sportstyle

TWENTY SOMETHING It's like a less competitive version of tennis for friends of mine that aren't used to playing tennis at a higher level. Male Age 20 It has a very low barrier for entry and beginners can be competitive almost immediately. Male Age 21 Fun and easy to pick up for new people. Also easier for my older family members to join in. Male Age 24 It's social and friendly. I can play with people of all ages and skill levels. It's a great workout that doesn't feel intimidating, and it combines the best parts of tennis, ping pong, and badminton into one fun, fast-paced sport . Male Age 24 What originally got me into the sport was the very low barrier to entry. But now the fast-paced competitive side of the sport is what gets me going back on the court day aer day. I am constantly desiring to get better. Another big aspect of the sport is the community cultivated through the sport in my area. Male Age 25 It can be competitive, or it can be casual but either way it's fun and social. Male 28 It's a fun low-impact racket sport. I really enjoy tennis and padel, but pickleball is a fun alternative that you can play with anyone regardless of their experience level. Male 29 THIRTY SOMETHING I like that I can play it just about anywhere, it keeps me active, and I can make friends doing something that I consider highly competitive. Male Age 31 It's another fun way to be active and social at the same time, get a good sweat going, not have to hang at a bar, all while not needing to be good at tennis (because I'm not). Male Age 32 Community building activity! Male Age 33 It is a great workout and is low cost to get into for beginners as all you need is athletic shoes, a paddle, and a ball. Male Age 34 What I like most about pickleball is its unique blend of competitiveness and accessibility—it's easy for beginners to learn yet offers strategic depth for experienced players. e game fosters a friendly, social atmosphere while encouraging teamwork, quick reflexes, and continuous improvement. I'm a 4.5 level player, but I enjoy everything from social games with a newbie doubles partner to highly competitive singles tournament games. Male Age 36 e scalability of the sport. It is simple enough for me to go and truly enjoy it with my small daughter and then turn around and put everything in physically to win against some of my guys. Male Age 36 Everyone has the opportunity to play, and as you engage more, you naturally develop your skills and feel a stronger desire to compete. I also value the incredible sense of community that comes with it. Male Age 38 I can play it any time and it's a good social activity where I can talk to my friends. Pickleball helps me relax aer a long day of work and helps me relieve any stress. Unlike team sports, I only need one or 3 other people who can play. Male Age 38 It's fun and good exercise. Easier to find a place to play than tennis. Male Age 32 FORTY SOMETHING Playing with others to stay in shape. Male Age 41 Good alternative to tennis. Requires less running. Male Age 42 I love that most anyone can play it. It isn't as technical as Tennis, and it allows me to be competitive or just have a good time with family and friends. Male Age 43 Less of a learning curve vs most sports so it's much easier to find people to play with and make it competitive. Male 43 I played tennis for 30 years before playing pickleball. What I like about pickleball are the quick games, the community, and the ease of finding other people to play with. I'm already pretty good because of tennis. It's fun, it's very social, and people of all abilities and age levels can play. Male 45 It's easy, and I like that everyone in my family can play and have fun without stressing about not being good enough. Any coordinated, somewhat fit person can become competent and have fun aer a couple of sessions. Male Age 47 Low cost to get in. Active without being a high stressed effort. Effort scales based on your own intention. Incorporates a variety of skill levels and can make a space for beginners and experts to play together. Male Age 48 FIFTY SOMETHING I play doubles tennis, and I am terrible at the net. I have found that Pickleball has helped me with my agility and quickness. Male Age 50 Activity related without being boring, seems to work out both legs and arms, new friends made and a bit of competitive streak but not overly obsessed with winning. It is just fun! Male Age 55 Great competition with friends. Male Age 56 SIXTY SOMETHING Fun to play with minimal effort spent learning. Male Age 61 e exercise and meeting new people. Male Age 61 Active sport but not overly taxing on the body like singles tennis. Male Age 63 n sportstylemag.com • sportstyle July/August 2025 • 27 MALE

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