Have you heard of Pickleball? It is fast becoming a popular game, played and enjoyed by young and old. When we travel south to Texas during the winter months, Pickleball has gained popularity, especially by those over the age of 55. When we first started going to the Texas RV park resort, there was only one court where Pickleball was played. Now there are four inside courts and they are usually all busy. Lessons are held and there are those eager to learn the sport.

It is a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong. It has a paddle similar to a ping pong paddle, only larger. The ball is fairly light weight and it’s called a wiffle ball. The ball is larger than a ping pong ball, and not as heavy as a tennis ball. There is a low net across the court to hit the ball over. Rules are slightly different than tennis but the object is the same - to get the ball over the net, and have it land between the boundary lines. Two or four people can play. Serving is done underhanded. The scoring is different than tennis and the court is smaller than the tennis courts.

It is good exercise for young and seniors. It takes more action than ping pong, but it seems like less action than tennis. My farmer husband enjoys playing it and I must admit I do too, if it’s just done in fun and not in competition.

Though the game was introduced in the 60s, in recent years the interest is spreading. Who knows. Maybe we will soon see Pickleball included in the Olympic games.