Shreveport Pickleball: Is It the New Golf?

Pickleball Fever Hits Shreveport-Bossier: Is This the New Golf?

If you haven’t heard someone in Shreveport-Bossier raving about pickleball yet, you’re probably not listening. The sport that’s easier to pick up than tennis, way cheaper than golf, and just as addicting as a Saturday crawfish boil is taking over our courts. From retirees to college athletes, and yes, even some serious business deals being brokered between volleys, pickleball is more than just a trend—it’s a full-blown movement.

Shreveport-Bossier isn’t just jumping on the pickleball bandwagon—we’re driving it. Some of the hottest spots to play include:

• Southern Hills Tennis Center – With  dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, Southern Hills is a go-to for local players. It’s got lighting for evening matches and lessons for those looking to level up. Just be ready for some intense competition from the regulars. Might not want to try in August though like we did.

• Bellaire Fitness Center – Over in Bossier, Bellaire boasts outdoor courts, plus some shady seating so you can talk strategy (or trash) between matches.

• Cypress Baptist Church’s 3:16 Fieldhouse – A hidden gem in Benton, this spot offers indoor courts and a strong pickleball community. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a court for you—just don’t be surprised if you get hooked.

Shreveport-Bossier on the National Stage

It’s not just weekend warriors making waves. How cool is this?  Shreveport-Bossier has two students repping the area on Baylor University’s pickleball team, which is currently ranked #29 in the nation (according to DUPR’s collegiate power rankings). That’s right, our local talent is smashing their way to national recognition.

Pickleball vs. Golf: The New Business Playground?

For decades, golf was the go-to sport for networking, wheeling, and dealing. But let’s be real—not everyone has four+ hours to commit to 18 holes and a putter that costs more than their first car. Enter pickleball.

• Way cheaper – No green fees, no $1,500 set of clubs, and no need for a membership at a fancy country club. Rodeny Dangerfield would have loved it!
• Easier to learn – If you can hold a paddle and get the ball over the net, you can play. But mastering the game? That’s a whole different story, but if you are an intense competitor, it offers a lane just for you.
• Faster pace, more fun – Games are quick, intense, and way more interactive than waiting for someone to line up a putt for five minutes.

Join the Shreveport Pickleball Movement

So, is pickleball just a fad? Not possible. Pickleball has been around since 1965. It’s social, it’s competitive, and it’s truly addicting. Whether you’re looking to get in a good workout, make new friends, or casually dominate, Shreveport-Bossier has a court waiting for you.

Grab a paddle, step on the court, and see what the hype is all about—you just might find your new obsession.