National Pickleball Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Pickleball Month
National Pickleball Month is celebrated throughout April in the United States, promoting the fastest-growing sport in the country and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to pick up a paddle. Established in 2018 by USA Pickleball, the month highlights the inclusive, social, and health-boosting qualities that have made pickleball a phenomenon.
How to Celebrate National Pickleball Month
April is the perfect time to try pickleball for the first time or deepen your existing love for the game. Here are ways to get involved:
- Try pickleball for the first time — Many recreation centres, YMCAs, and pickleball clubs offer free introductory sessions during April. Equipment is usually provided, so all you need is comfortable clothing and trainers. The basic rules can be learned in minutes.
- Join a local league or ladder — If you have been playing casually, use National Pickleball Month as the motivation to join an organised league. Playing regularly against a variety of opponents is the fastest way to improve your game.
- Organise a workplace or neighbourhood tournament — Pickleball’s accessibility makes it ideal for group events. Set up a round-robin tournament at a local court and invite colleagues, friends, or neighbours. Prizes are optional but encouraged.
- Attend a USA Pickleball event — USA Pickleball organises special events, clinics, and demonstrations throughout April. Check their website for a schedule of activities near you.
- Introduce a young person to the sport — Pickleball is increasingly popular in schools. If you know a child or teenager who has not tried it, offer to take them to a court. The sport’s low barrier to entry makes it a great way to get young people active.
- Volunteer at a pickleball event — Local clubs and organisations often need volunteers to help run tournaments, clinics, and community days. It is a great way to contribute to the sport’s growth while meeting fellow enthusiasts.
- Share your pickleball story on social media — Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, share what pickleball means to you. Post a photo from the court, tag your playing partners, and use the official hashtags to join the national conversation.
- Invest in your game — April is a popular time for equipment sales and new product launches. If you have been playing with borrowed or basic equipment, consider upgrading your paddle or investing in proper court shoes. If you enjoy staying active throughout the month, you might also take part in Active for April, which encourages physical activity every day.
What is National Pickleball Month?
National Pickleball Month is an annual April observance established by USA Pickleball (formerly the USA Pickleball Association) to raise awareness of the sport and introduce new players. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified net, composite or wooden paddles, and a perforated polymer ball. The sport is known for its accessibility — the smaller court and underhand serve make it welcoming to players of all ages and fitness levels — and its intensely social atmosphere.
When is National Pickleball Month?
National Pickleball Month runs for the entire month of April. In 2026, it begins on Wednesday, 1 April and concludes on Thursday, 30 April. April was chosen because it is the first full month of spring in the United States, making it an ideal time to encourage outdoor play.
The History of National Pickleball Month
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who were looking for a way to entertain their bored children during the summer. Using a badminton court, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they improvised a game that their families could play together. The rules evolved over that summer, and the sport began to spread to other communities in the Pacific Northwest.
For decades, pickleball remained a niche activity, primarily popular among retirees and community recreation programmes. The USA Pickleball Association (now USA Pickleball) was founded in 1984 to govern the sport and promote its growth. By the 2010s, pickleball was experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by social media exposure, the construction of dedicated courts, and the sport’s appeal to younger demographics.
In 2018, USA Pickleball officially designated April as National Pickleball Month, creating a structured national campaign to coincide with the start of the outdoor playing season. The designation provided a focal point for clubs, recreation departments, and media coverage, accelerating the sport’s already rapid growth. By 2025, an estimated 24.3 million Americans were playing pickleball — a 171% increase in just three years — and the sport had been named the fastest-growing sport in the United States for four consecutive years.
Fun Facts About National Pickleball Month
- Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
- The name “pickleball” is widely attributed to the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who allegedly chased stray balls — though some accounts credit the term to “pickle boat” in rowing, referring to a crew assembled from leftovers.
- An estimated 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, a 171% increase over three years.
- The United States now has over 70,000 pickleball courts across more than 16,000 locations.
- The average age of a pickleball player has dropped to 35, debunking the myth that it is solely a sport for retirees.
- Pickleball has been named the fastest-growing sport in America for four consecutive years by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Why National Pickleball Month Matters
Pickleball is more than a sport — it is a community builder. The game’s social nature means that courts become gathering places where people of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels interact. For older adults, pickleball offers a lower-impact alternative to tennis that keeps them physically active and socially connected. For younger players, it provides an accessible entry point into racquet sports. The sport also delivers genuine health benefits: regular play improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. National Pickleball Month amplifies all of these benefits by giving the sport a dedicated platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Pickleball Month?
National Pickleball Month is an annual April observance established by USA Pickleball to promote the sport, encourage new players, and celebrate the pickleball community.
When is National Pickleball Month in 2026?
National Pickleball Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Where can I find pickleball courts near me?
USA Pickleball maintains a court locator tool on their website (usapickleball.org) that allows you to search for courts by postcode. Many public parks, recreation centres, and YMCAs also have courts available for drop-in play.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your pickleball moments on social media with #NationalPickleballMonth and #Pickleball2026. Tag your playing partners, share a court selfie, or challenge a friend to try the sport for the first time!
Related Awareness Days
- Active for April — A month-long initiative encouraging people to increase their physical activity every day throughout April.
- Move More Month — Also observed in April, this campaign promotes daily movement for improved physical and mental health.
- Stress Awareness Month — Physical activity, including pickleball, is one of the most effective stress-reduction strategies, making this a natural complement to National Pickleball Month.
Links
- Visit the official USA Pickleball National Pickleball Month page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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