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GREENWOOD TWP- Pickleball enthusiasts got the chance to recruit some new players, Sunday, as the Greenwood Pickleball Association hosted a “Pickleball Newbie” event at the …
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GREENWOOD TWP- Pickleball enthusiasts got the chance to recruit some new players, Sunday, as the Greenwood Pickleball Association hosted a “Pickleball Newbie” event at the township’s brand new pickleball courts.
The four new courts, as well as the two temporary courts on the single tennis court, were full all afternoon, as those new to the sport, as well as more experienced players, batted plastic balls back and forth over a net.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and is often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
The pickleball association formed last year and is now part of the Greenwood Recreation Committee. They raised the funds needed to build the courts last year, which officially opened for play earlier this spring.
The courts host open play weekday mornings from 8-11 a.m., which regularly attracts more than the 24 players that can play at a time on the four courts. And court rules are that anyone who comes during this time gets to play. Outside of the open play time, the courts are available on a first-come basis.
“We have newcomers all the time,” said Paul Thompson, president of the association. “It’s really a social outlet too.”
Thompson, along with other avid players in Greenwood, have said the social aspect of the game is almost important as the physical activity, and has created a new outlet for newcomers to the area to meet their neighbors and make new friends.
Pickleball is played with two players on each side of the court, which is approximately the size of half a tennis court, so less running is involved. The rules seem a bit complicated at first, but anyone familiar with tennis or other racquet sports will pick them up quickly. The plastic hollow ball, which looks like a yellow wiffle ball, is not as bouncy as a tennis ball, and makes a distinctive popping noise when hit.
While many players come with experience in tennis, and pick up the paddle skills quickly, others also get into the swing of the sport without too much effort, said Barb Peyla. She offers free beginner lessons for adults at the court on Fridays at 11 a.m. She does ask that anyone intending to come register by emailing her at bngpeyla@gmail.com. That way, if more than four players are interested, she will recruit a second instructor. Paddles and balls are provided for these lessons.
“I just enjoy getting people interested in the game,” she said. “And I love to see their progress.”
Peyla picked up the sport about ten years ago in Mesa, Ariz., where she spends the winters.
Dale Horihan was one of the several dozen people who took the opportunity to try out the sport on Sunday. His wife Julie is an avid player, but he had never taken the time to play before.
“I’m having fun,” he said.
The sport is becoming more popular with families, not just seniors, Thompson said.
Basic sets of two pickleball paddles with balls can be found for less than $25, but players can spend over $250 on higher-end paddles. People were readily sharing their paddles, so players could see what style of paddle felt best for them.