Page 14 - You Magazine 9

The universal appeal of pickleball has seen everyone from billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates to 23-time Grand Slam singles titles winner Serena Williams picking up a paddle. Now pickleball is being touted as the perfect sport for seniors and those living with disability.
For a sport whose association only made its official Australian debut three years
ago, pickleball has made a huge impact.
In the short time since industry body Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) was formed, the sport has grown in popularity and now boasts more than
7,500 financial members and an estimated 25,000 participants across seven state and territory associations.
Having proved a massive drawcard to many in their active retirement years, more than
100 affiliate clubs, community groups and businesses now have pickleball members. In October, it was inducted as an official sport in the 19th Australian Masters Games.
Played by more than 36.5 million people across 69 countries internationally, pickleball is now just six countries shy of the minimum required to have it designated as an Olympic sport, and even has its own language.
Rules of engagement
A low-impact sport played with a paddle and a small, perforated plastic ball, pickleball is often
described as a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton.
Played indoors or outdoors
on a hard surface the size of a badminton court, and over a
90cm high net, pickleball is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy-to-learn strokes.
The game is played in either traditional singles, doubles or mixed doubles format, with points earned through a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots. Only the serving team can score points and games are normally played to 11 points, win by 2.
14 2024 You