[PHOTOSTORY 2: MOTION] The pickleball boom shows no signs of slowing down

 By: Dylan Waits 

A group of pickleball players gather on the court at Ted Wright Park in Warner Robins Georgia. Many of the people wanted to get there early to beat the Georgia summer heat. 

A pickleball player holds a pickleball in their hand while sitting on the bench as they wait for a game to start. There were over five different groups playing across 12 courts on the morning of Friday, July 3. 

 LEFT Jaqueline Randall watches as Cori Oliver hits a ball underhand after a serve. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States with a 171.8% increase over the past three years according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.  

Jaqueline Randall reaches out to hit a ball with her paddle trying to keep a rally going. Jaqueline recently got into pickleball, and this was only her second time playing. 

A pickleball player reaches down to grab a pickleball after their team failed to get it over the net. Pickleball is a sport meant for all ages as people were participating from all ages from kids to seniors.

 Brandon Pollock reaches his arm back to try and backhand a pickleball flying right towards him. There were many stores advertising their business at the pickleball courts to try and take advantage of the popularity of the sport. 

LEFT Moises Serrano Vargas stumbles backwards to try and hit a pickleball between his legs as Brandon Pollock watches. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025 which is a 22.8% increase from 2024. 

 LEFT Bailey Moore and Noah Ruiz sit and watch a game of pickleball being played by their friends. Bailey Moore discovered pickleball through the military as they were required to do some activity for training. 

A pickleball flies over the net onto the other side waiting to be hit by a player. Many pickleball courts are built with outdoor lighting allowing people to play at night. 

LEFT Moises Serrano Vargas and Brandon Pollock both go to hit the ball between them at the same time. Warner Robins opened North Houston Sports Complex in June 2021 with 12 indoor pickleball facilities to give residents more places to play. 

A pickleball player reaches their hand on the ground to grab a pickleball to eventually serve. There have been adult pickleball leagues beginning to spread as well as intramural sports leagues at universities.

LEFT Moises Serrano Vargas tosses a pickleball to Noah Ruiz for him to serve. Pickleball courts can be seen all throughout middle Georgia with at least five parks and facilities that have courts. 

 Brandon Pollock takes a drink from his water bottle while he sits on a bench waiting for a game to finish. Many of the players at the courts play for hours with some people getting up to six games played in a row. 

Moises Serrano Vargas wipes the sweat from his eyes after playing a round of pickleball. Ted Wright Park features 12 pickleball courts with all of them being filled at 10 a.m.

Moises Serrano Vargas holds up a pickleball that he is eventually going to serve. Over 200 colleges have pickleball sports programs although many being club sports many think it could become a college sport in 5-10 years. 

Brandon Pollock runs to his right to try and hit a ball going out of bounds. Pickleball appeals to a lot of people as it is a mix of tennis and ping pong which service different demographics. 

Jaqueline Randall gets in a ready stance as she awaits the other teams' serve. Jaqueline Randall and Bailey Moore were so new to pickleball that Cori Oliver took over a role as to teach them the rules while they were playing. 

LEFT Noah Ruiz awaits a pickleball hit by Bailey Moore during her serve. With the rise of pickleball big retail stores such as Dick's, Academy and Walmart have begun selling pickleball paddles. 

LEFT Moises Serrano Vargas and Noah Ruiz await as Bailey Moore jumps in the air to hit a pickleball. Pickleball is continuing its growth into 2026 and beyond with court infrastructure and global outreach. 

LEFT Noah Ruiz, Moises Serrano Vargas and Jaqueline Randall touch paddles at the end of their game. In Pickleball touching paddles is a sign of respect and to symbolize a good play or game.