In a world where screen time has become the norm, it’s refreshing to see a surprising trend emerge in schools: students put down their phones and head to the courts to play pickleball. Yes, pickleball!
As a recent New York Times, “The Morning” newsletter article highlights, children choose this fast-paced, fun sport over digital games, and the impact is profound.
A New York Times article on banning phones in schools and kids playing pickleball instead. Image Source.
We all know that cell phones are distraction machines that keep us from getting outside and exercising. While this is a problem for many adults, it’s becoming an increasing concern in schools with children. Now, teachers are banning cell phones, and when the kids no longer have the option to stare at a screen, they want to play pickleball… and are becoming healthier!
But it’s not just happening in schools—pickleball is making waves in some of the most unexpected places, including prisons.
From promoting community to improving physical and mental health, pickleball transforms lives in schools and correctional facilities. Let’s dive into how this sport brings people together and improves their psychological and physical health in two very different but equally important environments.
Pickleball in Schools: Health, Skills, and Social Growth
Pickleball is quickly becoming a favourite in schoolyards, and it’s no surprise why. This easy-to-learn sport offers a whole range of benefits that go beyond just having fun.
Let’s check them out.
Kids can get a ton of benefits they need for physical, social, emotional, and psychological growth. Image source.
1. Health Benefits for Growing Bodies
Pickleball helps students stay active in a fun and beneficial way for their developing bodies. The constant movement on the court gives kids a great cardiovascular workout while being gentle on growing joints. Unlike high-impact sports, pickleball offers a low-risk way for students to exercise without worrying about injuries, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
Even better, the sport’s quick lateral and diagonal movements improve agility and coordination, which are skills students can take into everyday life. Whether running to catch the school bus or jumping into a game of tag, kids who play pickleball are physically more prepared for the challenges of daily life.
2. Building Social Skills and Emotional Resilience
Pickleball is more than just a physical activity; it’s also a social one. Students must communicate, strategize, and work with their peers on the court. These interactions build essential social skills and help foster a sense of community. And the best part? It’s inclusive… so everyone can play!
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned athlete, pickleball is accessible to all skill levels, making it a sport that every student can enjoy.
The emotional benefits are equally impressive. Playing pickleball teaches kids how to win with grace and lose with dignity, helping them develop resilience and a growth mindset. But also how to compete and try to win. These lessons go far beyond the court, setting them up for success in school and beyond.
3. Cognitive and Academic Boost
Did you know that the quick decision-making and strategic thinking required in pickleball can help improve focus and cognitive function? It’s true! When students engage in this fast-paced game, they’re not only working out their bodies but also sharpening their minds. This improved focus can lead to better classroom performance, making pickleball a win-win for both physical education and academic success.
Physical activity like pickleball also helps reduce stress, which is vital for promoting mental well-being. Less stress means happier students, better behaviour, and a more positive school environment.
Pickleball in Prisons: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Camaraderie
Now, imagine a different setting—inside the walls of a prison. Pickleball is proving to be just as impactful here, offering inmates a chance to build relationships, stay active, and work on rehabilitation.
A documentary is being made about Roger BelAir and his prison pickleball program. Image Source.
1. Breaking Down Barriers
Pickleball is unique in breaking down social and racial barriers, even in places like San Quentin prison. Inmates, staff, and even wardens have come together on the court, setting aside their titles and backgrounds to share in a game. It’s a rare opportunity for positive interaction in a place where division can often rule.
When Roger BelAir, whose idea it was to go into Cook County prisons and teach inmates to play pickleball, got the go-ahead, he got a welcome surprise. “The day I showed up, the warden was at the net with his paddle.”
That’s the power of pickleball—it levels the playing field, literally and figuratively.
2. Mental and Physical Health Benefits
For inmates, pickleball isn’t just a way to pass the time—it’s a lifeline. The sport provides a much-needed outlet for stress and anxiety, giving incarcerated individuals something to look forward to. Many have reported that playing pickleball helps them maintain a more positive outlook on life inside and outside prison walls. They say they feel more like humans, not just inmates.
Physically, pickleball’s low-impact nature makes it accessible to prisoners of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a safe way for them to stay active, promoting cardiovascular health and coordination in a space where exercise options are often limited.
3. Rehabilitation and Life Skills
Pickleball also plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process. The game teaches valuable life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—essential for reintegration into society. Inmates learn to support one another, strategize, and build camaraderie and community. It’s not just about winning; it’s about working together and building trust.
And the benefits don’t stop there. Some prisons have even seen reduced conflicts, as the sport provides a constructive channel for competitive energy. Many facilities report that pickleball incentivizes good behaviour, with inmates eager to maintain their right to play.
Why Pickleball Works in Schools and Prisons
So, why is pickleball the perfect sport for both schools and prisons? It’s simple: inclusivity and accessibility. Pickleball paddles and nets are not prohibitively expensive. Nor does it take a high degree of skill or smarts to start playing and enjoy pickleball. It’s literally for everyone.
More importantly, pickleball brings people together. Players aren’t students or prisoners on the court—they’re teammates. The sport encourages positive social interactions, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of community. It’s a game that builds physical fitness and mental and emotional resilience.
The PICL is helping to change lives with pickleball in prison. Image Source.
The Bigger Picture
Yes, pickleball is fun to play, but think bigger. Pickleball can be a tool for connection, rehabilitation, and personal growth. In schools, it helps students build friendships, stay active, and succeed academically. In prisons, it improves lives and provides hope for a better future.
Whether you’re cheering on students in a schoolyard or supporting prison rehabilitation programs, there’s no denying that pickleball is making a positive impact.
Want to get involved? Support initiatives like Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities and help bring this incredible sport to even more people in need.
No matter where you play—whether it’s in a school gym, a prison yard, or your local court—pickleball offers something for everyone. It brings us together, builds friendships, keeps us active, and reminds us that the benefits of this game go far beyond the court.
tape at the Squint Lake Pickleball courts’ official opening – an event that drew pickleball peeps from all around, 
We recently had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of 
