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Pickleball Craze Sweeping the Country
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Pickleball
is sweeping senior communities as the sport-of-choice among retirees
who want to stay physically active and have a splendid time doing
so.
Pickleball is played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at
the center. Players use wood or composite paddles to hit a plastic ball — slightly
larger than a tennis ball — back and forth over the net until play is stopped
by a rules violation or a fault. A fault occurs when the ball is hit over the
net and not returned by the other team.
The game was created 40 years ago by U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William
Bill Bell and Barney McCallum.
During the game, the family dog, Pickles, would steal the ball and hide it in
the bushes. “Pickle’s ball” was shortened to “pickleball,” and
an oddly-named sport was born.
According to Fran Myer, public relations director for the USA Pickleball Association,
there are a number of reasons for the sport’s growing popularity.
“Compared to other sports, it’s relatively inexpensive,” she
explained. “And the low startup cost is appealing to anyone.”
Pickleball is easy to learn, too.
“A senior moving into a retirement community can pick up the game quickly
when compared to tennis or numerous other games,” said Myer.
Because it is becoming such a popular game among seniors, pickleball has become
a marketing tool.
“Many senior communities use pickleball courts as an incentive to get residents,” said
Myer.
Unlike many other games, pickleball doesn’t require the construction of
a special playing field. Originally, the sport was played on an area the same
size as a badminton court. Driveways, backyards and even back alleys were used
to play picklball.
Typically, four pickleball courts can be made from one deserted tennis court.
The game has some pretty simple rules, too. The essence of the game is that players — either
singles or doubles — take turns hitting the ball over the net until the
volley ends with a fault.
The very simplicity of the game is one of its major attractions. Another attraction
is that the game is less physically demanding than similar racquet sports.
“You don’t run your legs off like you do in tennis,” said 57-year-old
Greg Dakan, who plays pickleball in Rio Linda. “The game doesn’t
require a lot of knee twisting or high impact moves.”
Pickleball was originally designed as a family sport, so multiple generations
can be found on the same court at the same time.
“My kids like to play the game, too,” said Dakan.
“It’s not uncommon to find grandparents, parents, and grandkids all
playing the game,” Myer agreed.
The sport’s popularity has led to its inclusion on the list of events at
many senior games. The USAPA maintains a ranking system that allows people to
test their skills against their peers.
While pickleball is currently not among the medal sports at the national Senior
Olympics, it is under consideration for inclusion. The National Pickleball Tournament
draws a large amount of attention, said Myer.
Better health is another main attraction for pickleball’s rapid increase
across the country. A 2005 study by the American Dietic Association demonstrated
that 30 minutes of exercise each day significantly reduced the risk of diabetes,
cancer and heart disease.
Another study from the University of Washington found that regular exercise decreased
the risk of brain-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The bottom line is that pickleball is inexpensive, fun and easy to learn. It’s
a great way to keep fit and perhaps make some new friends.
For more information on pickleball and local pickleball groups, visit the USAPA
website at www.usapa.org.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
