Sport
7 March, 2024
Pickleball: is it the fastest growing sport in Australia?
Don’t despair if you haven’t heard of Pickleball because it’s a relatively new sport in Australia, however, it may be the fastest growing sport in the world and it’s coming to Clifton.
The best way to describe this new sport is to say it’s similar in some ways to tennis but played on a smaller court using a paddle instead of a racquet and using a ball that is more user friendly than a difficult, bouncing tennis ball.
The rules are carefully designed to make the game fit any age and any player fitness level.
Having said that, players with a high level of fitness can play the game at a speed to satisfy their “need for speed” addiction.
Hopefully you have the idea now that pickleball is more suitable for players lacking the physical requirements of tennis.
The skill level of Pickleball is contained by the rules which for example do not allow an overhead tennis style serve.
Instead the serve is underhand with the ball bouncing before being hit or hit as a volley but underhand just as Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios sometimes did therefore making it a “soft” serve, so easier to return.
The relaxed rules of Pickleball make it ideal for social engagement and this appears to be one of the sport’s great attractions.
However, if it’s intense competition you’re after then local, state and national competitions do exist.
If you’ve read this far then hopefully you want to know how to get involved in Clifton pickleball and it starts with a come and try day this Sunday, 10th March at 10.30am.
The Clifton Showgrounds Sport and Recreation Pavilion in Davenport Street is the venue with the day finishing at 2.30pm.
After a brief welcome at 10.45am, four experienced players will give a demonstration of how the game is played and by 11.15 you will have your chance to experience your first taste of Pickleball.
This is an ideal way to get to experience what this new game is all about and get in on the ground floor of the Clifton chapter of this fast growing sport.
This new game will cater for any age or gender from ex or current tennis players or for those who have limited experience in any sport based on your individual sporting ability.
After your first pickleball experience lunch will start at 12.30 so bring your own food but no alcohol please.
At 1.30pm players will be arranged into matches according to ability levels and the fun and excitement begins.
A gold coin donation to pay for hall hire is required.
For more information, contact Prue and Stuart Barkla on 0417 793 833.
Advantages of Pickleball
Pickleball is easier than many other net sports.
The game is a low impact activity, so it’s easier on the body.
The serve is a simple underarm hit over the net.
Game play focuses on reflexes, reactions, and smart positioning of the ball, rather than overpowering the opposition with smashes, powerful serves, and speed.
