The Rise of Pickleball
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The Rise of Pickleball on the Alabama Gulf Coast: Q&A with Pickleheads Co-Founder
As pickleball continues to grow throughout the U.S. both competitively and recreationally, many communities are adapting by adding pickleball courts to existing complexes – indoor and outdoor. In December 2022, the city of Gulf Shores and Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events partnered to build a 12-court lighted outdoor pickleball facility at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex for sports tourism and residential use.
Want to learn more about this fun and easy-to-learn sport? Let’s hear from Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads, a digital pickleball court directory and resource for pickleball players.
Q: Pickleball has been among the fasting-growing sports in the U.S. for some time now. Do you see it continuing to grow?
A: Absolutely, we believe pickleball will become the largest sport in America by participation. It's easy to learn, fun, great for all ages and social – these are all reasons we see its growth continuing.
Q: What age groups have you seen the most growth for the sport?
A: The 18-24 age group is the fastest-growing segment. This is exciting to see because pickleball was once a sport primarily for seniors. The average age of players dropped below 40 for the first time ever last year.
Q: Why is pickleball so popular?
A: Two major reasons:
1. It is a really easy sport to learn. Anyone can go out their first time, learn the rules, have fun and even win games. That is simply not true of other sports like golf and tennis.
2. It is a social sport, you often play doubles, which naturally encourages conversation with your teammates and opponents. It's also commonly played in an open-play format where 50+ players come out and take turns on the courts. This allows lots of time for socializing, which players enjoy.
Q: How did pickleball get its name?
A: There is much controversy around this! Some believe it was named after the founder’s dog, Pickles…but the dog after pickleball. It was actually named after a "pickleboat," which is a term from rowing to describe a boat with mish-mash of rowers from different teams. And that's exactly what pickleball is – a mish-mash of different sports.
Q: What are the benefits of playing pickleball for leisure and competitive players?
A: Pickleball is a great workout and encourages both social and community connection. It's good for mental and physical health.
Q: Can pickleball be adapted for wheelchair users?
A: Absolutely, there are many wheelchair players across the country and USA Pickleball has created special adaptions of the rules to accommodate them.
Q: What are the benefits of the pickleball facility at Gulf Shores Sportsplex from a sports tourism perspective (bringing in tournaments/travel play) and from a residential/local angle?
A: I know many players who will forget to pack their underwear before forgetting to bring their paddle. And when you have a beautiful new facility with dedicated courts like the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, it's the perfect activity to do when on vacation. Pickleball tournaments are also growing right alongside the sport and there's currently a shortage of facilities that can host them. The Gulf Shores Sportsplex will have lots of appeal to organizers I believe.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add? Fun facts?
A: I would encourage everyone to get out and try pickleball! We have a free beginner's virtual clinic on our site right now and are posting weekly play times on our court pages so residents can learn the game and see where to play.
Brandon Mackie is the co-founder of Pickleheads, a platform that helps players find courts, organize sessions, and connect with local players. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can be found these days on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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