Port and pickle… it’s a ball

made its way to Port Douglas and appears to be extremely popular.

PICKLEBALL is becoming all the rage around Australia and is one of the fastest growing sports currently in the World.

Assuming Pickleball probably wasn’t a new vegetarian entrée option that I’d yet to try, my initial question was quite simply… what is it?

To give you an exact definition, pickleball is a paddle sport that originated in Washington State in the USA, back in 1965.

The game is played on a badminton-sized court with a ball similar to a wiffle ball. For those wondering what a wiffle ball is, it’s basically a hollow ball with holes in it, similar to airflow balls used for golf practice.

A tennis-like net is used to separate the court with a 2.13 metre zone either side of the net known as the ‘kitchen’. This is also known as the non-volley zone where players are not permitted to volley while standing in it.

The kitchen rule exists to prevent a player from standing at the net and smashing every hit. The game can be played, like tennis, as singles or doubles.

I could give more in depth information on the scoring system, but suffice to say, pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis or ping-pong, if you wish.

The great news is that this popular sport has recently

It’s all been made possible by the nearby Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre partnering with the local U3A group, plus additional support, for the equipment, being provided Douglas Shire Council.

Being an activity that allows you to play to your own personal skill level and fitness, Pickleball is ideal for all age groups, particularly those in their more senior years, being a relatively low impact sport. That said, the current group that meets every Friday afternoon at the Community Hall in Mowbray Street, Port Douglas, are aged between 30 and 70.

I’m sure the ‘Golden Oldies’ have the experience and a few tricks up their sleeves to compete with the youngsters.

As with many activities like this, apart from the sport itself, this is a great social event and a fantastic opportunity to meet like minded people for some physical exercise. Requiring a certain level of hand eye coordination, the sport is also an opportunity to improve your balance and reflexes.

The main message from those involved each Friday is to come along and have a go at both the table tennis and pickleball and maybe even bring a friend. This also applies to any visitors to the area as well.

I’m shortly due on court, hopefully avoiding the kitchen, so for now it’s Gazza signing out! Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au