Or in bubble territory. Personally I think so. I think this is a bit like the AI right now.
I think compared to tennis, pickleball is more social (for social interactions, chatting), but less sports. Once a friend joked pickleball is not a sports – which my 13 year old disagrees, note she is in the “inclusive” generation (or “woke”, LOL, if I may).
Looking back
A few years ago, 5 or 6 years ago, I only saw people playing pickleball at the J Creve Coeur indoor Gym on Saturday morning. Now we can see people playing pickleball everywhere; from outdoor parks (des peres park for one), to many community centers (Olivette, Overland).
Recently I heard a few of my friends playing including my boss who is a pro, btw; also heard tennis playing population is in decline, while the pickleball is picking up the steam. He actually took a few of us to CCRC new pickleball court and showed us the basics of pickleball, stay in the “kitchen” and all. Also the John brothers.
Lebron James bought a team. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are also playing. Also on Agassi –
People are building new pickleball court everywhere (outdoor, indoor; club or business).
Also note the controversy: neighborhood complaints of pickleball noise? And some remedies.