Several key methods of sound abatement have been proposed and instituted around the world, but not all of them are as financially practical or even effective as their proponents claim.

Understanding the sound of pickleball

At its core, pickleball noise stems from two main sources:

• The paddle and ball connection: The loud “pop” is created when a paddle hits the hard plastic ball.
• Court acoustics: Sound reverberates off hard surfaces like concrete, amplifying the effect.

Phil Hipol, an acoustics engineer with a resume that includes creating the acoustical model for the Space Shuttle and founding Pickleball Science, explains:

“The primary contributor to pickleball noise is the paddle striking the ball. You don’t really hear the ball hitting the ground. To truly address the issue, we need solutions that tackle this interaction.”

What works?

A potential breakthrough lies in engineering a paddle-ball combo that mimics traditional gear but reduces noise levels. Until then, here are two practical tools to explore:

Whisper Pads: Removable noise-dampening pads that attach to any paddle, ideal for casual play. These might be good because you are using your same paddle with a standard ball, so the "feel" might be the same. However, the velocity that the ball leaves the paddle will be affected.

Related: The Pickleball(s) of the Future Just Rolled In

Sound Dampening Balls: Companies like Gamma & Accel Sports offer quieter balls that play like regular ones but without the sharp “pop.”

Acoustic barriers: Do they work?

ommunities often turn to acoustic fencing and noise barriers as the first line of defense. These barriers can block or absorb sound, but they have limitations:

Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV): While effective in blocking noise, MLV barriers don’t handle weather well and can reflect sound back onto the court unless paired with absorbing materials. They also present a problem with durability and if you live in an area with high wind loads, they can destroy the fence that they are attached to.

Natural Landscaping: Surprisingly, dense hedges or trees provide minimal noise reduction despite their visual appeal.

Phil adds: “Sound barriers must be tall enough to stop sound dispersion over the top. Even then, without sound-absorbing layers, courts become echo chambers."

Excerpt of an Article Written by Adam Forziati - Director of Content @ The Kitchen