In the United States there are over 4.8 million people who play pickleball. Pickleball is a racket sport. You can play with two people or with four people. Players hit a plastic ball over a net until they cannot hit the ball back, or a rule is broken. In a 2022 report by the Sports and Fitness Association, between 2019 and 2022 pickleball grew by about 40%. USA Pickleball reports that half of frequent pickleball players were 55 or older, but now more young people are playing pickleball. 

Pickleball playing may be increasing because it is easier to play than other racket sports like tennis. This is because the ball is less bouncy than a tennis ball and it flies through the air slower. The paddles are also easier to handle because of the shape and size. Also in pickleball the ball is served underhand instead of overhand which is easier to do and hit back. 

Now doctors are noticing more pickleball related injuries. Some of those injuries include fractures, sprained ankles, rotator cuff injuries, worsening arthritis, and Achilles tendon tears or strains. A study shows that most of these injuries occur when people fall while playing the game.