SOMD – Pickleball is a fast-growing sport with a funny name. Players say it is easy-to-learn, fun to play, and absolutely addictive. 

If you’re not familiar with the game, Laura Gainor from USA Pickleball explains that it is  a court sport played on a badminton-sized court with a net set to a height of 34 inches. Players use a Wiffle-style ball and paddles about twice the size of ping pong paddles. You can play indoors or outdoor either as singles or doubles. 

According to USA Pickleball, it is the 55-year-old game is the fastest growing sport in the country with the number of participants up 100% in the past to years to 3.5 million players.

What’s so great about pickleball? Maryland resident Scott Foster says not only is the sport fun, it offers instant gratification for all ages. “You can play with any age or gender. You can play three or four times and see an improvement in your skill. If you take up tennis at 45,  you won’t get competitive. People enjoy getting good at something quickly. Whether you’re a kid or 75-year-old senior citizen, you’re going to see everything improve instantaneously.” Foster said he took up the sport two years ago.

Addicting Sport

Foster, who is also a NBA referee, brought the game to the NBA “Bubble” in Orlando. While quarantining for 93 days with other NBA employees, players, and journalists, he taped off a court and invited others to join him for games. “I put a net up and it became the culture of our bubble. Over half of the 45 referees were playing every morning along with cameraman, reporters, and statisticians.”

Floyd Warren, of Hollywood, MD, isn’t surprised. Floyd is the SOMD ambassador for USA Pickleball. “You get addicted to it real quick. I enjoy being able to get out and get the exercise. The social aspect is fantastic.”

Gaining Popularity Among Young

Warren took up pickleball when he retired five years ago. “I used to play tennis but I messed up my shoulder and elbow and couldn’t play anymore. It’s a lot easier on your knees and elbows that tennis. Less vibration than in a long racket for elbows and on your knees because you aren’t moving as far trying to traverse the court.”

While pickleball first gained popularity with senior citizens, the sport is growing in popularity across all age groups. Warren said, “We get a lot of people in their 30s and 40s playing now.  We’re getting a really good mix of ages. Five years ago it was mostly 50 and above.”

COVID-19 has actually helped increase the popularity of the sport, Foster said participation is up 9%. Players don’t get as close to each other as they do in sports like tennis. That’s why many schools have added the sport to their physical education curriculum. 

Warren said his Pickleball USA group has donated equipment to some area elementary and middle schools to encourage kids to participate. 

It’s Easy To Play

In many cases, additional lines are added to standard tennis courts so they can do double-duty as pickleball courts. Outdoor pickleball courts are available at Chancellor’s Run, Baggett and Seventh District Parks. When the new Garvey Senior Center finally opens its doors, it will host the first dedicated public pickleball courts in Maryland. Foster added that the Willows Recreation Center in Lexington Park also offers indoor courts.

He said beginners shouldn’t worry because they’ll pick up the game in no time. St. Mary’s Recreation and Parks did offer pickleball lessons, but those were put on hold due to COVID. Foster said, if you drop by once of the public courts while folks are playing, they’ll most likely be glad to show you how the game is played.  “If someone stopped by one of the courts, you’ll probably find someone who’ll be glad to help you. It’s easy to get competent. You can go out on day two and play with an average player. We’re excited about everyone that joins.”

If you’re ready to play some pickleball, The Willows is hosting a Veteran’s Day Pickleball tournament on Wednesday, November 11. Beginners are welcome. The Willows invites you to stop by and check out the best indoor Pickleball Courts in all of Southern Maryland!

Click on this link to learn more: https://www.gowrc.com/special-events

Note: All photos were taken pre-COVID-19.