Does anyone play pickleball?

[Ronni]

I’m working on establishing some different recreational activities as a therapeutic aid to help with my grief and depression. I wanted something active because my tendency since Devin died is to just sit or sleep, so I chose to look for activities where I have to get up and out, rather than crafts where I’m just sedentary. I’ve always been an active sort anyway.

My local community center has pickleball once a week so I went to my first game yesterday. I was surprised how much I enjoyed myself. It’s quite a workout too, a lot like tennis which I played a lot in my younger days, but the rules and scoring are different, and the equipment takes getting used to. At least the balls do. They’re plastic with holes so they don’t bounce the way tennis or ping pong balls do, the aerodynamics are different, and I missed many shots in the beginning because I anticipated a non existent bounce.

It was fun. No way I could keep up with the younger folks who were playing, but I did better than I thought I would against the younger crowd. I was the oldest person there by I’m guessing at least twenty years.

Anyone have stories to share?

 

[MarkinPhx]

I would really like to give it a try . It is very popular here and the largest facility in the US is planned to be built close to where I live It does seem like it would would be a fun workout. Thanks for posting this. It gives me motivation

 

[dilettante]

Even the name seems off-putting and unfortunate. Is it some way to make use of all of those idle tennis courts we pay for the upkeep on in so many public parks?

 

[Michael Z]

I think I would like it provided my back could handle it.

 

[Pinky]

Good for you, Ronni - I think that physical exercise, especially competitive sports, is the way to go.

 

[Gardenlover]

I play from time to time, it is quite enjoyable. I prefer playing singles over doubles. Courts are popping up all over.

 

[birdy]

I think it's a great idea you have. I haven't played yet...I'm also a tennis player so thanks for the heads up on the bounce, etc.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Good for you Ronni ! You've made me happy just reading that you went and enjoyed yourself! It's great exercise and getting those endorphins pumping will also help ease your grief. I never played pickle ball but my BFF, who lives in a resort town, plays often with her condo neighbors.

 

[Ronni]

I will tell you I’m sore! I used muscles I haven’t used in who knows how long, even though my work is active and I’ve started walking several miles a day again.

Lunging for the ball, and swinging a racket forehand and backhand have put stress on my biceps, triceps, glutes and hamstrings and they’re letting me know! But even so, it’s a good kind of ache, the kind that tells me I’ve challenged my muscles out of their comfort zone!

I found another game to join at another recreation center close by, so provided my muscles have recovered, I’ll play again Friday.

 

[Dr. Jekyll]

I play several times a week. My knees don't always enjoy it, but it is a fun way to exercise. Now I'm in an over 55 community so everyone is in the same general age category - though there are some 80-year-olds that will wear you out! We place a big focus on safety and have an informal rule that if it takes more than two steps to get to the ball no one judges you for not even trying. I think I mentioned here before that we have a "social" group and an "advanced" group (for the more competitive types).

If you are going to play regularly, the right shoes are essential. You need anything that says it is a "court" shoe. It doesn't have to be a "pickleball" shoe - that's just branding. A good tennis (as in the sport) shoe will be fine. Court shoes provide the lateral movement support that running shoes or just plain sneakers don't.

 

[Ronni]

I play several times a week. My knees don't always enjoy it, but it is a fun way to exercise. Now I'm in an over 55 community so everyone is in the same general age category - though there are some 80-year-olds that will wear you out! We place a big focus on safety and have an informal rule that if it takes more than two steps to get to the ball no one judges you for not even trying. I think I mentioned here before that we have a "social" group and an "advanced" group (for the more competitive types).

If you are going to play regularly, the right shoes are essential. You need anything that says it is a "court" shoe. It doesn't have to be a "pickleball" shoe - that's just branding. A good tennis (as in the sport) shoe will be fine. Court shoes provide the lateral movement support that running shoes or just plain sneakers don't.

Thanks so much for the show info @Dr. Jekyll. I have expensive sneakers that I wear for work…arch support, excellent cushioning etc but I realized about half way through the game they weren’t doing a good job at all.

I wondered what kind of shoe might be appropriate and thought I might look for a tennis shoe but that felt too specific. A court shoe is a much broader search term.

Thank you! Excellent tip