Good Sport - Beyond the Bowling Green

Your Time Magazine April 2020 - Brisbane Edition 61 

PICKLEBALL WITH a dash of table tennis, a hint of badminton and a serve of tennis, pickleball is easy to learn, fun, and, according to players, highly addictive. And if you have never heard of it, that’s not surprising as it arrived in Australia only two years ago, in late 2017.

At the vanguard of the sport in Queensland, James Sharley stumbled across the game while holidaying in Spain three years ago – language is not a barrier to playing – then returned home to discover there was a centre near his home.

“I was drawn by the laughter,” he says. “I was on the court for 20 minutes that first day and I’ve not stopped going back. There’s no sweating, no aggression. It’s just fun.”

He notes that when you make a good shot in pickleball, it is usually your opponent who congratulates you.

The game is played on a badminton size court – or about one-third of a tennis court – using a paddle and a hollow ball with holes in it. Called a wiffle ball, it looks like a larger version of the cat toys that have little bells inside.

“It’s like playing table tennis on the floor and is generally played as a doubles game so it’s very social,” James says. “The rules are peculiar so it’s not tennis.”

To ensure there are no blistering aces, the serve is underarm. It requires strategy rather than power.

The ball must be allowed to bounce on the first and second returns but can be hit on the full after that. There’s also a non-volley space either side of the net, so no slamming.

There’s no need to fear for creaky knees, as play moves forward and back, and there’s no call for twisting and turning or causing stress to knees and ankles.

“You can self-regulate to avoid stress on the joints,” James says. “There are two risk factors – running backwards and hydration – but that’s about it. Physios and rehab therapists are recommending it.”

He emphasises the game is more about placement and accuracy than strength and hard hitting. “

A few of our players have played tennis and squash before but most didn’t have any racquet skills at all, and some tennis habits need to be ‘unlearnt’,” James says. “Scoring is similar to table tennis and points are won only on the service.”

Players can pace themselves, as the average doubles match – and it is generally played as a doubles game – takes about 15 minutes. Sessions are two hours.

“It’s a small court but it’s still an aerobic workout,” he says. “It’s not as sedate as croquet.”

The other advantage is that it is usually played indoors and protected from the weather, although with pickleball’s growing popularity more venues are needed and James said this could lead them outdoors.

Apart from its addictive qualities, pickleball attracts the 55+ cohort because most venues currently are available only during the day. And many of its proponents discovered the game while on a cruise as it is a popular deck sport.

The game itself also suits any level of fitness, so can be played at various skill levels regardless of age.

“You can skill up if you want or just have a lot of fun,” James says. “You get what you want from it.”

The oldest member at last year’s championships was 83.

The proof is in the pudding. There were 60 at the first Australian championships in 2018, 160 last year and more than 300 were expected this year, although all games are now off until health sanctions are lifted.

James has delivered his introductory talk to 159 newcomers – only one didn’t return for a second session after the first free games.

“The joy for me is watching a new player because within 10 minutes you can see the confident smile,” James says. “It’s simply addictive.

Click to view  "Your Time" Magazine - Edition 61 online - the article is on page 5.

WHERE TO GO:

The Sunshine Coast has pickleball venues at Noosa Tennis Club, Noosa Leisure Centre and Mooloolaba Tennis Club.  The Halcyon group incorporated dedicated pickleball courts within their complex at Bli Bli.

There are six pickleball venues in Brisbane - Nathan, Coorparoo, Albion, Chandler, Bracken Ridge and Everton Hills.  Play has been suspended until April 3, and will then be reassessed.

James Sharley is now a board member of
Pickleball Australia, the National governing body.