Pickleball, a sport once relegated to the shadows of backyard pastimes, has surged to prominence, captivating the hearts of millions across the United States. According to recent estimates, approximately 36.5 million people are now playing this hybrid game, which borrows elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. But what’s behind its meteoric rise? In a conversation with Josh Brown, founder and CEO of Dropshot, the allure of pickleball is unpacked, revealing a potent blend of simplicity, community, and accessibility.
Brown, who joined Grit Daily Startup Show with host Leonard Kim, shared insights into how pickleball has grown from a casual sport played on modified tennis courts to a burgeoning sensation that has reshaped recreational activities across the U.S.
A Sport for Everyone
What makes pickleball so appealing? Brown points to its ease of learning as the primary factor. Unlike tennis, which requires a certain level of athleticism and coordination, pickleball is designed to be beginner-friendly. With its larger paddle and wiffle ball-like design, the game slows down, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
“The first time you play, you’re guaranteed to have a good time,” Brown explained. It’s not hard to pick up. There’s no steep learning curve, and the nature of the sport allows for a balance between casual play and intense competition.
As more people sought ways to remain active during the pandemic, pickleball provided the perfect solution. Its outdoor setting, combined with the natural social distancing inherent to the game, made it an ideal activity for those craving exercise and human connection without compromising safety.
People were putting down tape in their driveways to create makeshift courts, recalled Brown. It gave them a reason to go outside, get active, and maintain a sense of community when so many other avenues were unavailable.
A Community Phenomenon
Though pickleball has been around since 1965, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that the sport exploded into mainstream popularity. According to Brown, one of the reasons the game gained such traction during the pandemic was the inherent social aspect of the sport.
While much of the world was in lockdown, people craved social interactions that didn’t come with the risks of close indoor contact. Pickleball allowed players to gather outdoors while maintaining a safe distance from one another. This, combined with the simplicity of the game, contributed to the sport’s spike in popularity during a time when people were seeking new ways to stay active.
Pickleball gives people a sense of belonging, noted Brown, remarking that it is about more than just the sport. It’s about creating community, whether you’re playing with friends, meeting new people, or challenging yourself to get better.
The community aspect continues to fuel the sport’s growth. Pickleball players are notorious for their enthusiasm, often eager to share the game with newcomers. Brown compares it to the CrossFit craze, where participants couldn’t help but evangelize the benefits of their newfound hobby.
Solving the Challenges of Pickleball
Despite its simplicity, pickleball is not without its challenges. According to Brown, one of the most common issues players face is keeping score. Pickleball’s scoring system requires players to remember not only the score itself but also the serving position and whether they are server one or two. This can be especially tricky in the heat of a game, leading to confusion and disputes.
Enter Dropshot, Brown’s solution to the problem. Dropshot combines technology with the sport by offering an Apple Watch app and a physical scoreboard that simplifies scorekeeping. Players no longer have to remember the intricate details of the score between rallies; they can simply focus on the game. The device automatically tracks the score, serving position, and server number, allowing for a more seamless gameplay experience.
Remembering three things at once is tough when you’re actively focused on something else. In other sports, like basketball or football, the score is visible on a big board. In pickleball, players are often left to their own devices to remember everything, which can lead to arguments and take away from the fun. The Dropshot scoreboard eliminates that stress.
This is a game-changer for players and facilities alike. The product is portable, making it easy for players to bring along to their local courts, and it offers a convenient solution for pickleball facilities looking to streamline the game experience for their guests.
From Kickstarter to Market
Dropshot’s scoreboard has already seen massive success. The company’s Kickstarter campaign launched recently, met its funding goal within just 30 minutes, a testament to the pent-up demand for such a solution. Brown and his team are now preparing for the next stage: manufacturing and distribution.
The Kickstarter campaign will run through mid-October, with units expected to ship shortly thereafter. The company’s goal is not only to provide a product that solves an immediate problem for pickleball players but also to build a long-term community around the game. Beyond the scoreboard, Dropshot’s app will offer players insights into their performance, tracking statistics, and even creating leaderboards for friends and local competitors.
The Future of Pickleball
With millions of players and growing interest from the public, pickleball shows no signs of slowing down. Brown believes that the sport’s accessibility and community-driven nature will continue to fuel its expansion, possibly even earning a spot in future Olympic Games.
But for Brown, the focus remains on continuing to innovate and serve the pickleball community, both through products like the Dropshot scoreboard and by fostering the connections that make the sport so special.
Pickleball, once a quiet game played in retirement communities, is now a full-blown cultural phenomenon. As more courts are converted from tennis to pickleball and more players pick up paddles, the sport’s future looks bright, with a vibrant community leading the way. And thanks to innovators like Josh Brown, keeping score will be one less thing players have to worry about. Instead, they can focus on what really matters: enjoying the game and building relationships that will last long after the final point.
