Family Fitness should be Fun! Are you looking for a way to make Family Fitness a Lifetime project?
Well I think I may have found the perfect way to get the whole family involved in a sport that is fun, affordable, easy to play and has a full appeal to all ages!
It’s called PICKLEBALL! And it’s one of the fastest growing sports in Canada and the USA. As a matter of fact they have Pickleball teams all over the world!
A combination of Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis, this sport is growing in leaps and bounds. It’s easy to play because the courts are not too big and running is minimized. You can think through your next play because the ball (a type of whiffle ball) is much slower than your average tennis ball. Pickleball paddles are larger than a ping pong paddle, but with a shorter handle than a tennis racket. It makes this game an easy way to encourage fitness for a lifetime.
The Pickleball Court is much smaller than a tennis court so the running after the balls is minimized. You will still run but not nearly as far or as fast! If you have a level area in your yard, you could probably set up a pickleball court right at home.
PICKLEBALL COURT DIMENSIONS and Rules
Much like a tennis court in general setup, the pickleball court is smaller and has less foul lines. There still are the right and left courts, but there is also a no volley zone. The first two strikes of the ball after the serve must be made after a bounce on the opposite court. Then everything can happen. That means that you don’t have to bounce the ball before you strike it back to the other courts. So a combination of tennis and table tennis rules. The net is also much lower so the volley of the ball doesn’t have to be quite as high.
Whiffle balls are a hard rubber that has holes all around it. Because the air plays along with the balls, they slow down considerably as they are being hit. Pickleballs are made to specific sizes, with regulation size holes in those balls. There are regulations with regards to the paddles and the balls when used in tournaments. So the whole family should start with regulation paddles and balls so that your fitness and fun is all held to regulation sizes. When the family decides to go on to the tournaments, you are already prepared. Lifetime family fitness can be achieved with the right game and the right equipment. Pickleball is the game and the equipment is available right here.
Getting Started on the Road to Fitness with Pickleball.
Pickleball is inexpensive. If you are not sure it’s the game for you, a small investment of less than $20.00 will get you 2 paddles and 4 wiffle balls. The game is played by anyone who is in their teens right up to their nineties. Don’t let age stop you. There’s a saying that goes ” You don’t grow old until you stop playing!” So let’s keep playing! Life is short and this game is fun for all.
Before you start, it is always advisable to get a medical check up and clearance from you family doctor!
You can start with these and see how you like the game. Then if you, like so many others are convinced that this is the game for you, you can buy better racquets for greater control and returns..
The construction of the paddles just like in tennis will make a difference in how the ball is returned. Initially though, you don’t have to have the best paddles. Learning a new game like Pickleball, is fun without the very best equipment. Once you decide that this is your new game, then invest in some really good paddles and I’m sure your game will improve too!
I was on holidays this past September and while I was in South Carolina, I met a whole bunch of people who just got finished with a Pickleball Tournament. The overall winner was a 17 year old lad and the runner up was a gentleman in his 70’s. So when I tell you this can be played by all ages, I mean that it can be played by all ages. As a matter of fact, the average age of players is well over 55. It is reported by all the different associations that over 70% of the players are over 60 years of age.
One thing is certain and that is even if you don’t join a league of Pickleball players, you can and should drop in to play at a local drop in Pickleball group. They are all over the place and a little searching will surely result in groups that play close to you too! I just found a group for myself that plays on Tuesdays and it’s a drop in type of group, so perfect for me.
Here are some links to help you find a group that plays in your area:
International Pickleball Organization
Canadian Pickleball Association
If you don’t live in the States or Canada, don’t be dismayed. Put the work Pickleball into your browser and I’m sure there will be a group in your country too!
So far over 2 million people just in the States have found Pickleball to be their game of choice. What’s stopping you from trying it out? Not only will you make a whole bunch of new friends, but you will be much healthier and active. Those are all good things.
You can read more about Pickleball on my Review: Have you tried the latest fitness craze?
This looks like fun! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com
According to the people I was speaking to, this game is a riot! Can you imagine people of all ages playing together and having a great time? Well that’s what these folks were doing. All ages from teems right up to people in their 70’s were taking part in the competition. No wonder it’s taking the world by storm.
How fun! I never heard of this sport before. Shared on Google +
So happy I was able to share something fun with you. It’s a growing sport and one that knows no boundaries, all ages can play and that is a good thing. Thanks for your visit Amy!
Sounds like fun. I’ll check out if Australia is on the list. Thanks!
My bet is that there is a group there. Pickleball seems to have taken the world by storm…I hope there is one or two groups there and if there isn’t you could always start one. 🙂
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’d try it if I had someone to play with. My husband can barely walk now, let alone run. He swims for exercise.
I understand Barbara, right now you need to do what you are doing. Pickleball will be there when you have the time. Take care of yourself too!
I’ve been curious about Pickleball for awhile now. I don’t have great hand-eye coordination, but it might be worth a try!
In researching this game more, I came across a place to play just down the street from where I live….. I will be making a trip on Tuesday to check it out first hand!
I just checked and the closest place to me with Pickleball courts is about a half hour away. Hopefully one will come closer soon!
Oh Ruth that’s wonderful, I bet it won’t take long to show up closer to you. I found one just about 10 minutes away and going to check them out on Tuesday.