It’s the latest fad to hit the courts — but will it last?
In 2013 I made an acquaintance with a woman married to my husband’s friend.
During dinner, she asked if I played pickleball? What the heck is pickleball?
Carol explained it was a cross between tennis and ping-pong and maybe a bit of badminton thrown in, too.
How the heck did this game come to be, and why the silly name?
The story is that in 1965, three dads tired of hearing their children complain of boredom created this game for them. They loved it.
There are two versions of how the name came about. The wife of one of the men coined the term as the game is a combination of three other sports, referencing the second-string crewing the “pickle boat” in rowing.
Another understanding is that the game was named after one of the creator’s dogs, “Pickles,” as she loved chasing the ball.
Learning
Carol is several years older than me and reported that the game is perfect for older adults as the court is smaller than a tennis court, approximately one-fourth the size, and the game is usually played with doubles.
Clearly, not as strenuous as tennis, yet still enough movement to get quality exercise.
Another six years after first hearing about this game, I ventured out to give it a whirl.
My friend Shannon and I signed up for lessons through the local Park and Rec, and I have never looked back.
Shannon suffered tendonitis the first month of play and decided it wasn’t her favorite sport.
I love the game. It’s challenging, fun, and a great way to develop new neural pathways in the brain. Just try remembering who served last or what the score is! Fortunately, four of us are playing, so between us, we usually come up with the answers.
We also must learn to serve, return the ball and remember the rules — and there are a few.
I started playing late in 2019 and have advanced slowly but steadily in my skill level.
Individuals can take lessons from private coaches, and the cost is reasonable, or many communities offer group lessons.
I am involved in league play — all-women teams are my favorite. Depending on where you live, you can play the game all year.
In Arizona, the winter months from October through April are ideal for outside play. The summer play takes place very early in the mornings or indoors.
Quite a few gyms have added pickleball courts or marked basketball courts for pickleball play, too.
Nationwide, tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts — requested by those who live in those communities.
Over 9,500 pickleball courts throughout the U.S. prove this game is here to stay.
Anyone can play
Pickleball is not only for older folks, as it appeared in the beginning. Men and women of all ages are now playing. Many have tennis backgrounds and are transitioning as fewer injuries occur with pickleball.
Children are getting into the act, too, and some schools have added the game to their Physical Education programs.
Celebrities have also joined in on the craze. Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney, and his wife, Amal, Matthew Perry from “Friends,” Leonardo DiCaprio, Stephen Colbert, and Brene Brown, author, and speaker, are among the devotees.
* * *
To say pickleball has changed my life is not an overstatement.
Before learning this game, my exercise activities consisted of hiking the hills, walking my Golden Retriever, taking various exercise classes and yoga at the gym, and a bit of strength training at home. Yes, a considerable amount, though, of course, spread throughout the week.
I still do those, except for the gym classes I eliminated because of Covid.
Adding pickleball to the mix has significantly improved my fitness level. I play three to five times a week for one and a half to two hours each time.
The best part of pickleball? I have made amazing, kind, supportive friends who have become very dear to me.
The bottom line — I have not one negative thing to say about pickleball — okay, one — we need more courts!
Pickleball is a craze — a healthy, fun, exuberant sensation that is here to stay. Give it a try — you’ll love it.
