Coinciding perfectly with National Pickleball Day, the co-founder of Major League Pickleball Steve Kuhn has been explaining how the sports works and what makes it so attractive and enjoyable.
So, Just What Is Pickleball, Steve?
We all know the stats about how many pickleball players there are worldwide and it has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. However, how does one of the top dogs in the sport analyze its success?
Kuhn captures its essence perfectly when he spoke to Forbes recently: “It’s like ‘miniature tennis’ but with a focus on strategy and coordination.”
He talked at length a few weeks ago about where he saw pickleball going in the future but these comments put a fresh spin on the great man’s opinions.
From Courts to Coordination: The Unique Magic of Pickleball
Imagine tennis, but scaled down to one-third the size – that’s the magic of pickleball courts. With space for singles and doubles play, this sport offers a dynamic experience where doubles tend to shine.
What’s the catch? While there’s less running, there’s more action. This means honing your hand-eye coordination, strategy, and overall skill.
Forget traditional tennis rackets – the combination of lighter paddles and balls creates an engaging, strategy-rich experience that has captured the hearts of players worldwide.
Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn thinks the league will challenge MLS, MLB, and the NHL in terms of viewership 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KM0yhxewhk
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 14, 2023
Playful Joy And Rapid Progress: Pickleball’s Appeal
At its core, pickleball fulfills our innate desire for play. “We’re all children to some extent. We all love the joy of playing something,” explains Kuhn.
He added, “Because you hit the ball so much, you rapidly improve, and that gives you a good feeling. Everybody likes to do something they’re getting better at.”
From Pros To Passionate Amateurs: Pickleball’s A-List Fans
Pickleball’s appeal stretches beyond enthusiasts; even pro athletes are jumping on the court.
Tennis star Sam Querrey, along with Olympic gold medalist Jack Sock, are embracing Major League Pickleball. Football icons Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees have even invested in this sport.
For these former pros, pickleball offers a new competitive avenue, a chance to reignite their passion and dive into a fresh challenge.
Dreamland: A Vision for Pickleball’s Future
In the heart of Austin, Texas, Steve Kuhn has brought pickleball to life at Dreamland – an 86-acre outdoor entertainment sports venue. With 16 pickleball courts and a myriad of attractions, it’s a haven for pickleball enthusiasts.
Kuhn has grand ambitions for Major League Pickleball, aiming to make it one of the “great sports leagues” in the U.S. His prediction? “I think MLP will be a top-five sports league in America before the end of this decade.”
Kuhn’s unwavering belief stems from the passion of players, the sport’s universal appeal, and investments in top-notch production quality. He envisions pickleball’s trajectory as one that leads to becoming one of the most influential sports in America.
The pickleball revolution is in full swing, and with its winning formula of accessibility, excitement, and competition, it’s a journey that promises to reshape the sporting landscape.
