Pickleball

Ironwood

Ironwood

Professional
Is anyone playing pickleball as well? I have a tennis friend who has been after me to try pickleball with him. The fall/winter indoors session at a rec centre near me starts in about 3 weeks. Is it a fairly easy transition? I've seen it played once, but never picked a paddle up.
 
LuckyR

LuckyR

Legend
Ironwood said:
Is anyone playing pickleball as well? I have a tennis friend who has been after me to try pickleball with him. The fall/winter indoors session at a rec centre near me starts in about 3 weeks. Is it a fairly easy transition? I've seen it played once, but never picked a paddle up.
Click to expand...

How old is your friend?
 
J

jrs

Professional
It's a combination of Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis - since I play the original sports - didn't feel it would be necessary to play the combination sport.

I hear it's very easy to play for seniors - especially people who have mobility issues. It's played with wiffle ball - plastic ball with holes in it.
 
Turbo-87

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
There is a pretty competitive league at the condo complex my parents live in. It is pretty fun for people who can't get around well but it is really for anyone. The only bad thing is that the condo complex made four pickleball courts on each of the existing nice tennis courts, so there are lines EVERYWHERE.

Think of it as ping pong but you get to stand on the table. :)
 
atatu

atatu

Legend
I think it looks pretty fun, if you youtube national pickleball championships you can see some good video...but in my opinion, a decent college level player would dominate after about a week of practice.
 
Ironwood

Ironwood

Professional
I'm going to give it a try. The doubles game seems quite similar to doubles tennis in that you have to move up quickly to establish position behind the non-volley zone or 'kitchen'. But from what I've seen, those who excel are good at angled volleys, slices, dinks, lobs and drops....a junk ball game.....I would thrive at that! Hope it doesn't wreck my all court tennis game, but what the hell!
 
T

tennisfan829

New User
They play it next to the tennis courts that i play at after work here in San Jose. Combination of tennis and table tennis is accurate. I personally think it would throw off my game so i won't play it.
 
LuckyR

LuckyR

Legend
Ironwood said:
I'm going to give it a try. The doubles game seems quite similar to doubles tennis in that you have to move up quickly to establish position behind the non-volley zone or 'kitchen'. But from what I've seen, those who excel are good at angled volleys, slices, dinks, lobs and drops....a junk ball game.....I would thrive at that! Hope it doesn't wreck my all court tennis game, but what the hell!
Click to expand...

See what you think but be aware that it has a similar reputation to shuffleboard...
 
S

struggle

Legend
Hey, it's more "athletic" than shuffleboard.

It is, after all, a sport for aging people.

While it's easy to joke about the game, I think it;s great for those who choose to play.

I DO very much dislike when they paint over tennis courts for use in pickleball.
 
A

asimple

Semi-Pro
I played a lot of pickleball growing up and it really is a great game. It was popular in Seattle because it could easily be played indoors and given the rain this was important. Doubles isn't that good of a workout but singles can be intense if there are two good players. The other nice thing is that it really doesn't effect your tennis game much because the swing is so much different.
 
Ironwood

Ironwood

Professional
Thought I would update the Pickleball thread I started last year. I am a senior tennis player who while fit for my age, has developed knee issues and no longer plays singles. Well, I've discovered there is life after tennis! My strength has always been my net and angles play so doubles suits me well. But in my younger days I was a more accomplished badminton and squash player, so I've been able to transition my racket skills very quickly to pickleball. In three months of pickleball play a couple of times a week, in between an outing or two of doubles tennis, I now play with the top guys in area. Pickleball requires, positioning, a good soft game, quick reaction, and patience. The soft game and net positioning to control the rally, and patience waiting for the right return to put away. I'm actually getting more of a sweat out of two hours of pickleball than 2 hours of doubles tennis.
I will hang in with tennis as long as my wonky knee will let me, but for those who struggle with similar issues, there is life after tennis....Pickleball!

For those who think it's just for old folks, here's a short clip of two points from the 2014 US woman's championship. Jennifer Lucore in white who wins is probably the best woman pickleball player in the world. Check out the crowd...reminds me of standing at the historic grass show court at the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport RI, where the first US national was played. There are no stands and the 40 spectators back in 1880 just pulled up their wooden lawn chairs courtside. Anyway check out this action.

http://www.pickleballchannel.com/2014/11/super-slow-motion-usapa-nationals-vi/
 
C

comeback

Hall of Fame
I played once and it's a good game..you have to take a full long swing and hit up and flat..picking up the balls is more difficult due to the short racket and the rules and scoring are confusing at first...The sound (indoors) is a loud smack that takes getting used to.
 
Ironwood

Ironwood

Professional
Ronaldo said:
Is this Pickleball or platform tennis? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XH9HCqwR_0
Click to expand...

It's 'Padel' tennis played mostly in Europe...see the writing on the net. A cross between tennis and squash where you play in an enclosed court and can take balls off the walls. Never seen it, but some of our European posters can tell us about it. There is a YouTube clip of the Bryans playing Padel, but I haven't seen it for a while. Check out this wild rally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsa0qJfhlnI
 
SystemicAnomaly

SystemicAnomaly

Bionic Poster
tennisfan829 said:
They play it next to the tennis courts that i play at after work here in San Jose. Combination of tennis and table tennis is accurate. I personally think it would throw off my game so i won't play it.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry about it if your tennis game/strokes are already fairly well grooved. If your tennis is kinda shaky, it might be an issue. I would think that most solid intermediate players should be able to be able to play an alternate game, like pickleball, w/o destroying their tennis. OTOH the game/strokes of novice and low intermediate players might easily be disturbed.

Many players might find that there will be a period of adjustment. Pickelball may throw them off for a short time but, after a while, they develop a new muscle memory. Once the adjustment is made, players may find that an alternate sport will actually provide some benefit to their tennis game.

I have not had the opportunity to play pickleball but have played quite a lot of other racket and paddle games. I originally moved from table tennis to tennis. That adjustment was fairly easy for me. It took a bit longer to make an adjustment when I picked up badminton. Once that adjustment was made, I found that badminton started to improve my tennis game. It helped with my reflexes, adaptability, overhead smashes and volleys.

The subsequent adjustments with racquetball and squash were fairly easy. Smashball took almost no adjustment. Smashball is a bit closer to pickeball than other other sports that I have played.

Dedans Penthouse said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCIDyS_YKxk

Fun-looking sport. But where are the pickles?
Click to expand...

It does look like a lot of fun. Tennis players have their bananas; pickleball players have their pickled cucumbers. Elite pickleballers will often pickle-load before matches. Pickle juice is used as their electrolyte recovery drink.
 
Ironwood

Ironwood

Professional
SystemicAnomaly said:
It does look like a lot of fun. Tennis players have their bananas; pickleball players have their pickled cucumbers. Elite pickleballers will often pickle-load before matches. Pickle juice is used as their electrolyte recovery drink.
Click to expand...

Cute....but not where the name came from. There are two stories. The game is named after the dog 'Pickles' of one of the founders of the game which dates from the mid '60's, who used to chase down loose balls...the other being the 'pickle boat' the last boat in from a fishing excursion....I don't know what the latter reference is, but those are the two most common explanations of the name of the game. I wish they would call it paddle tennis or something descriptive.
 
atatu

atatu

Legend
Ironwood said:
Thought I would update the Pickleball thread I started last year. I am a senior tennis player who while fit for my age, has developed knee issues and no longer plays singles. Well, I've discovered there is life after tennis! My strength has always been my net and angles play so doubles suits me well. But in my younger days I was a more accomplished badminton and squash player, so I've been able to transition my racket skills very quickly to pickleball. In three months of pickleball play a couple of times a week, in between an outing or two of doubles tennis, I now play with the top guys in area. Pickleball requires, positioning, a good soft game, quick reaction, and patience. The soft game and net positioning to control the rally, and patience waiting for the right return to put away. I'm actually getting more of a sweat out of two hours of pickleball than 2 hours of doubles tennis.
I will hang in with tennis as long as my wonky knee will let me, but for those who struggle with similar issues, there is life after tennis....Pickleball!

For those who think it's just for old folks, here's a short clip of two points from the 2014 US woman's championship. Jennifer Lucore in white who wins is probably the best woman pickleball player in the world. Check out the crowd...reminds me of standing at the historic grass show court at the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport RI, where the first US national was played. There are no stands and the 40 spectators back in 1880 just pulled up their wooden lawn chairs courtside. Anyway check out this action.

http://www.pickleballchannel.com/2014/11/super-slow-motion-usapa-nationals-vi/
Click to expand...

Dang, they are hitting the ball slow....oh wait that's in slow motion. Seriously though, it looks like both of those women are former tennis players ? It reminds me of competitive pole dancing...yeah the strippers were winning competitions for awhile, but then former gymnasts got into it and started to dominate. Or when Monfils beat the best paddle player in the world after practicing for about one hour.
 
M

maggmaster

Hall of Fame
Actually if you wanted to get involved in a sport and actually pursue it to its highest level and you are over the general age for doing so, a new sport like this that is growing in popularity is a good choice. There is a money circuit growing and it wouldn't take anywhere near the normal training time to become competitive on it since the pool is currently so small.
 
SystemicAnomaly

SystemicAnomaly

Bionic Poster
Ironwood said:
Cute....but not where the name came from. There are two stories. The game is named after the dog 'Pickles' of one of the founders of the game which dates from the mid '60's, who used to chase down loose balls...the other being the 'pickle boat' the last boat in from a fishing excursion....I don't know what the latter reference is, but those are the two most common explanations of the name of the game. I wish they would call it paddle tennis or something descriptive.
Click to expand...

http://www.worldpickleball.com/pickleball-history/

According to wiki and the link above, members of the Pritchard family have indicated that the dog came after the game was originally developed (1965). The dog was named after the game; not the other way around.
 
Steady Eddy

Steady Eddy

Legend
My town has separate pickleball courts. The ratio of errors to winners is much better than that of the tennis players.

It looks more like how doubles should be played; BOTH players come to the net, lots of aggressive net play, a rising ball is met with a smash.

Time to learn a new game!
 
F

fireandwind

Hall of Fame
Ironwood said:
Is anyone playing pickleball as well? I have a tennis friend who has been after me to try pickleball with him. The fall/winter indoors session at a rec centre near me starts in about 3 weeks. Is it a fairly easy transition? I've seen it played once, but never picked a paddle up.
Click to expand...

I played it a few times. They use tennis courts I go to, so I see a group of people once per week. I like the sound of the ball hitting the paddle, " tick, tack, tick, tack". It is very simple game for tennis players, very easy to learn.
Only thing we need to adjust is length of pickle ball paddle in our mind since it is very short compare to a tennis racquet. So it is easy to miss balls in the beginning.
It is actually fun to play.
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
The ball or racquet needs to be redesigned to be more quiet. This community is complaining bout the annoying noise.
I get annoyed just listening to it for a few minutes. Can't imagine living next to one.
:(

How'd you like living next to that? Neighbors in Punta Gorda say they're tired of the constant noise from pickleball. It's being played all day across the street from their home and now they're going to the city for help. The pickleball courts here at Gilchrist Park have gotten more and more popular over the last year since they were put in but the constant noise that the paddle in ball makes is apparently causing some problems for some nearby neighbors. "That constant banging banging banging all day long", that's how Kristie Federici says she has to live her life ever since eight pickleball courts were put in across from her home. A lot of stress a lot of anxiety
 
Last edited:
hollywood9826

hollywood9826

Hall of Fame
They are building courts in town and will give it a shot. Since my shoulder is pretty much toast I think this could be a good option.
I also think it is something my friends who are athletes but not tennis players could pick up quicker than tennis and give us something to compete at as we get older.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Soft tennis balls,
617RaqnNU7L._SL1288_.jpg
 
F

fireandwind

Hall of Fame
Raul_SJ said:
The ball or racquet needs to be redesigned to be more quiet. This community is complaining bout the annoying noise.
I get annoyed just listening to it for a few minutes. Can't imagine living next to one.
:(

How'd you like living next to that? Neighbors in Punta Gorda say they're tired of the constant noise from pickleball. It's being played all day across the street from their home and now they're going to the city for help. The pickleball courts here at Gilchrist Park have gotten more and more popular over the last year since they were put in but the constant noise that the paddle in ball makes is apparently causing some problems for some nearby neighbors. "That constant banging banging banging all day long", that's how Kristie Federici says she has to live her life ever since eight pickleball courts were put in across from her home. A lot of stress a lot of anxiety
Click to expand...

OMG. I haven't thought about that. I thought the sound was hitting my spot just like when you hear someone hitting 130 mph serve " pop". But I can understand the frustration neighbors complaining. You can hear those " tick, tack" or " banging banging" sound so much. I wouldn't like to hear those banging sound all day long as well, I guess no one.
 
F

fireandwind

Hall of Fame
struggle said:
Hey, it's more "athletic" than shuffleboard.

It is, after all, a sport for aging people.


I DO very much dislike when they paint over tennis courts for use in pickleball.
Click to expand...

They use tapes for the pickball in the court I go to. It comes off and distract tennis players.
 
F

fireandwind

Hall of Fame
hollywood9826 said:
They are building courts in town and will give it a shot. Since my shoulder is pretty much toast I think this could be a good option.
I also think it is something my friends who are athletes but not tennis players could pick up quicker than tennis and give us something to compete at as we get older.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it is good sports for the all age group, specially someone who injured from tennis can enjoy without worrying about further aggravation.
 
SteveI

SteveI

Legend
fireandwind said:
Yeah, it is good sports for the all age group, specially someone who injured from tennis can enjoy without worrying about further aggravation.
Click to expand...

I have been watching players in my area and did some research on the safety of the game. I have also played a bit. I think if you have shoulder issues, it is perfect. Since you take less steps in might be better for your knees... but the movement can be very quick. I do not feel that it is better for folks with bad knees and/or a bad back. If you are really good at the sport the same danger is there for sure. I did watch some low level doubles and it was like watching paint dry. No one was really moving much or burning any calories. I did watch some high level doubles and they are very good and I am sure ex tennis players... but this was not any safer than tennis doubles.. lots of quick movements.. twisting.. and stopping. The stuff that was very fast and exciting was two high level players playing singles. Was like serve and volley tennis.. :). The social aspects of the game are undisputed IMHO.. I see tons of folks playing it. It being safer? Would not be for me. My knees and back are the issues and this sport if this played well has you bent over a ton.. if you are 6 feet 1 like me. My knees are not protected since you are playing on the same courts I play tennis on. Right now for me.. a good long hike or bike ride is better for my health and is more fun and safer..

https://www.drdavidgeier.com/pickleball-injuries/
 
SteveI

SteveI

Legend
Common Pickleball Injuries:

  • Ankle Strain: A strain involves a ligament and most commonly occurs on uneven terrain, stepping on a stray ball or another player’s foot. The pain is usually felt on the outside of the ankle and there may or may not be immediate swelling. Swelling is not a sign of severity.
  • Achilles Tendon Strain: (back of the ankle) This involves a tendon or muscle group; the most common cause is a stop-and-go action or a sudden change of direction. This injury is very common in people over age 40. There is a sudden snapping feeling or a pain like being hit in the back of the leg. A rupture is obvious. There will be an indentation in the Achilles tendon area. The person cannot walk and needs immediate attention.
  • Heel Bruise: Pain occurs on the bottom of the heel with every step. This is considered an overuse injury and usually occurs over a period of time. The best treatment is rest and using a heel cup or donut during play.
  • Knee Strain: A sprain occurs by a twisting or rotation of the knee. The most common is a medial collateral sprain and the pain is on the inside of the knee, just to the side of the knee cap.
  • Hamstring, Groin or Quad Strain: The most common is a hamstring strain, generally caused by overextending or reaching to return a ball. Again, the most serious will show a sign of an indentation where the tear occurred.
  • Wrist Fracture: The most common cause is going backward for a ball, falling and landing on an extended arm. Learning to roll out of a fall and not extending your arm to land can help avoid this injury.
  • Shoulder Strain: This is often caused by overuse, too many overheads, playing too long, etc. It can also occur on a single overhead smash in which the rotator cuff muscles (top of the shoulder) are strained.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
sureshs said:
Regular malls are creating Pickle courts in the empty areas. There is one such mall 10 minutes from where I am.
Click to expand...
Recall one mall that had a radio-controlled car course with gas engines. Slot car racing, BMX bike course. Of course the end was near. Bldg a new municipal jail on the site. Neighbors are unhappy.
 
Piklbol

Piklbol

New User
I can't speak for everyone, but I made the transition from tennis to pickleball and found it to be quite smooth. There are definitely similarities in the two sports, like the court dimensions and net height. However, there are some differences in terms of strategy, and the smaller court size means you need to be quick on your feet. It's a fun and welcoming sport, and I'd encourage you to give it a try. Who knows, you might just become a pickleball fanatic like many of us here!
 
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