Spring is a great time to pick up a new sport, so join the millions of Americans who are reaping the physical, mental, and social benefits of pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. To enjoy one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports, head to the St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley (PLV) in Allentown and play at the largest pickleball and indoor/outdoor sports facilities in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Pickleball grew in 2023 to 13.6 million players in the United States, and continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America.
Players 65 and older are the second largest age bracket, making up 15.4% of total participants—second only to players 24–34 who accounted for 16.7%, according to Pickleheads®, a worldwide community of pickleball players.
“It’s no surprise that pickleball is so popular with older adults. It’s an excellent sport for people over 50,” said pickleball enthusiast John Hauth, St. Luke’s Health Network’s senior network director of Sports Medicine. “Its blend of physical activity, social interaction, and strategic play makes it an ideal sport for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.”
Pickleball can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of skill level. For beginners, it offers a gentle introduction to racket sports. For more experienced players, it provides a fast-paced, strategic challenge. The game’s versatility means it can be as competitive or as casual as you want, catering to a wide range of preferences.
“Whether looking for a new way to stay fit, a fun activity to enjoy with friends, or simply a reason to get outside, pickleball has something to offer,” he said. “You might just find yourself hooked on this exciting and accessible sport.”
Pickleball Lehigh Valley’s Top Four Reasons for Joining the Pickleball Craze
If you haven’t joined the pickleball craze, here are four compelling reasons for you to consider picking up a paddle and hitting the court.
Accessibility
One of the most appealing aspects of pickleball is its accessibility. The rules are straightforward, and the learning curve is gentle, making it easy for beginners to quickly pick up the basics. Unlike sports that require years of practice to master, pickleball allows players to start enjoying the game almost immediately. Whether a seasoned athlete or someone who’s never played a racket sport before, you’ll find that pickleball is fun and rewarding from the get-go.
Low impact
Pickleball is a relatively low-impact sport, making it an excellent choice for people of all ages, including seniors. The court is smaller than a tennis court, which means less running and fewer chances of straining joints. The game is played with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball with holes, which moves more slowly than a tennis ball, reducing the risk of injury. This makes pickleball a great way to stay active without putting too much stress on your body.
Social benefits
Because it’s typically played as a doubles game, it fosters communication, teamwork, and camaraderie, and a welcoming community where players share tips and strategies with newcomers. It’s common to see people of all ages and backgrounds mixing on the court, making pickleball an ideal way to meet new people and build friendships. Many communities have local pickleball clubs and leagues, offering plenty of opportunities to get involved and connect with others who share your interest in the game.
While pickleball may be low impact, it still provides an excellent workout. The game involves a mix of agility, coordination, and strategy that helps improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and enhance hand-eye coordination. It also keeps your mind sharp because you constantly need to think ahead and anticipate your opponent’s moves. Regularly playing pickleball can contribute to overall fitness and mental well-being, making it a holistic exercise option.
Affordable and accessible
Pickleball is highly accessible and affordable. Courts are popping up everywhere, from community centers and parks to schools and dedicated facilities. The equipment required is minimal—all you need is a paddle, a ball, and access to a court. Many local recreation centers offer pickleball at little or no cost, making it an affordable option for staying active.
John Hauth, a competitively ranked pickleball player, was instrumental in launching the St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley (PLV), one of the largest pickleball and indoor/outdoor sports facilities on the East Coast. A membership program, PLV offers training, open play, and tournaments at St. Luke’s SportsPlex’s 25 indoor pickleball courts at 4636 Crackersport Road, Allentown, just off Route 22, near the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
St. Luke’s SportsPlex is a 75,000-square-foot former tennis and racket club that has been completely updated to support pickleball and other multi-sport activities. Housed within six 8000-SF Amish-built “barrels,” or bays, are 25 indoor courts: 12 NBA-quality hardwood pickleball courts, 12 designated hardcourt pickleball courts, and an event center lined for pickleball.
A 22-court, three-acre outdoor pickleball venue offers a festival atmosphere and parking on and off site for national, regional, and local tournaments, and a spacious sports-themed event center and a state-of-the-art player lounge.
In September, the United Pickleball Association hosted the Pennsylvania State Championship Series at the St. Luke’s SportsPlex.
A large player lounge and viewing area run the length of the fields so spectators can watch the athletes train. Wi-Fi enables parents to connect online for work and family needs. There are a pro shop; a player lounge and viewing area; an outdoor event area; pickleball lessons, clinics and classes; leagues and tournaments.
Additionally, members will enjoy streamlined access to other St. Luke’s services, such as physical therapy, orthopedics, and sports performance training.
