Of late, the popularity of this activity has been skyrocketing, and even those who previously had little interest in sports have seemingly become ardent players. Could the psychological phenomenon known as FOMO – or “fear of missing out” – be at work here?

Psychologist Norezzati Hanafiah believes that FOMO – often associated with social pressure or unhealthy lifestyle habits – can actually be used positively, such as by encouraging individuals to lead more active lifestyles.

From a psychological perspective, this drive is closely tied to the human instinct to be accepted within a social group, which is essential for emotional well-being. As such, in the context of pickleball or other light sports, FOMO can become a positive motivator.

“One might start as a spectator, then develop an interest in trying it out, which can become a turning point towards adopting a healthier lifestyle. If handled properly, FOMO can spark healthy habits that spread widely within a community,” she said.

Beyond physical benefits, pickleball also contributes to mental health through its relaxed and fun social aspects — enhancing mood, providing ongoing motivation, and offering social therapy for those dealing with work stress or burnout.

According to Norezzati, the approach to health promotion is evolving, with a greater focus on the “fun-first” concept, as seen in pickleball. This makes physical activities more enjoyable and effective than approaches that emphasise aesthetics or weight loss.

“When an activity is seen as fun rather than a burden, people are more likely to stick with it. This makes a healthy lifestyle something to enjoy rather than something one is forced into,” she stressed.

Norezzati added that social media plays a major role in spreading the pickleball trend, and creating a sense of normalisation that encourages more people to try the sport without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.