ANYONE FOR...
pickleball? A prolific sportsperson, Sharon Gregory (nee Waka) is happy to be in a pickle with a paddle, although not at all out of her depth, as JON RAWLINSON explains.
Not everyone’s for tennis but there is another racket (or paddle) sport that’s fast growing in popularity. Since New Zealand’s first pickleball club was established in Rotorua in 2015, the sport now boasts more than 40 clubs nationwide. Relatively new to the sport – which is a combination of tennis, table tennis, squash and badminton – and to Pukekohe, Sharon Gregory is keen for locals to join in on the fun. “A friend of mine plays and she had been trying to get me to get involved for at least a year or so. I was very busy but, eventually, she dragged me along to a tournament, trying to sell me on the game. “I thought ‘I can do this!’ and, soon enough, I was playing pickleball too. “It’s an amazing sport, it’s fun, you meet lots of new people, feel energised and feel good about yourself or taking part.” Pickleball was developed in the USA in the 1960s. While one inventor’s dog, Pickles, was notorious for running away with the ball, the sport actually gained its name from boat races, ahead of which, paddlers who were not selected would come
24 | south | may 2021
together to crew the ‘pickle boat’. Seeing as pickleball is a blend of other sports and can be played by all sorts of people – ages and levels of ability – the name is appropriate in ‘mixed’ ways. Sharon is a veteran of a variety of sports, from athletics and netball to tennis and squash. However, her new sport doesn’t actually require a great deal of athletic aptitude or experience. “Pickleball is perfect for people to rekindle their interest and skills in sports such as tennis or squash, as well as being easy for people who haven’t had any sporting background,” she says. “I think I’ve picked it up quite quickly, getting used to the new rules and the bat, which is different to anything I’ve used before. “However, it isn’t really a game where you need to have a sports background to play. As long as people have the desire to play and want to improve their health and fitness, they will figure it out.” A lower impact sport than tennis or squash with a smaller court, the paddles are smaller and lighter than tennis rackets.
The ball, which is made from perforated polymer, is lightweight too. In addition, underarm serves help level the playing field with regards to strength. Although the game is usually played among players of approximately the same age group, it is designed to be accessible for players of all ages, especially seniors. “One of the reasons I started playing was that I was looking for a sport I could keep playing as I get older,” Sharon explains. “I thought about golf, bowls and croquet but, now I’ve been playing pickleball, it is definitely a good choice for me.” Furthermore, it’s already been a good choice elsewhere in the world, especially North America where top level tournaments are held, especially in America’s ‘retirement capital’, Florida. There is even talk of it joining the programme for the World Masters Games. “Every time I’ve watched the Masters Games I’ve thought I’d love to play something in it. It’s a bit early to say, but if pickleball is involved, who knows?” Sharon says.
Although she is yet to play in an official tournament, this energetic local is on court several times a week, usually at venues in Panmure and Manurewa. However, she hopes to bring the sport to her new hometown of Pukekohe. “If I could play Monday to Saturday every week, I would!” Sharon smiles. “They have a badminton area [at Papakura Leisure Centre] where pickleball could be played, and I’ve also checked out the leisure centre here [Pukekohe’s Franklin Pool & Leisure]. If enough locals are interested, I’m sure we could start playing here soon enough.”
Anyone keen to join Sharon in this fastgrowing sport will find more information via www.pac.org.nz.
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