Here’s the dill: Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the country. The game—a mix of badminton, tennis and table tennis—is keeping players on their toes as more people learn about the fun.
Named after a beloved family dog, Pickles, three Washington state fathers invented Pickleball in 1965. Today, more than 4.8 million people play the paddle game, which is double the number from just five years ago, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
The game is easy to learn, safe and accessible. Growing in popularity as a pandemic activity, more than half a million people have started playing Pickleball since 2020. About 17% of players are 65 and older, while a third are under 25, according to a 2022 Pickleball Report.
For Michelle Sherwin, southeast territory manager at New York-based supplier Starline, it’s the game she’s been waiting for. She says, “My husband and I were both avid tennis players and extremely competitive. However, we both were struggling with some physical limitations that kept us off the courts. A friend suggested Pickleball, and we never turned back!”
Pickleball can be played one-on-one or two-on-two. The ball has circular holes in it, while the paddle— about the size of a table tennis paddle—is long and rectangular. The game usually lasts about 15-25 minutes or until one side reaches 11 points. While it is played at the professional level, it’s perfect for patio fun, and at least one growing pub chain is spreading the game by pairing it with spicy chicken and cold drinks.
“We are currently playing in a league near us and absolutely love it,” Sherwin says. “It’s such a fun game, full of energy, laughs and not as physically demanding like tennis. We love that we can enjoy playing for a couple of hours and not have our bodies hurting afterward.”
For a day at the pickleball court, Sherwin suggests products from a handful of popular promo categories.
The Smasher Pickleball Paddle is a powerful paddle intended for a wide range of players. The paddle features a large shape to allow for more solid contact and a large, sweet spot, as well as a protective edge guard to prevent chipping. This set has everything you need to get a game going, including two paddles, two high-visibility pickleballs, all packed in a mesh sling bag. It’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.
Peerless Umbrella Co. / PPAI 112666, S10 / www.peerlessumbrella.com
Perfect for the pickleball court, this 24-can backpack cooler features a fully insulated, waterproof main compartment that holds 24 cans plus ice. It has a large, gusseted front zippered pocket with a front slip pocket for easy access to belongings. It also has dual side mesh pockets and a padded, adjustable non-slip shoulder strap and comfort pad.
Serville Gear / PPAI 113233, S7 / www.sevillegear.com
Sherwin says this 12-ounce Sports Buddy is a must for ice cold water in the summer and hot coffee in the winter. It will keep contents cold for 24+ hours and contents warm for 12+ hours. It has double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel. This tumbler also includes a color coordinated paracord, whistle and compass. It features an easy-sip straw lid and a protective anti-slip bumper buddy.
Starline USA / PPAI 112719, S10 / www.starline.com
Recipients can pack their pickleball gear in this Quick Kick duffel bag. This duffel bag has an adjustable shoulder strap, dual carrying handles, a side pocket and a mesh pouch. Choose from red or blue with one-color imprint.
Ariel Premium Supply, Inc. / PPAI 161650 / www.arielpremium.com
Sherwin says this is her latest obsession. This Universal Buddy 2.0 is the world’s first universal can cooler. It’s designed to insulate nearly all 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans and bottles. There’s double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel, keeping contents cold for 12+ hours. There’s also a non-slip silicone bottom.
Starline USA / PPAI 112719, S10 / www.starline.com
Sherwin says there aren’t always seats at the Pickleball game. Grab this Cushioned Cooler Quad Chair. It has soft, PEVA-lined cooler in the arms that hold up to four cans plus ice. This chair supports up to 325 pounds with a fully cushioned seat and back. A carry bag is included.
IMAGEN Brands / PPAI 114197, S10 / www.imagenbrands.com
The Titan Biodegradable Cooling Towel is the perfect blend of cooling power and eco-friendly technology. It’s made of biodegradable polyester fabric and can biodegrade in as many as 300 days. Fabric allows surrounding air to stimulate cooling while remaining dry to the touch, and hyper-evaporative engineering keeps the towel cool. Just wet, wring and wear.
High Caliber Line / PPAI 205801, S10 / www.highcaliberline.com
