A game that is fairly new to Australia, Pickleball is only now emerging as a low impact alternative for tennis and badminton players who are a little less mobile than they used to be.
It was established in the USA in 1965 by three fathers whose kids were bored with their summer break activities; they named it after one of their dogs, Pickle, who liked to chase balls.
Suitable for athletes with a disability, it’s also a game that can be enjoyed by any age, gender or ability.
Players use a paddle similar to a ping pong bat and a plastic whiffle ball.
“Think ping pong where the ball gets smashed over a net, but we’re not covering a little area like a table,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s so much fun, it’s a perfect game for anyone who has played a bat and ball game like tennis, badminton, squash or table tennis.
“Like most games, Pickleball is simple to learn but hard to master; it’s said to be the great equaliser in racquet sports because thinking is more important than power.“
Games only last about 10 to 12 minutes, meaning players have time for a chat between games but they don’t have to wait too long to play.
It’s on offer on Wednesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm and on Sundays, 9am-noon (cost to play, $10 a person); call 9646 3840 or 0423 988 181 for further details.
