Activities news

What is Pickle Ball?

That is exactly what I asked when I first heard about it.

Answer: Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles made of highly sophisticated technological materials, to hit a perforated polymer ball, over a net.

The group was set up by Settle U3a in response to many members requests and has been an instant success and very quickly reached near capacity. Nationally there are over 40,000 players registered with Pickleball England, the National Governing Body. As it is fast becoming one of the most popular racket sports in the world, and is played locally, I wanted to find out more, so last Wednesday I went along to St John’s Methodist Church Hall in Settle, where Pickleball is played by the U3A members, under the tuition of Kath and David.

One of the other benefits of Pickleball is that it’s a low-impact sport, that’s easy on the joints and it can help you build your fitness while playing a fun and challenging game, so it’s a great way to exercise, keep active with friends and meet new people.

I have never been that good at Tennis or Badminton (or any sport really), but they say that Pickleball is a sport for all ages, backgrounds and abilities and is easy for beginners to pick up. I wasn’t that convinced, however, after watching the game for about half an hour, I could see why people enjoyed playing so much, and the size of the paddle would surely give me a better chance of hitting the ball!!!!!!!

The 4 players on the court looked like they had been playing racket sport for years, but one lady said she had never played tennis and only started playing Pickleball a couple of months ago and she loves it.

Another lady said that she was previously a tennis player, but she doesn’t drive any more and doesn’t enjoy playing outside.  So, she has learnt a whole new game and thoroughly enjoys it.  She added that it has been so good for her mental health, and she feels more cheerful in herself.

I was asked if I wanted to have a go, which I had managed to avoid as memories of being picked last for the rounders team stays with you.  I did, however, feel comfortable with David, Kath and the group.

We started with David simply passing the ball across the net which I did manage to return.  This was probably due to the size of the paddle.

It is certainly a sport I could see myself taking up when I have more available time, and with the current demand for spaces I better get my name down.

Kath and David are at St John’s on a Monday and Wednesday morning and play 9.15am -11.00am and 11.00am -1.00pm.

You do need to be a member of U3A and would need to contact Kath liveandkicking82@gmail.com before joining the group, as only 4 people can be on court at any one time.

There is also the Austwick Piccalillis who I understand play in a league, in a number of local venues. Their age range is from 18+ up to people playing in their mid-80’s.  For more information, please contact austwickpickleball@gmail.com  I understand this group is also full at the moment with a waiting list.

My thanks to U3A for allowing me to explore some of the activities they are providing in our local community.

It’s line dancing next!!!!

Caroline Wilson – Activities Co-ordinator for Age UKNC