The Rise of Juniors in Pickleball:
A New Generation Takes the Court
In the last decade, pickleball has exploded in popularity across all age groups. However, one of the most exciting trends has been the rise of junior players. What was once primarily a sport for seniors and recreational players has now evolved into a competitive and thrilling game for young athletes.
As the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball has seen a surge of youth participants. Young players are picking up paddles, competing at high levels, and making their mark on the sport. But what’s fueling this rise, and how can kids get started in pickleball?
What age is is considered “Junior” for Pickleball?
In pickleball, a “junior” is typically defined as a player who is 18 years old or younger. When it comes to tournament play, age divisions are generally determined by the player’s age on December 31st of the current year.
For example, if a player is 12 years old now but has a birthday later in the year, they will be considered 13 years old for tournament purposes, even if they haven’t yet had their birthday. This system ensures consistency across events and allows players to compete in the correct age group throughout the year.
Pickleball Boom: Youth Taking Over
Pickleball’s rapid growth has been fueled by several factors.
It’s an easily accessible sport, requiring minimal equipment and space to get started. It’s also less intense than some other racquet sports, with a focus on strategy, quick reflexes, and teamwork rather than sheer strength and endurance.
These elements make pickleball attractive to players of all ages, including juniors. In fact, many young players have become serious contenders on the national and international scene in just a few years.
As a result, the sport has seen a surge in junior players, from elementary school children all the way up to teenagers.
The pickleball community has embraced the growing demand for youth-specific events, and junior tournaments and training programs are becoming increasingly common. Many young athletes are taking their skills to the next level, competing in both local and professional tournaments. Some are even being recognized by the sport’s most prestigious circuits.
How Can Juniors Get Started in Pickleball?
Find a Local Court: Many parks and recreation centers now feature pickleball courts. Some are even specifically designed for youth play. You can also check local community centers or clubs, where pickleball programs for kids are becoming more and more common.
Get the Right Gear: While you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to start, there are a few essentials.
A proper paddle and a set of pickleballs are all you need to play. When it comes to paddles, juniors typically use smaller, lighter paddles that are easier to handle. Many sports retailers now offer kid-friendly pickleball sets, which often include paddles, balls, and even court lines for home practice.
Remember to keep it fun! Ideas such as stickers to decorate items (don’t put them on paddles, though!), and other items that you might find at vendors such as Pickleball Superstore, are great suggestions. (Note – you save 10% on just about everything when you use our affiliate link included in this post. 😎
Join a Junior Program or Clinic: If your child is interested in learning the sport, many tennis clubs, community centers, and dedicated pickleball organizations offer clinics and programs specifically for juniors.
These programs focus on teaching the fundamentals, such as: how to serve, how to score, and the rules of the game. They also help young players develop hand-eye coordination, agility, and teamwork skills.
A number of professional pickleball organizations offer junior-specific programs. These allow kids to practice and compete in a safe, supportive environment.
Find a Mentor or Coach: As with any sport, learning from a seasoned player or coach can help accelerate a junior’s skill development. Many pickleball pros and coaches now offer private lessons for younger players. This is a great way to refine their technique, strategy, and competitive mindset.
Play and Have Fun!
Pickleball is meant to be fun, so encourage your child to play casually with friends, family members, or teammates. The more they play, the more comfortable they’ll become with the rules and mechanics of the game. This can set them up for more competitive play down the line.
Dinkoverdrive.com also highlights and promotes tournaments with junior opportunities.
Can Little Kids Play Pickleball, too?
Absolutely! Pickleball is a sport that can be adapted for players of all ages, even very young children. In fact, introducing pickleball at an early age is one of the best ways to help kids develop important physical and social skills.
The game’s non-contact nature, combined with its slower pace and smaller court, makes it an excellent entry point for little kids. Kids as young as 4 or 5 can begin learning the basic motions involved in pickleball. Things like holding the paddle, hitting the ball, and moving around the court.
Many junior pickleball programs focus on fun, non-competitive play for younger kids. This helps build a love for the game without putting too much pressure on performance. These programs emphasize agility, coordination, and motor skills while ensuring that kids are learning in a supportive and safe environment.
In addition to standard pickleball, there are also modified versions of the game designed for younger players. For example, the court size can be reduced and the net height can be adjusted. Lighter balls can also be used to make the game easier for little hands and legs. These modifications help introduce kids to pickleball without overwhelming them, making it a great sport for early development.
Is Pickleball Beginner-Friendly?
One of the reasons pickleball has become so popular among juniors is that it is an incredibly beginner-friendly sport. Its rules are easy to understand, and its pace allows players to enjoy the game even if they are new to racquet sports.
This makes pickleball a perfect choice for kids who might be interested in learning a sport but aren’t quite ready for the more complex rules and skills of tennis, badminton, or other racquet sports.
For example, the court size in pickleball is smaller than a tennis court. The game is also played with a slower-moving ball (compared to tennis).
This makes it easier for beginners to react to shots and develop their skills. Furthermore, the paddle used in pickleball is lighter than tennis racquets, so it’s easier for children and beginners to handle.
Because pickleball focuses on hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and strategy, it’s a great sport for kids to develop important athletic skills. And since the game is relatively low-impact, juniors can safely play for long periods without worrying about the wear and tear that can come with other high-impact sports.
Pickleball is widely regarded as a social sport
This makes it particularly appealing for kids. Games are often played in doubles format, promoting teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among players. This can help young athletes build confidence and create lasting friendships as they play.
Junior Pickleball Tournaments and Professional Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the rise of junior pickleball players is the increasing number of opportunities for young athletes to compete at a high level.
Tournaments specifically for junior players are becoming more common. Many of them even offer significant prize money and sponsorship opportunities, allowing young players to pursue professional pickleball careers.
Perhaps the most prominent opportunity for junior players in the pickleball world today is the APP Next Gen Series.
This junior-focused initiative, launched by the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), offers a series of tournaments across the United States that give young players a chance to showcase their skills on the national stage.
The Next Gen Series is designed for players 23 and under, and it includes singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. This makes it a perfect platform for juniors to compete, gain exposure, and advance in the sport.
In addition to the Next Gen Series, many regional and national pickleball tournaments are now offering divisions specifically for juniors. These events not only give young players the chance to compete but also expose them to the broader pickleball community. Here they can learn from experienced professionals, make connections, and develop their competitive edge.
As pickleball continues to grow, we can expect more opportunities for young players to get involved in the sport.
Many juniors who participate in these tournaments are being scouted by major pickleball sponsors, paving the way for a new generation of professional players. These young athletes are already beginning to make a significant impact on the professional circuit, and they are helping to elevate the sport as a whole.
The Future of Junior Pickleball
With the rapid rise of junior players, the future of pickleball looks incredibly bright. As more young athletes enter the sport, the level of competition will only continue to grow. This means the game will only become more exciting and dynamic as time goes on.
The increasing availability of junior programs, the rise of younger-player tournaments like the APP Next Gen Series, and the growing number of professional opportunities all signal a bright future for pickleball’s next generation of stars.
For parents and young athletes, there’s no better time to get involved in the sport. Whether your child is just learning the game or already competing at a high level, the opportunities in pickleball are endless.
So grab a paddle, hit the court, and get ready to join the fastest-growing sport in America. The future of pickleball is in the hands of our junior players!
Final Thoughts
The rise of junior pickleball players is a phenomenon that is reshaping the sport in exciting ways. As young athletes continue to dominate the courts, new programs and opportunities are emerging to help them succeed, including the APP Next Gen Series and numerous other junior tournaments.
Whether kids are just starting out or are already competing at a high level, pickleball provides them with a welcoming and beginner-friendly environment to learn, grow, and excel.
As the sport continues to grow, the future of pickleball looks incredibly promising, with the next generation of players already making their mark. It’s definitely an exciting time for the sport. There’s no doubt that these junior pickleball players will continue to shape its future for years to come.