What’s Standing in the Way? Barriers Still Faced in Pickleball
Pickleball is everywhere. From local parks to national tours, it’s the sport bringing together teenagers, retirees, athletes, and first-timers alike. And while the game itself is wildly accessible (just a paddle, a ball, and a willingness to play), not everyone experiences the sport the same way.
So what’s still standing in the way of making pickleball truly for all?
Here’s a look at some of the most common barriers in pickleball, and what we can do about them.
Physical Access: Where Can You Even Play?
Pickleball may be booming, but in many areas, courts are still hard to find, especially for players with mobility challenges or limited transportation.
Rural communities often lack dedicated pickleball courts.
Adaptive players face barriers like stairs, poor surfaces, or narrow entry points.
Costly court rentals or club fees can price out entire groups of players.
Fix it with:
Public funding for more accessible court development
Better ADA-compliant court design from the start
Municipal partnerships offering free or low-cost open play
Representation: Who’s Being Seen (and Who Isn’t)?
Scroll through many pickleball media feeds and it’s the same scene: young pros, flashy rallies, and gear drops. But what about:
Players over 60 who just picked up the sport?
Women of color thriving in local leagues?
Adaptive athletes playing with prosthetics or from wheelchairs?
When people don’t see themselves reflected in the sport, they often don’t feel invited to participate.
Fix it with:
Media (like ours) telling authentic, community-based stories
Brands and tours spotlighting more than just the elite
Ambassadors who represent the real diversity of the game
Affordability: Is Pickleball Really "Low Cost"?
Compared to golf or tennis, yes… pickleball is more affordable. But it’s not free. Costs can add up fast:
Entry-level paddles: $50–$100
Indoor court time: $10–$30 per session
Tournament fees: $50+ for basic events
Travel, shoes, apparel... it adds up.
For many families, students, or seniors on fixed incomes, that price tag can be a serious barrier.
Fix it with:
Gear libraries or equipment rental programs
Community-run tournaments and rec leagues
Brands offering starter kits or discounts for beginners
Gatekeeping: The Social Stuff No One Talks About
Not every barrier is physical or financial. Sometimes, it’s cultural.
Players still report feeling:
Left out because they’re new
Judged based on age, gender, or body type
Shut out of cliquey or hyper-competitive rec scenes
Pickleball is supposed to be fun, but when it feels exclusive or ego-driven, it can push players away.
Fix it with:
Club cultures that say “no paddle snobs allowed”
Inclusive play formats like mix-in days or rotating partners
Content and community leaders who prioritize joy over ego
Barriers Can Be Broken
At Empower Pickleball, we believe the game should feels as welcoming and joyful as it looks on Instagram. be as joyful and welcoming as it looks on Instagram. But that takes intention.
Let’s call out what’s still getting in the way. Let’s listen to the stories of players who feel overlooked or pushed out. And let’s keep building a game that has room for everyone… regardless of how they move, look, or play.
Want to Help Break Barriers in Pickleball?
Share this article with your local club or group
Tell us your story. Email us at hi@empowerpickleball.com or DM us on Instagram
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Let’s shape the future of pickleball together, and make sure everyone is part of it.
