Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the past few years, thanks to a combination that’s hard to beat: it’s accessible for almost any age, it’s fun, and it doesn’t cost much to play.
April is also National Pickleball Month, and players across metro Detroit say the sport offers more than just a workout.
It fosters a real sense of community.
At the Farmington Family YMCA, the courts stay busy several times a week as athletes grab their paddles and jump into games that move fast and keep people coming back.
Two of those regulars are playing partners, Gary Forhan and Michael Griggs.
Like many players at the YMCA, what started as a couple of games a week has become a steady routine.
When asked what makes the sport so appealing, Forhan pointed to both the health benefits and the social aspect.
“One, being an old guy, you get really good exercise,” Forhan said. “And, two, the people you meet are fantastic. Seems like everybody that plays pickleball is just a nice person.”
Nice, but competitive when it counts.
Pickleball’s growing popularity spans generations, but it’s especially common among people 55 and older, who say the sport is easy to learn and rewarding once you get the hang of it.
“It just takes coming and getting used to it,” said Debra George-Merritt, known by many as the “Pickleball Queen.” “Just eye-hand coordination. Just learning to hit the ball, learning the strategy and the scoring.”
YMCA staff say interest continues to climb, in part because people of all abilities can participate, whether they’re brand new or highly competitive.
For Griggs, pickleball became more than a hobby.
He and his wife of 46 years began playing a few years ago while both were dealing with health challenges, and he says the sport helped transform his health.
“I was diabetic. My A1C was 11. My A1C now is five,” Griggs said. “I was 305 when I started. I’m 230.”
Griggs said the pickleball community also watched his wife lose 100 pounds through playing the sport.
And the changes weren’t just physical, they became motivational, too.
“We’ve been married for 46 years,” Griggs said. “Pickleball gave us a goal to be married at 80.”
Because pickleball is social by design, many players, especially retirees, say the culture keeps them coming back.
It’s common to rotate partners, meet new people, and form friendships that carry beyond the court.
“I’ve got Marilyn. I’ve got Dave. I’ve got Mike. I’ve got Jeff. All of my family,” said Theresa Singleton as she pointed to and named her group of friends. “All pickleball family.”
Pickleball remains one of the most affordable sports to try, and many players say the hardest part is simply showing up for the first time.
Asked what he’d tell someone who’s curious but hasn’t tried it yet, Forhan didn’t hesitate: “Just do it. Like the Nike thing.”
You can find pick-up games and pickleball leagues at YMCA branches and local recreation centers across Metro Detroit. In many cases, you’ll need to be a member to drop in for open play times.
Check with your local branch for schedules and details.