Pickleball is a “slowed down” version of tennis.  A combination of badminton and tennis that is gaining popularity nationwide, it places emphasis on coordination, control, patience and strategy rather than strength or speed.  It is easy to learn, inexpensive to play and provides a vigorous workout.  It can also be an invaluable development aid in eye/hand coordination, exercise and gross motor skill training.  Pickleball is a great equalizer for differences in age, sex, strength and athletic ability.  Individuals who may shy away from racket sports because of the long learning curve quickly pick up Pickleball.  It is much like ping pong in that you learn very quickly and begin having fun immediately.  The game is mainly shot placement and game strategy; not brute power or strength.  While it is a good aerobic activity, the small court and nature of play mean you don’t have to run all over chasing the ball.  A Pickleball court is the same size as a conventional badminton court with a 3 foot high net.  Players volley the ball or play it off the bounce using light weight, oversized ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, quite similar to a wiffle ball, both of which are keys to producing exciting, long rallies, consisting of volleys at the net and ground strokes similar to tennis.  The air catches the ball and slows it down and you can keep rallies going a long time.  The game involves strategies that include lobbing, overhead slamming, passing drive shots from the baseline and fast volley exchanges at the net.  Singles or double teams can play.  More and more community centers and parks and recreation departments are catching on the game.

         The very popular game was invented in 1965 in the backyard of former US Representative Joel Pritchard of Seattle.  Pritchard, a friend and their families improvised on a game of badminton using Pritchard’s home’s court.  They used sawed off badminton rackets and a light weight perforated ball to replace their damaged badminton equipment.  Pritchard’s dog Pickles liked to run off with the loose balls, which gave the game its name.  Pritchard and his partners formed Pickle-Ball, Inc. several years later.

           There are 2 Pickleball courts in Graysville, located in front of the Maurice C. West Community Center.  There are paddles and balls available for check out at the community center, however you must be a community center member.  Please call the community center at (205) 674-0209 for hours of operation.

Would you like to learn how to play Pickleball?  

We’ll teach you!

 Beginner’s lessons are being offered FREE to anyone ages 12 and older.  For lessons being taught to anyone ages 12 through 16, an adult will need to accompany the individual and remain present during the lesson.

Contact Tim and Laura Statum to set up a date and time at (205) 265-0097 or (205) 422-6145 or send an email to gville_pickleball@bellsouth.net.

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