Pickleball Fever in Arizona: Where the Paddle Meets the Sizzle

Trends are funny things. I don't remember the first time I heard the words "Pickle and Ball" in the same sentence. The first picture I imagined evoked the idea of two people tossing around a garlic dill fermented cucumber, probably.

I found out what it really was, and since that moment, it seems like it's permeated pop culture. References to this growing sport seem to be everywhere I look in movies, commercials, and print ads. And now all my friends seem to have a paddle and a posse dedicated to their obsession with pickleball.

Here's something else I'm obsessed with these days: Is it Legal to Own a Capybara in Arizona?

Why is Pickleball Sweeping Arizona?

If you’ve also noticed the sudden spike in people wielding paddles and chasing wiffle balls like their lives depend on it, you're seeing what I'm seeing: the pickleball craze is sweeping Arizona.

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This quirky sport with a peculiar name is a delightful mashup of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, the website Pickleballify shares. It was invented, according to Pickle Heads, in Washington state back in 1965 by three dads trying to entertain their bored kids. Fast forward to today, and it’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with over 36 million players nationwide.

Arizona is ripe for the pickling. With our sunny skies and active communities, this is a pickler's paradise. Cities like Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale are bursting with players, with hundreds of courts and bustling leagues. Mesa alone has 259 courts. 

Some Arizona residents are also obsessed with Geocaching. Here's how to get started: Learn How to Start Geocaching in Arizona

Who Plays Pickleball in Arizona?

If it seems like everyone you know is playing, you're probably right.

Pickleball players come from all walks of life and from every age group. From retirees in resort communities to Gen Zers looking for a fun way to get some cardio in, pickleball is getting so popular because it's easy to learn, low-impact, and wildly fun.

This is the part that appeals to me: you don’t need to be an athlete or own fancy gear to get in on the game. You just need to grab a paddle, find a court, and prepare to dink your way to glory. (Yes, “dinking” is a real term. It’s a soft shot. Not a snack.)

Pickleball: The Obsession Worth Obsessing Over

Arizona’s pickleball scene is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. There are dedicated tournaments, festivals, and even pickleball-themed restaurants; locals are getting hooked faster than you can say "prickly pear margarita".

A word of caution: if you're on your way to becoming a “picklehead”, you might start to notice that you're sneaking ways to bring it up in casual conversations, hoping you might find others interested in the game.

If that happens, get help. Preferably at your nearest pickleball court!