As we age, staying fit can be done by having fun with old friends or making some new ones. Joining a pickleball league is a great way to stay in shape and socialize.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by a Washington State senator, although there is some debate on how the name came to be. Some think that it was named after his dog, Pickle, who used to chase balls in the park, while others believe that it comes from an obscure rowing term (the last place finish in a race). Pickleball is combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It started with the senator using ping pong paddles on a badminton court with a plastic ball. This game can be played with singles or doubles in a court that is smaller than a tennis court. The rules are simple to learn, and it can be high energy but with low impact, allowing players from all skills levels and abilities to play. Players will say that they enjoy playing the game, but it is the social activity and the connections with other players that make this game spectacular.
Thinking of joining Pickleball league?
Luckily, there are a few ways to join a pickleball league:
- If you have a very active social life with many friends or family members who are wanting to join a league, you can register a whole team. There are some advantages to this, as it is a great way to ensure that you get to spend quality time with friends while staying active.
- You can also register as a single person. You will get placed on a team, which could be made up of all individual people or you could be added to an existing group of friends who don’t quite make a whole team. This is a great way to meet new people and expand your social group.
- Registering as a substitute is another option. If you cannot commit to the entire season or to every game, registering as a substitute is a great way to still be involved. Being a substitute keeps you active and gives you a chance to meet new people each time you play.
There are some terms that are used in pickleball that may be the hardest thing to learn and remember. If you are a experienced “pickler,” you won’t have any trouble with this!
What happens in a Pickleball league?
Like most sports, pickleball leagues will have games throughout the season. The number of games may vary depending on the league that you join. Each league may offer singles or doubles for game options. There may also be playoff seasons that follow regular season play. Some leagues may offer a variety of tournaments for teams to enter for additional play time and social activities.
Aging does not mean that life needs to slow down. Pickleball is a great way to stay in shape and socialize. The rules are simple, the game is low impact, and this sport makes it simple for everyone (including you) to get out and have fun!
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