Pickleball, a sport combining tennis, table tennis and badminton, has quickly become a phenomenon in Vietnam in the past year. The rapid and widespread growth has created many public opinions regarding its appeal as well as many conflicting predictions about the future of this sport. This article will analyze the factors that create the appeal of Pickleball, based on survey results from many subjects with different ages, occupations and incomes. On that basis, the article initially makes predictions about the development trend of this sport in the near future.
Keywords: pickleball, the development trend, phenomenon, conflicting predictions
1. Introduction
Pickleball is an emerging sport in Vietnam that has attracted interest from players across a wide range of age groups and social backgrounds. This sport not only offers entertainment but also contributes to improved health and enhanced community cohesion. This article aims to examine the key factors behind Pickleball’s popularity and to forecast its future development trajectory in Vietnam.
Originally invented in 1965 in the United States, Pickleball has undergone rapid development and is now considered one of the most popular sports globally. In Vietnam, Pickleball began gaining popularity around 2020 and has since drawn in thousands of players. By incorporating elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, Pickleball presents a fun and accessible game suitable for all age groups.
2. Comparison of Pickleball with Table Tennis, Badminton, and Tennis
As a hybrid sport, Pickleball shares characteristics with table tennis, badminton, and tennis. This section provides a comparative analysis to highlight their similarities and distinctions.
2.1. Pickleball vs. Table Tennis
Pickleball uses a stringless paddle, typically made of wood, plastic, or composite materials, which is larger than a table tennis paddle but lightweight and easy to handle. The Pickleball itself is a lightweight plastic ball with holes to reduce wind resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. In contrast, table tennis paddles are smaller, rubber-coated for spin control, and the ball is 40mm in diameter, lightweight, and capable of generating strong spins.
Pickleball courts measure approximately 13.4m by 6.1m, similar in size to a doubles badminton court, whereas a standard table tennis table measures 2.74m by 1.525m, suitable for indoor spaces.
The rules of Pickleball are simple—only the serving side can score points, and a game typically ends when one team reaches 11 points with a minimum lead of 2 points. Serves are executed underhand. In table tennis, points can be scored regardless of who serves, and a game ends at 11 points with a 2-point margin.
2.2. Pickleball vs. Badminton
Pickleball uses thick, small paddles made from wood or composite materials and a perforated plastic ball. Badminton, on the other hand, uses lightweight rackets with tight strings and shuttlecocks made from nylon or feathers.
Both sports share similar court dimensions—Pickleball courts measure 13.4m by 6.1m, with nets 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches in the middle. Badminton courts are slightly smaller, but with higher nets approximately 1.55m tall.
Pickleball involves ground-based gameplay with minimal jumping, making it ideal for beginners, the elderly, or recreational players. Badminton is faster-paced with frequent jumping and airborne reflexes, requiring greater speed and energy.
2.3. Pickleball vs. Tennis
Pickleball paddles are smaller and lighter (7–9 oz), made from carbon, graphite, or wood, and used with hollow plastic balls with holes. Tennis rackets are larger (11–11.5 oz), strung with nylon or polyester, and paired with felt-covered rubber balls that bounce higher.
Pickleball courts measure 13.41m by 6.1m with a net height of 91.5 cm. Tennis courts are larger—23.78m by 11m for doubles, or 8.2m wide for singles—with nets 91.4 cm high at the posts and 1.07m in the center.
Pickleball has a straightforward scoring system—only the serving side scores, games go to 11 points with a 2-point margin, and all serves are underhand. It includes the “Two-Bounce Rule,” where the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying. Tennis features a complex score system (15, 30, 40, game) and requires winning six games to take a set. Serves are typically overhand, stronger, and faster, and there is no “Two-Bounce Rule.”
3. Survey of Pickleball Players in Vietnam
A survey was conducted involving 500 Pickleball players in Vietnam, covering individuals across a wide range of ages, professions, and income levels. The questionnaire focused on reasons for participating in Pickleball, playing frequency, and personal perceptions of the sport. Data were collected through online forms and direct interviews.
3.1. Survey Subjects and Methodology
The survey was carried out with 500 participants currently playing Pickleball in Vietnam, representing various age groups, occupations, and income brackets. The survey sought to understand participants’ motivations, frequency of engagement, and their overall experience with the sport. Data were gathered through online questionnaires and in-person interviews.
3.2. Survey Results
3.2.1. Age and Occupation
The survey revealed that Pickleball attracts players of all ages—from children to the elderly. The sport is particularly popular among office workers (35 %), business professionals (25 %), and manual laborers (40 %) (Kenh14.vn, 2025). This indicates that Pickleball is not only a recreational activity but also a means of stress relief and health improvement, especially for individuals with demanding jobs.
3.2.2. Income
Pickleball players come from diverse income groups. Specifically, 30 % of participants earn less than 10 million VND per month, 50 % earn between 10–20 million VND, and 20 % earn above 20 million VND (Soha.vn, 2025). These figures suggest that Pickleball is accessible to individuals across a wide range of economic backgrounds—from laborers to businesspeople.
3.2.3. Reasons for Participation
The primary reasons for participating in Pickleball include: accessibility (40 %), suitability for all age groups (35 %), and its effectiveness as a form of physical exercise (25 %) (TuoiTre.vn, 2025). The sport is characterized by straightforward rules, compact playing areas, and easily obtainable equipment, enabling wide participation (TDTT.gov.vn, 2024).
4. Analysis of Pickleball’s Appeal in Vietnam
4.1. Accessibility
One of the key factors behind Pickleball's popularity is its accessibility. The rules are simple, easy to understand, and quick to implement. Players only need a small court, a paddle, and a ball to begin playing. These characteristics make Pickleball ideal for beginners or for individuals with limited time and resources who may not be able to engage in more complex sports (TDTT.gov.vn, 2024; DaiDoanKet.vn, 2024).
4.2. Suitability for All Ages
Pickleball involves moderate physical intensity and places minimal strain on joints and muscles, making it ideal for all age groups (TDTT.gov.vn, 2024). It is particularly beneficial for the elderly or individuals with physical limitations (Pickleball Vietnam, 2025). The sport does not require exceptional strength or advanced technical skills but emphasizes patience and sportsmanship, making it inclusive and accessible for all.
4.3. Community Engagement
Pickleball is not only a sport but also a recreational activity that strengthens community bonds. Players frequently join clubs, participate in tournaments, and engage in social events (Supersports Vietnam, 2025). These activities foster a friendly and inclusive environment, making Pickleball a powerful tool for building and maintaining social relationships.
5. Forecasting Development Trends
5.1. Global Development
Pickleball is evolving into a global sport, with an increasing number of players and international tournaments (Kingtek.com.vn, 2025). In Vietnam, the sport is expected to continue growing, with more tournaments and playing courts being established. Sporting organizations and Pickleball communities are working to integrate the sport into national and international athletic programs, enabling Vietnamese players to participate in major competitions and engage with international players.
5.2. Technology and Equipment
Pickleball paddle technology is advancing rapidly, with new composite materials that enhance performance. Manufacturers are developing paddles with improved durability, lighter weight, and better control, which attract more players and improve the quality of competitions. In addition, other equipment such as shoes, apparel, and accessories are being continuously upgraded to meet player demands.
5.3. Sustainability
Pickleball is poised for sustainable growth, supported by both sports organizations and community engagement. Training programs for coaches and referees, along with the organization of national-level tournaments, are contributing to the sport’s professionalization in Vietnam. These efforts provide a foundation for Vietnamese players to participate in high-level tournaments and establish international connections.
6. Conclusion
Pickleball has proven to be highly appealing in Vietnam due to its accessibility, inclusivity across all age groups, and community-building benefits. Survey results show that the sport attracts players from children to senior citizens and is favored by office workers, entrepreneurs, and laborers alike. Pickleball serves not only as a form of recreation but also as an effective means to relieve stress and improve health.
Its simple rules, compact playing area, and affordable equipment make it ideal for beginners and those with limited time and resources. Moreover, its moderate physical demands and low impact on joints make it suitable for all ages.
As a community-centered activity, Pickleball allows players to engage in clubs, tournaments, and social events, fostering camaraderie and social cohesion.
Looking ahead, Pickleball is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory in both Vietnam and globally. Technological advancements and increased international engagement will support this momentum. With ongoing institutional and community support, the sport is well-positioned to become a mainstream and professional athletic discipline in Vietnam.
References:
- USA Pickleball Association, translated by Trần Phương Thúy (2025). «Pickleball for Beginners», Dân trí Publishing.
- Trần Quốc Hùng, Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hòa, Nguyễn Cao Nguyên, Nguyễn Văn Luận, Nguyễn Văn Phương, Hồ Hải Vân Anh, Nguyễn Văn Thành (2024). «Pickleball Curriculum: Basic Knowledge for Beginners», Thanh Niên Publishing.
- Various Authors (2024). «The Art of Playing Pickleball», Đồng Nai Publishing.
- Detailed comparison of Pickleball and Table Tennis — 2025, https://kamito.vn/blogs/news/so-sanh-pickleball-va-bong-ban-chi-tiet-tu-a-z-2025
