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Pickleball is touted as one of the fastest growing sports in the nation by many sources. It's safe to say that the same holds true here in Sea Colony
THE BACK STORY Invented in 1965 and originally credited to three Washington State dads trying to entertain their bored children, pickleball has evolved into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada and continues to gain exposure in European countries. With an estimated 3.13 million players in 2017 (an increase of 12% from 2016), there won't be a lull any time soon.
THE GAME
A pickleball court is basically half of a regulation-size tennis court (20 x 44 feet) much like a doubles badminton court. There are right and left service courts as in tennis and has a 7 foot non-volley zone in front of the net known as the "kitchen". The paddle is smaller than a tennis racquet, but larger than a ping pong paddle and generally made from lightweight composite materials like aluminum or graphite. The ball is much like a wiffleball; but there are indoor and outdoor versions. This results in the ball traveling about a third the speed of a tennis ball.
THE RULES You can find a complete set of rules on the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) site or register for one of Sea Colony's Clinics beginning October 7th but here's a basic overview: • Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles; doubles is most common.
• The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles.
• The serve must be made underhand.
• Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server's waist (navel level).
• The serve is initiated with at least one foot behind the baseline; neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck.
• The serve is made diagonally cross court and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let (the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court; let serves are replayed).
THE FUN AND THE FIT OF IT ALL In the end, this a sport that offers moderate exercise as well as a chance to connect with other homeowners, members and guests in a unique social setting. Middle-aged and older adults who play regularly (2-3 times a week for an hour over the course of 6 weeks) can see significant improvements in blood pressure and cardio respiratory fitness. Seasoned players (or "Picklers" as they're often called) say there's something about the game that makes it quite addictive. The games tend to run 10-15 minutes in length, so there's plenty of "breathers" in between and the small court size minimizes any serious running, keeping it low impact.
Perhaps the best part is that it's a multi-generational game which makes it something the family can do together.
And that is what Sea Colony is all about!
• Clinics: Mondays 1-2pm (Freeman Fitness Center)
• Open Play:
Tennis Center
Sundays & Mondays: 2:30 - 5pm • Wednesdays: 6:30 - 9:00 pm (Intermediate & Advanced only)
Freeman Fitness Center
Fridays & Saturdays: 4 - 6 pm • Tuesdays: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
To learn more, contact the Freeman Fitness Center (302.359.4511) or the Tennis Center (302.359.4488)