It's easy to learn, easy on the body and a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton — pickleball is coming to Shepparton.
Pickleball is played with hard plastic or wood paddles and can be played indoors and outdoors as singles or doubles.
The game's short duration and small court and net size makes pickleball ideal for any age or ability.
Played similarly to tennis, starting with a serve followed by the rally until a fault is hit, the aim of the game is to be the first person or pair to reach 11 points and must lead by more than two points. A point can only be won if the serving side wins the play.
Like many sports it’s easiest to learn the rules as you go, but there are some rules that deserve a special mention such as the two-bounce rule before each serve and the non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen”, that were designed to keep the game fair for every player.
So no matter the player's age, height or ability everyone can get involved.
Valley Sport project officer Jacqui Napolitano said it was terrific exercise, "fast-paced" and exciting.
“Pickleball is great because you don’t have to be skilled at running or moving around too much,” she said.
“It’s also a fun way to get active, as well as being a great social sport to not only meet new people, but to play with your friends and family.”
Numurkah’s Merinda Page is excited to give pickleball a go after first learning about the sport when she saw the weatherman on Sunrise feature it one morning.
“I thought pickleball would be a great sport to try because as a senior it’s appropriate for my age and fitness level,” she said.
“It’s not only a social outing, but a great opportunity to get the body moving.
“I’ve never played tennis and if I have a rare go at table tennis I’m happy just to get the ball on the other side of the net. But this looks like so much fun and achievable, even for someone with my very limited skills.”
Valley Sport is excited to announce it will be holding four come and try sessions held at Shepparton Sports Stadium on Tuesday, February 2 and 9, in 9am and 11am time slots.
Each come and try session will feature a guided run down of the rules, some time to have a practice and an opportunity to play two games.
READ ALSO:
BIG V | Best joins Bushrangers
CBL | Seymour set standard for North East conference, Benalla claims ‘best win ever'