A study analyzing U.S. emergency-department data found that children’s pickleball injuries reached an estimated 3,011 cases, 58.4% of which were concentrated in 2024. The most common injury site was the face, and patients were predominantly boys (61.4%) and those aged 13 to 17 (57.4%). With the rapid expansion of the playing population, it revealed that the base of injuries—until now considered centered on older people—is also spreading to children.
An estimated 3,011 cases, nearly 60% in 2024
The research team used data from the U.S. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for 2014 to 2024 and calculated children’s pickleball injuries at an estimated 3,011 cases. Notably, 58.4% of these were concentrated in the single year of 2024. This shows that the sport spread rapidly among children and injuries surfaced in proportion.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated number of injuries | About 3,011 cases |
| Share in 2024 | 58.4％ |
| Share who were boys | 61.4％ |
| Share aged 13 to 17 | 57.4％ |
| Share who were hospitalized | About 4% |
| Data period | 2014–2024 (NEISS) |
The most common was the face, followed by lacerations
The most common type of injury was to the face at 27.1%, followed by lacerations at 23.8%. Looking more closely, facial lacerations (18.8%), ankle sprains (8.9%), and concussion/closed head injury (6.9%) topped the list. It suggests a tendency unique to children, whereby struck balls, paddles, and falls tend to concentrate around the face.
A bias toward boys and the adolescent generation
Of the patients, 61.4% were boys, and by age, those 13 to 17 made up a majority at 57.4%. Injuries are biased toward the adolescent generation that takes part in sports actively. On the other hand, age-based differences were also reported: younger children tend to suffer lacerations, while older children tend to injure their knees or shoulders. About 4% were hospitalized, and most cases did not become severe.
The surge curve reflected in NEISS data
This study is based on NEISS, a nationwide emergency-injury database. Another analysis using the same database also showed pickleball injuries overall surging from 1,313 cases in 2014 to 24,461 in 2023, and the tendency for the sport’s spread and the number of injuries to move together is consistent. The surge in children’s injuries can also be placed within this larger current.
Toward a safe spread among children
The result that facial injuries are the most common shows that the risk of struck balls or paddles hitting the face in children’s play is not small. Court operation with spacing, and rule and equipment considerations suited to age, will be keys to expanding the base safely. In spreading the sport to younger generations, we need to equip ourselves with a perspective on injury prevention alongside enjoyment.
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Source:Pediatric pickleball injuries: multi-center database analysis (Am J Emerg Med) / Medscape / Pediatric Pickleball Injuries Surge in 2024
