High school pickleball is taking off. Participation among 13–17-year-olds has more than doubled in just the past two years, according to an article published by JOOLA. And it’s not just kids hitting balls after gym class anymore ; it’s structured, competitive, and becoming a real part of school culture.

We’re seeing more schools adding pickleball lines to tennis courts, more student-led clubs forming on campus, and now, with DUPR’s high school program, more official tournaments that give players a real shot to compete and get noticed.

Why It’s Catching On

It’s easy to pick up

Pickleball has one of the lowest barriers to entry in any sport. A small court, slower ball, and a quick learning curve make it perfect for beginners, but the skill ceiling is high, and players who stick with it can level up fast.

Looking to improve your pickleball rating? This guide breaks down exactly how to do it.

Gen Z is loving it

This generation wants connection, competition, and community  and pickleball checks all the boxes. You can play with friends, compete at your level, and have fun doing it. It’s fast, social, and real.

Schools are on board

More and more athletic directors are adding pickleball lines to tennis courts, creating combo courts that work for both sports. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to modernize facilities and it’s paying off in student engagement.

Interested in creating a DUPR pickleball club at your high school? Start here. 

Structure That Actually Matters

The DUPR High School Program is helping schools offer real competition with regional ranking and a national championship on the way.

Here’s how it works:

• Super Regional Events: Up to 16 high school teams per location
  
• National Championship (April 2026): Open to any doubles team

Last weekend's high school tournament in Utah gave us a glimpse of what’s possible. Teams brought energy, talent, and a ton of competitive fire. If you missed it, don’t worry; you can still rewatch the action using Swish code Sv6X4 or read the recap here. 

A Way to Get Collegiate Scholarships

For many high school players, pickleball is a pathway to college.

Coaches across the country are starting to recruit from high school programs, using DUPR ratings and event performances to identify top talent. Schools like Drury University are already ahead of the curve, offering varsity pickleball with pickleball scholarships equal to NCAA sports.

That means standout players in high school tournaments today could be signing letters of intent tomorrow.

If you're a student-athlete looking to compete at the next level, high school pickleball is the place to start.

What’s Next?

The high school calendar is just heating up.
Here are the next stops on the DUPR High School tour:

• Pennsylvania Super Regional : Oct 11–12
  
• North Carolina Super Regional: Oct 18–19
  
• Texas High School Super Regional (Collegiate World Championship): Oct 31–Nov 2
  
• Arizona High School Super Regional: Nov 22–23
  

Most high school tournaments take place alongside collegiate events, so don’t be surprised if you're taken to a registration page that looks like it’s for college teams.

👉 Just select “High School” from the division dropdown or write “high school” on the search bar when registering or viewing brackets on Swish.

This setup allows us to create a full weekend of competitive play and gives high school athletes the chance to be part of bigger, more exciting events.

We're building the future of the sport from the ground up and high school is where it all begins.

To stay up to date on high school pickleball news, follow @highschoolpickleball on Instagram