Pickleball in the High Country

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Combining the skills and techniques from both tennis and table tennis, pickleball is a sport for all ages to enjoy. The origin of the sport’s unique name is widely debated, but many say that the name is after the founding group’s pooch, Pickle. However the sport was founded, it is growing in popularity in the High Country.

As a beginner friendly game, pickleball consists of two teams on either side of a net slightly smaller than a tennis net, using paddles to rally a polymer ball. Both an indoor and outdoor sport, it can be played in singles or doubles.

The Watauga Community Recreation Center has multiple levels of classes, teams and available courts for the sport. This past spring, the number of participants signing out the courts were as high as 116 per day, and averaged 60 people per day, according to recreational specialist Holly Gates.

The WCRC has two outdoor courts and four indoor courts. The outdoor courts are first-come, first-serve, which applies to all outdoor courts. To use the indoor courts, there is a list that needs to be signed in advance. The indoor courts are free with a membership, or are available for use with a day pass. For those who are coming solo, a rotation of teams happens at the end of a game for allinclusive fun.

Seasonal teams and classes are available and updated weekly on the WCRC website. All skill levels are invited to join the league. To be in the league, you do not have to pay for a daily pass or membership, only the dues to be in the league. A youth league is not typically offered in the summer due to instructors not being available.

As for the classes, there are classes that range in skill level, all ages are welcome. There are also personal lessons available for those interested that can get as specific as needed. Personal lessons range from honing skills to learning new ones. There are classes such as beginners 101, intermediate clinics and an advance class.

For more information on pickleball at the Watauga County Recreation Center, visit www.wataugacounty. org/App_Pages/Dept/ParksRec/ home.aspx.