Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason! It’s fun, easy to learn, and a great way to stay active—but if your friends and family haven’t tried it yet, you might be wondering how to get them on the court.
Maybe they think it’s just for retirees, or they’re hesitant to try something new. The good news? With the right approach, you can get them hooked on pickleball and turn them into your next playing partners!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ How to make pickleball sound fun & exciting
✔️ Ways to ease their fears about trying a new sport
✔️ Tips for making their first game a great experience
✔️ How to keep them coming back for more
By the end, you’ll have plenty of strategies to turn your friends and family into pickleball lovers!
1. Highlight Why Pickleball is Awesome
If your friends or family don’t know much about pickleball, start by selling them on the benefits.
✅ It’s Easy to Learn
✔️ Unlike tennis or other racquet sports, pickleball has simple rules.
✔️ No experience needed—they can start playing right away.
✔️ It’s great for all ages and skill levels.
📌 Pro Tip: Tell them, “If you can hit a ball and move a little, you can play pickleball!”
✅ It’s a Fun & Social Sport
✔️ Perfect for playing with friends, family, or meeting new people.
✔️ Games are short, so everyone gets plenty of playtime.
✔️ Great for couples, parents & kids, or group outings.
📌 Pro Tip: If they love social activities, emphasize that pickleball is just as much about fun as it is about competition.
✅ It’s a Great Workout (Without Feeling Like One!)
✔️ Burns 400-600 calories per hour.
✔️ Improves cardio, reflexes, and coordination.
✔️ Low-impact, making it easier on the joints than tennis.
📌 Pro Tip: If they’re fitness-conscious, mention that pickleball is an amazing way to stay active while having fun!
2. Address Their Concerns & Excuses
Some people may hesitate to try pickleball because they have doubts or concerns. Here’s how to respond to the most common excuses.
🚫 “I’m Not Athletic Enough”
✔️ Pickleball isn’t about being a pro athlete—it’s about having fun!
✔️ The smaller court size makes it easier to cover ground.
✔️ You don’t need to run much—just move and swing the paddle.
📌 What to Say: “Trust me, pickleball is super beginner-friendly! I’ll show you the basics in just 5 minutes.”
🚫 “I Don’t Have Time”
✔️ Pickleball games are quick—you can play for 30 minutes or a full afternoon.
✔️ It’s a great way to unwind and de-stress.
📌 What to Say: “Let’s just play a quick game—if you don’t love it, we’ll stop!” (Spoiler: They won’t want to stop!)
🚫 “It Looks Complicated”
✔️ The rules are way simpler than tennis or other sports.
✔️ You can start with basic dinking and work up from there.
📌 What to Say: “If you can hit a wiffle ball over a net, you can play pickleball!”
3. Make Their First Experience Amazing
The key to getting someone hooked on pickleball? Make their first game fun, low-pressure, and welcoming.
🏓 Step 1: Start with a Casual Rally
✔️ Instead of jumping into a full game, just rally back and forth.
✔️ Focus on hitting the ball over the net, not keeping score.
✔️ Give positive encouragement and celebrate small wins.
📌 Pro Tip: The goal is fun, not perfection—let them get comfortable first!
🏓 Step 2: Play Doubles Instead of Singles
✔️ Doubles is easier and less intimidating than singles.
✔️ They’ll have a teammate to help cover the court.
📌 Pro Tip: Pair them with someone experienced who can help guide them.
🏓 Step 3: Use the Right Equipment
✔️ Choose a lightweight paddle that’s easy to handle.
✔️ Make sure they wear comfortable clothes & court shoes.
✔️ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts help them stay cool and comfortable while playing.
📌 Pro Tip: Having the right gear makes a big difference in their comfort level!
4. Keep Them Interested & Coming Back
Once they’ve played, you want them to keep coming back for more!
✅ Set Up a Regular Game Night
✔️ Invite them to weekly games at the local courts.
✔️ Keep it light, fun, and social—no pressure!
📌 Pro Tip: If they enjoy group activities, make pickleball a regular thing with friends.
✅ Enter a Fun Local Tournament Together
✔️ Many communities have beginner-friendly pickleball events.
✔️ Entering a tournament gives them something exciting to work toward.
📌 Pro Tip: Pick a low-pressure, social tournament so they can experience the fun side of competition.
✅ Get Them Their Own Gear
✔️ A personal paddle and gear makes them feel more invested.
✔️ A cool pickleball tumbler for hydration or a pickleball-themed shirt makes them feel like part of the community.
📌 Pro Tip: Gift them a pickleball paddle set or a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt to make them feel like an official player!
Final Thoughts: Getting Your Friends & Family Hooked on Pickleball
Convincing someone to try pickleball isn’t about pushing them—it’s about making it fun, easy, and welcoming.
✔️ Highlight the fun & social benefits of the game.
✔️ Address their concerns & excuses with encouragement.
✔️ Make their first experience positive with easy rallies and doubles play.
✔️ Keep them engaged with regular games, tournaments, and their own gear.
With the right approach, you’ll have plenty of new pickleball partners in no time!
