There are many popular sports in the U.S. From baseball being viewed as “America’s pastime” to football being seen as “America’s sport,” athletics have become a large part of American culture. However, the fastest growing sport in the U.S. is neither baseball nor football, but it has increased in popularity by 45.8% in 2024. That sport is pickleball, and while it may come as a surprise, that shock may dwindle when you hear the reasons why.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball combines aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong and is played using a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It's played on a court smaller than tennis and with a lower net and usually includes two or four players. Invented in 1965 by three dads in Seattle, WA, the goal is to hit the ball back and forth across the net without missing or incurring a fault. Each “mistake” earns the opposing team a point, and the first to 11 points wins.

Why Is Pickleball Popular?

Perhaps it’s simply the latest trend, but here are the top reasons why pickleball has exploded.

Accessibility

Because it’s played on a smaller court and uses simpler tools, pickleball tends to be accessible to a wider range of ages, skills, and fitness levels. It also makes it easier to find somewhere to play, regardless of whether it's a rural or urban locale.

Affordability

Due to the simplicity of its tools and court, the cost of playing pickleball tends to be lower than sports like tennis or golf.

Social Connections

Due to its inherent requirement for teamwork and low barriers of entry, pickleball has become an extremely social sport. It tends to cultivate a friendly and competitive atmosphere, making it fun for players of all abilities.

Exercise

While it’s not usually seen as an active workout, pickleball provides an excellent option for physical activity. It’s not too strenuous, but it’s been demonstrated to burn a significant number of calories.

Pickleball and Eye Health

Pickleball is great because it’s easy to learn and requires little athletic ability. However, you do need healthy eyes to play effectively and safely. Some of the visual functions required for pickleball include:

• Contrast sensitivity – this helps you pick up subtle details like dips or divots in the court to avoid injury.
• Visual acuity – this is essentially your visual clarity and sharpness. While you don’t need 20/20 vision, it’s best to consult an eye doctor to ensure you’re not at risk.
• Light sensitivity and glare recovery – since this sport can be played indoors or outdoors, the lighting varies greatly. Indoors, you’ll have to account for the glare of the overhead lights. Outdoors, you’ll need to prepare for the bright sunlight. Both of which can impede vision.
• Visual processing speed – this is how fast your eyes can transmit information to your brain to make a decision. This translates into reaction times, which only help you on the pickleball court.

How to Improve Your Visual Performance

These visual functions help with everyday life as well as pickleball performance, but you may be wondering, “Can I improve them?” The answer: yes! Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, light and glare sensitivity, and visual processing speed have all been clinically shown to improve with supplementation of one key antioxidant: dietary zeaxanthin.

Dietary zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) is typically found in leafy greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, but it’s notoriously difficult to get the amounts necessary through diet alone. That’s why supplementation is critical for seeing improvements in visual function.

This modification isn’t new, with Sports Illustrated writing about it a decade ago. However, additional benefits of dietary zeaxanthin supplementation are still being realized and include:

• Cognitive support
• Sleep support
• Skin support

This ingredient is incredibly powerful, but not all eye health performance supplements utilize it the way they should. Learn how EyePromise® is different and why it matters for you.

Are you ready to give the fastest growing sport a try?