Pickleball players tend to fall hard for the sport.
The path to addiction is so quick that friends and families are often caught off guard.
There’s a reason many of us often hear, “Pickleball, again?!”
And it’s not said in the nicest of tones.
Well, I’m not sure about you, but it occurred to me recently that pickleball is my “third place.”
Pickleball addiction is scientifically linked to the “dopamine loop” created by rapid, short rallies and the instant gratification of scoring. Additionally, it fulfills the psychological need for a “Third Place”—a community space outside of home and work—providing social connection and a “flow state” that reduces stress and anxiety.
Over the past year, it has been impossible to escape the pickleball fever that has swept the nation. But, as the fastest-growing sport continues to claim more pickleball addicts, many people are wondering why is pickleball so addictive.
You probably find yourself playing more and more if you are a player. And when you’re not playing pickleball, you are thinking about pickleball or talking about pickleball or dreaming about pickleball. What gives?!