FITNESS
Amanda Rohde enjoys pickleball for the workout.
By AMANDA ROHDE Photography By JOEL RINER
For fun and fitness Pickleball
W hat looks like a combi- nation of ping pong and tennis and involves a small plastic ball has become one of the most popular recreational ac- tivities — and for good reason. Pickleball is not just a fun activ- ity, it’s a sport with leagues, work- shops and open play. And, though the most common demographic for this sport is 55 and up, almost any- one can play it. At a glance, this game may look incredibly simple, but make no mis- take, it can be a challenge, and also a killer workout at times. I recently joined a pickleball
league and definitely underesti - mated how much skill would be re- quired at this level. After a handful of games, I realized how much this sport required quick reflexes, foot - work and agility, and hand-eye co- ordination. >> Playing the game Pickleball is played on a court smaller in size than a tennis court, approximately 20 by 40 feet, with a net that stretches across half-court line at about 34 inches tall, for a standard game for teams of singles or doubles. The only equipment needed is a pickleball paddle and ball. To play,
the ball must be first served with an underhand serve from behind the baseline (the boundary line at each end of the court). From the serve, the ball has to make it over the net and land within the sec- tion of the court diagonal from the server. It cannot land within what is known as “the kitchen,” which is the non-volley zone that is close to the net on either side. The ball must bounce once before returning the serve. Only the serving team can score points. The server con- tinues to serve until failing to ral- ly, and then the ball switches to the other team. If playing doubles, the other partner has a turn to serve
46 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker