Even though pickleball is "widely considered the fastest-growing sport in America" according to jpost and others, it still has the reputation of an old person's game. And this clip of supposedly high-level pickleball on ESPN does absolutely nothing to dispel that reputation.

"They don’t even seem good or athletic? What is happening?" @AntiParasocial asked. Not only is the sport slow-moving and small, but the players hardly seemed enthusiastic. 

"I've seen pickleball played a lot more aggressively than this, @CSINews106 wrote. "I play pickleball."

While pickleball is obviously a game of strategy and finesse more than power and speed, this isn't a strategy battle anybody wants to sit down and watch. And while they do sometimes hit the ball past the first line, I didn't care enough to learn when or continue watching PPA Tour highlights, (Professional Pickleball Association). Most other viewers felt the same way. 

Like @bobby commented, "I would sincerely rather watch some frat’s backyard beer Olympics."

my god this is embarrassing. how is this geriatric hobby on regular espn. pic.twitter.com/HJoJLwZASP

— bobby (@bobby) July 30, 2023