Most Tuesdays and Thursdays, every season, at the W.I.S.H. centre, you’ll find 3 courts loaded with Pickleball® players, and players on the sidelines waiting for their turn on the court. It’s a game that is quickly growing extremely popular with the baby boomers of today (ages 52 – 70), those fully retired, and those who are able to sneak away from work for a couple of hours once or twice a week to get in a game. But it actually doesn’t stop there…………it’s a great game that can be played by the entire family.
Pickleball® is actually a paddle sport that combines the fundamentals of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. You can play singles, but doubles is more the norm. Each player has a solid paddle and the object is to knock the ball (made of polymer) over a net. The dimensions of the court are that of a badminton court, with the net and rules similar to tennis (with a few alterations.) The game was invented in the mid 60’s as a pastime for children but today seems to be one of the most popular growing games for our baby boomers and beyond.
For a wonderful example, Harvey Nicholson (pictured here and on the cover) will be celebrating his 90th Birthday on September 6, 2016 and has been playing the game for close to ten years now. When we asked Harvey, “Why Pickleball®?” here is what he said. “It’s a great way to spend time, and as a Senior I have the time during the day to come out and play. It’s a lot of fun and great exercise. My whole family is involved with the game. My daughter, Nancy, and I play often together and my sons also play in St. Thomas and in Windsor. Pickle ball® games are held on courts both inside and outside. Outside games are a totally different feel; the elements can sometimes help or hinder your game. The best thing of all about Pickleball® is the exercise it gives me to keep me feeling young, and the friendships I’m making along the way. ”
And where did the name Pickleball®come from? Some sources say it was named after one of the founders dogs “Pickles…”
Another source claims “Pickles” was named after the game? Either way “Pickles” was a part of the family then and Pickleball® can be enjoyed by the entire family today!
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