Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America today. The game, popularized by seniors, is now played by folks of all ages. Some colleges, universities and even high schools have teams and/or are teaching kids to play.
The game is a combination of tennis, ping-pong and badminton, and you play on indoor or outdoor courts. There very well may be a court or two near you, as courts are popping up everywhere.
Pickleball Mania
I first heard of pickleball about 10 years ago. My dad began playing it at a local health club here in Wisconsin. He learned about it from his sister, an avid player at a 55+ senior living community in the Chicago area. I enjoyed watching them both so excited about the game. The game looked fun to me, but I figured it would be years before I’d pick up a paddle. Because, of course, I wasn’t a retired senior citizen.
It was long, though, before I noticed younger and younger people picking up paddles. Now, I see plenty of folks my aging racing around the courts. I’ll admit, I have yet to try the sport. It’s not because I’m uninterested, but more due to a lack of time. I’m still working full-time. And, well, hiking is more my thing. But I’m sure I’ll play one of these days.
More Info
If you’d like to learn more about pickleball, including the rules of the game, check out this guide. In the meantime, to find out how pickleball got its unique and amusing name, click on the button below and read all about it on HowStuffWorks.com.
HowStuffWorks, by the way, is a great website. It offers stories on every conceivable topic, such as this one I wrote on New Zealand as the birthplace of extreme sports.
My top gear recommendation for playing pickleball: A paddle-and-ball set. Here’s one that is highly rated.
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