Easy to learn and fun to play

Where To Play

• Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA, 165 E. Intendencia St., Pensacola; 850-4384406; ymcanwfl.org.

• Vickrey Community Center, 2130 Summit Blvd., Pensacola; 850-912-4056; cityofpensacola.com.

• Armstrong Park, 300 W. Lakeview Ave., Pensacola; cityofpensacola.com.

• Hollice T. Williams Park, 1601 N. Hayne St., Pensacola; cityofpensacola.com.

By Liz Biggs

• Photo by Kate Treick Photography

Just so you know, pickleball has nothing to do with pickles. Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors on a badmintonsized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Played with a paddle and a plastic ball, it can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

According to Jen Beres, wellness director at the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA, pickleball has become popular because it is such a fun way to stay active.

“It is a great way to bring out your competitive side or play for fun, as well as meeting new people,” Beres said. “The downtown YMCA offers five time blocks throughout the week where the gym is open for pickleball play. There are no reservations required – players can show up during those times, set up and get playing. Due to the high volume of participants, people will rotate through games so everyone can get a chance to play. On some days, if there are plenty of players, one side of the gym will be for beginners’ games and the other for advanced, but it is not always set up that way.”

The YMCA provides nets, paddles and balls; however, there are no lessons or clinics available. Many of the individuals who play regularly are willing to show newcomers the rules for playing.

Yuri Stibolt, an avid tennis player and a step aerobics instructor at the YMCA, is a big fan of pickleball and plays regularly in the advanced group. She was looking for a sport that was easier on the body than tennis, trying to reduce the risks of injury.

“I was excited because there is so much less court to cover in pickleball than in tennis. I think that is why it is so popular with older people – it’s a more accessible sport,” Stibolt said, adding that she really loves playing indoor pickleball. “I never have to worry about the weather to play – you can play anytime. I also like the fact that you can just show up and there will always be people to play with (unlike tennis, where it’s hard to get a foursome together and worry about cancellations and subs). I have met some great people and developed some awesome friendships.” girls night out

If you are not a member of the YMCA, indoor pickleball is played at the City of Pensacola’s Vickrey Center. The gym has lined pickleball courts available 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Nets and balls are provided, but you must bring your own paddle. Registration is required but there is no cost. Pickleball lines are painted on the City of Pensacola tennis courts at Armstrong Park and Hollice T. Williams Park for outdoor pickleball play.

If you think that pickleball is just for old geezers, think again! Four tennis legends will try their hand at pickleball, for a $1 million prize on April 2 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Michael Chang will be competing in singles and doubles at the Inaugural Pickleball Slam, organized by Horizon Sports and Experiences. According to David Levy, co-CEO of Horizon Sports and Experiences, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America.

“Pickleball is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, experiencing a meteoric rise across genders, age groups, geographies, and income levels,” Levy said on CBS News.

What are you waiting for? Spring into action and play this easy-to-learn, fun-to-play sport!