The game even has its own language, like “the kitchen,” “body bag,” “falafel,” and “dink shot.” Just as the equipment used in the game is borrowed from other sports, so is its name borrowed from the competitive rowing term “pickle boat.”
From Court to Community: Why Pickleball Is Taking Over the Neighbourhood
What is the big deal about pickleball? It seems to be everywhere, and everyone is either talking about it, playing it, or talking about playing it. Barb Botten, Owner of Villager Publications, along with Lynne Williams, one of Barb’s intrepid writers, decided to find out. Pickleball, it turns out, is a game involving two or four players returning volleys of a hard, plastic wiffle-like ball. It’s played indoors or outdoors on regulation badminton courts. Rather than traditional racquets, players use a large paddle reminiscent of a ping pong paddle. “I didn’t know what to expect,” says Barb after her first time playing the game. “Within minutes, I was hooked. The rules were easy to learn, the rallies started quickly, and before I knew it, I was laughing, moving and breaking a sweat.” Pickleball is also one of the most versatile sports to hit communities, which explains its viral-like popularity. It combines fitness with fun and doesn’t require any natural athletic ability to enjoy the game. Almost anyone, regardless of age or ability, can find a place on a pickleball court. “You’re active the whole time, but it never feels intimidating,” adds Lynne. “Between points, there’s always room for a smile, some friendly banter, and encouragement from teammates and opponents alike.”
Gail Prior founded the Komoka & Area 55+ Club 13 years ago and can attest to how the game has grown in popularity. She’s watched her club grow from around 12 to 300 in that short time. In recent years, the County of Middlesex Centre has installed or refurbished pickleball courts in five different communities, including courts at the Komoka Community Centre, Delaware Community Centre, and Mount Brydges. For many, the biggest draw to pickleball is the camaraderie and friendships they form. For others, like Delaware Lioness Patty Jackson, pickleball can tap into your competitive side. “Little did I know it would become such a huge part of my life,” says Patty, who has won medals at national and international tournaments and is a certified pickleball coach. “The beauty of pickleball is that you can play the game to whatever level you want.” For more information, visit www.middlesexcentre.ca or email Sam Cormier at cormier@middlesexcentre.ca. For the Komoka & Area 55+ Club, email Gail at gprior@rogers.com, or visit Pickleball Ontario at www.pickleballontario.org.
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KKD Villager October 2025
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