If you’ve visited your local leisure centre, community hall, or park recently, you may have spotted a new game making a big noise – quite literally. That cheerful ‘pop-pop-pop’ echoing around sports halls up and down the country? That’s pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the UK, and it’s attracting thousands of us older adults yearly

But what exactly is it, and why are so many people swapping coffee mornings for court time?

What exactly is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced paddle sport that mixes the best parts of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a small court – about the same size as a badminton court – with a light, perforated ball and a solid paddle

You don’t need years of experience or top-tier fitness to play. Most beginners can rally within minutes, and many clubs in the UK offer beginner-friendly drop-in sessions

Why Pickleball is perfect for older adults

It’s a low-impact exercise that feels like fun

Pickleball’s smaller court and lighter ball mean less strain on your joints compared to tennis or squash. But don’t be fooled – games can be lively, improving balance, mobility, and cardio fitness. You get all the movement of a sport without feeling puffed out too quickly

It’s a brilliant way to socialise

One of the biggest reasons pickleball has taken off among older adults in the UK is its strong sense of community. Sessions are friendly, inclusive, and usually played as doubles, which means plenty of chat and laughter between points

Many players say they joined for the exercise but stayed for the friendships

It’s easy to learn, hard to put down

You don’t need any fancy equipment to get started. Most leisure centres will lend paddles, and many players say they picked it up in a single session. Yet as your confidence grows, the game’s tactical depth keeps you engaged

It’s affordable and accessible

Unlike sports that require expensive memberships or specialist gear, a beginner pickleball session in the UK often costs the same as a casual badminton booking. Courts are appearing everywhere – from local leisure centres to outdoor courts in public parks

Where to play Pickleball in the UK

Pickleball’s growth has exploded across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some popular starting points include:

• Local leisure centres – Many have added pickleball lines to existing badminton courts
• Community halls – Perfect for smaller, social groups
• Pickleball England affiliated clubs – With membership booming, clubs run coaching, social afternoons, and open sessions
• Active retirement communities – Many now include pickleball courts as standard facilities

To find a beginner session near you, organisations like Pickleball UK maintain updated lists of clubs and taster days

What do I need to get started?

Not much at all:

• Comfortable trainers
• A paddle (often provided at sessions)
• A sense of humour – especially for your first few attempts at the ‘dink,’ pickleball’s soft, tactical shot

Most clubs welcome total beginners, and no one is expected to know the rules on day one

Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or try something fresh, pickleball is one of the most welcoming sports in the UK today – especially for older adults. It’s sociable, accessible, and great fun. Give it a go!