​Seniors Matter(s): Pickleball sweeping the world!

Pickleball is sweeping the world, and rightly so.

Fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington.

Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game.

Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules, into a popular sport throughout the United States and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

These days, the tennis/ping-pong/badminton hybrid is experiencing a renaissance that has catapulted the sport to the big leagues, per Bloomberg.

Several factors have led to the Pickleball explosion.

For the unfamiliar, Pickleball is played with a square paddle that’s slightly larger than a ping-pong paddle, on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The balls are plastic with scattered holes, like a whiffle ball.

Compared to tennis, it means less movement and is, therefore, easier. However, when it comes to promptness and overall agility, it's required to be on the same level as that of tennis. Tennis boasts a bigger court which demands more movement than Pickleball.

The game’s simple rules and slower pace make it easier to master than tennis, offering players a solid work-out with lower injury risk.

Most clubs establish a ranking to help players find partners around their own ability level. In a four-tier club, level one is for beginners learning ball control and court position. Level two is more advanced and assumes players have all the rules down and are comfortable making drop shots and chasing lobs.

Level three becomes competitive in a gentle way, while level four players own the “KITCHEN” (look it up) and can place shots adroitly. Playing near the kitchen develops quick reaction times and paddle control whatever level you are playing at.

Injuries are possible, but rare, as the game is fast reflexes and short volleys. I know of no elbow problems.

Many seasoned tennis players are switching to Pickleball. I like both games, yet my knees don’t, so Pickleball has become a way for me to spend many hours per week getting a good, but not debilitating, work-out.

There are clubs everywhere, so I never leave home without my paddle.

The best thing about it? There’s no such thing as being too old for Pickleball!

Give it a try - trust me, you will love it!

‘Till next time, stay safe and hydrated.