What is Pickle-ball?
Oct 16, 2015
Want to be the Oak Bluff Pickle-ball champion? First, it’s important to know what Pickle-ball is.
Pickle-ball is a racquet sport that seemingly combines a badminton court with tennis rules and ping pong paddles. The biggest difference is the no-volley zone in front of the net. Two or four players use their paddles to hit a perforated “wiffle ball” back and forth. The game has grown in recent years and is now played in the United States, Canada, India and Spain.
The game was invented by Joel and Joan Pritchard, along with some friends, in 1965. Noticing their children were bored, they attempted to set up a game of badminton but could not find a shuttlecock. Using a wiffle ball and pieces of plywood, they lowered the net to improvise a new game. The name was inspired by the crew of a Pickle Boat, who were generally people who hadn’t been selected to serve on other boats.
The game can be played by people of all ages and abilities, but still be fun for advanced players. Unlike some net sports such as tennis, which rely on the power of the serve, Pickle-ball requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This makes it accessible to more players to enjoy the sport while extending rallies for more fun. While ordinary ping pong paddles, badminton nets and whiffle balls can be used, serious players may choose to acquire specially designed equipment.
Pickle-ball is one of the many sports offered at the Oak Bluff Recreation Centre. The centre will be running ongoing drop-in sessions on Mondays from September 8 to December 22. Games will generally be between 2 and 4 pm. People interested in playing are encouraged to register to receive program updates as they arrive. Equipment will be provided though please bring clean indoor shoes.
What: Pickle-ball
Where: Oak Bluff Recreation Centre
When: Mondays, 2-4pm (varies)
How much: $2 per drop in or $5 per month
To bring: Clean indoor shoes
Watch this YouTube video to learn the basics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAL_Au2S9Kk
Sources:
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball
Pickle-ball
http://pickleball.com/pages/about-what-is-pickle-ball