answered Pickleball, then you would win the prize!

According to the latest reports by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the premier trade association for top brands, manufacturers, retailers and marketers in the American sporting goods and fitness industry, there were 4.8 million Pickleball players in the U.S. in 2021, an increase of 39% from two years ago when 4.2 million players played the sport.

If you are unfamiliar, Pickleball can be best described as a cross between badminton, tennis and ping pong (table tennis). It is played on a court similar to a badminton court but with the net closer to the ground, much like you would see on a regular tennis court. And instead of a shuttlecock, players hit a plastic perforated ball with paddles that resemble oversized ping pong paddles.

The sport is played in every state and by people of all ages, with an average age of 41 for all participants. Recent studies have shown that the average age of players continues to trend downward. In Oklahoma, the sport has gained popularity among all demographics. Oklahoma City has seen a large influx of players over the last few years, even as the pandemic continued its stranglehold on places and people. One of the main attractions for pickleball is that you do not necessarily have to belong to a club or organization to play the sport. You can find pickleball equipment readily available for purchase locally and online. And once you get that, a court can be easily set up on your driveway or any other pavement such as a parking lot – but watch out for cars. You do not want them to crash the party!

If you prefer to find a pickleball court already established in the Oklahoma City area, there are several from which to choose. There are even restaurants and organizations in the city specifically set up to play or promote pickleball. One restaurant you probably need to check out is Chicken N Pickle halfway between Oklahoma City and Edmond, right off of Broadway Extension. This indoor-outdoor entertainment complex includes 10 pickleball courts and other games, along with some great food to boot. Beginner? No problem! They even supply the balls and paddles. Edmond also has the Kickingbird Pickleball Center, which is currently under renovation. Not to fear, however; courts are still available for play, but in a limited capacity until the renovations are finished.

Other pickleball courts can be found throughout the metro at places such as city parks, fitness centers, churches and recreation centers. A good place to find out if there is a pickleball court near you is the Greater Oklahoma City Pickleball Club website. With over 1,800 members, the Greater Oklahoma City Pickleball Club website provides a plethora of information for pickleball players of all ages and abilities, including how you can join the various pickleball leagues around the city as well as information about when and where the next pickleball tournament will be. Another website to check out for updated pickleball tournament information for Oklahoma City is pickleball tournaments.com.