A game that is fairly new to Australia, Pickleball is emerging as a low impact alternative for tennis and badminton players who are a little less mobile than they used to be.
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.
Auburn Basketball Centre manager Dawn Burke who plays with her daughter and grandchildren, says the game is similar to ping pong where the ball gets smashed over a net.
“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,” she said.
“We’ve even got a few people playing with Parkinsons Disease as it’s great for mobility plus it allows those in wheelchairs to enjoy sport again.
“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 long to play.
It’s on offer on Sundays, 10am-noon (cost, $10); call 9646 3840 or 0423 988 181 to book and for further details.
More in a ‘pickle’ as popular sport returns
INVENTED in the 1960s as a children’s backyard game and called after the family dog ‘Pickle’ who liked to chase balls, Pickleball is one of the world’s fastest growing sports and it has returned to Auburn Basketball Centre on Sunday mornings.