Have a ball, but hold the pickles
Pickleball: Set up a net on one side of a tennis court; grab some wooden racquets; toss in a colorful, hollow, polymer wifflelike ball; and play the game while blending the racquet sports of badminton, tennis and ping-pong.
••• Please don’t forget to include friendly and sociable fellow players.
I recently strapped on sneakers, borrowed a wooden racquet and played my first game of pickle ball. It was a nice, warm Friday evening at Fisher Park in Phoenixville.
We played doubles and I told Phoenixville Parks and Recreation Program volunteer and opponent Lindsey Williams that I should be allowed to win because it was my first time.
It was close, but my team lost. I learned right away that pickleball is not like many other sports. It’s not the flush of victory (though it would have been nice to win), but the joy of exercising with upbeat players that is attractive.
“It can be sociable or pretty competitive,” said Williams about the game that is reportedly the fastest growing sport in America.
Tennis player Nick Vayn of Exton says that the sport is accessible to people who don’t regularly play sports.
“It’s easier than other racquet sports to keep the ball in play,” he said.
Within minutes, this occasional ping-pong, tennis and badminton player was able to volley the ball, sending it back and forth 10 or 12 times per serve.
“While with tennis it’s difficult to rally, someone can come on a pickleball court and it’s pretty easy to rally,” Vayn said. “It’s harder to pick up other sports.”
The relatively small court is perfect for lollygagging and taking a breather for a short spell during doubles play.
“It’s fast paced and you can control how much energy you exert — it’s good for all levels,” Williams said. “But still, if you have good hand-eye coordination you can be competitive players.”
The game began in 1965 when former Washington state Rep. Joel Pritchard set up a badminton net. No shuttle cock could be found.
The net was lowered, a wiffle ball was substituted and the game of pickleball was born.
While it is disputed, the sport’s name likely came from the term “pickle boat,” which is the last boat to return to the dock. Pritchard’s dog was later named Pickle.
Friday night Phoenixville players serve and volley on half of an outdoor tennis court. The playing surface measures 20 by 44 feet, with a net raised 34 inches in the center.
A 7-foot section stretches from the net. To prevent poachers, the ball must bounce to be hit here in the “kitchen.”
Wheelchair bound players get two bounces and the wheelchair itself is considered in play.
Peg McCluskey of Phoenixville said that pickleball “gets your brain to fire like a Corvette.” She said it’s a fast game. “The idea is to play with people on your level and you’ll get better every time you play,” McCluskey said. “You’ll fall in love with it the first time you play.
“Everyone should at least try it.”
Vayn said tennis players pick up the sport quickly and the game is much easier on the body than tennis, with fewer sport related injuries.
“With quick movements, it’s a good workout,” Vayn said.
Vayn said he’s met several friends through the game and sometimes a group of players goes out together for dinner afterward.
Ann Byer of Exton said the game is “addictive.”
“They’re wonderful people,” she said. “It’s easy to learn and difficult to master.”
Byer said sport is inexpensive and becoming more and more popular. The Phoenixville admission for outdoor play is $5 per night, or a card may be purchased for $10, which is good for three nights. There is a $5 charge to play Wednesday nights at the Civic Center.
The department supplies the racquets, balls, net and organizes play.
Rick Gaylord of Pottstown plays four times per week.
Gaylord said the game takes a certain degree of finesse — not just trying to smash the ball. He said better players can use spins and undercuts.
He’s played with players of all ages, including those in their 70s. The group Friday night in Phoenixville was a healthy mix of about 20 players, aged from millennials to seniors.
I’ll be back again one day at the courts in Phoenixville. Maybe this time I’ll even win.
To find out when and where to play in Phoenixville, go to www.meetup. com and join Sports, Recreation & Fun- Valley Forge, Pa and search Pickleball.