Play Pickleball for physical and mental well being

Pickleball 

Have you played pickleball yet? Pickleball is one of the fastest growing games in the United States.

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 game.

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.

A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net referred to as the “kitchen”. (I have been tripped up in the kitchen a few times!)  Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be converted using existing tennis or badminton courts. I play on a converted indoor basketball court.

When playing pickleball, each player will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle. Originally, paddles were made only from wood, however, today’s paddles have evolved dramatically and are primarily made of lightweight composite materials, including aluminum and graphite. Players will also need a net and a pickleball. The ball is unique, with holes through it like a whiffle ball. Different ball models are intended for indoor and outdoor play. Balls come in several colors, including white, yellow and green, but must be a single color to meet International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) specifications. You can play a singles or a doubles game.

Pickleball is great for all ages. I love the sport and I try to play every weekend. I play with a very competitive group who appreciates strategic plays even when it benefits the opponent!