Something is echoing across America.

In cities, townships, maybe even bigger backyards,

a hollow sound can be heard alongside cheers,

jeers, and triumphant screams.

It is the sound of pickleball,

which has in the blink of an eye become America's fastest growing sport.

Five million people in the United States now identify as picklers.

But there are no Mason jars here, Frendo.

No, this is just paddles and whistleballs,

back and forth, back and forth.

Pickleball has the potential to bring this divided nation together.

If it doesn't tear us apart first,

that's coming up on Today Explained.

Today Explained, Sean Romisfer, a mediocre tennis player,

but you can find me tearing up the courts in the District of Columbia a few nights a week.

I started playing a lot more during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

It was a safe outdoor activity, and I had more time because no commute, no social obligations.

You probably had a thing like tennis too.

Around Thanksgiving 2020, I came out to California for a few months to hang out with my family,

and tried to keep the tennis up.

I found a court nearby that wasn't too busy, except for all the pickleball.

There was one tennis court that was seldom occupied next to four pickleball courts

...