Pickelball is a funny name for the fastest growing sport in the Inland Empire and many parts of the world. The game has actually been around since 1965 when the Prichard and Bell families were trying to entertain their children with a combination of various sporting equipment found around their house in Bainbridge Island, WA.
It’s a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, played indoors or outside. The courts are much smaller than a tennis court making it easier to maneuver.
Rules are easy to learn and equipment includes a high tech paddle and ball that looks like a wiffle ball on steroids. However, die hard pickleball players take their game seriously, so don’t call it a wiffle ball!
My favorite part is that this game can be played at various levels from easy volleying to extremely challenging. It is fun, very addictive, and a great source of exercise.
Many of the 55 and over communities, private communities and vacation resorts are converting their tennis courts into Pickleball courts due to the popular demand by residents of all ages. There are even pickleball courts on some of the cruise ships and they even hold special pickleball cruises.
Give it a try or just stop in and watch. The crowd is very friendly and everyone is always willing to help the new comers. The largest pickleball venue in the area, is at the Drayson Center in Loma Linda. Their open play is extremely popular Monday through Thursday in both the mornings and evenings.
Memberships are available or non-members are welcome for a small fee which includes equipment usage. Redlands YMCA just redid their courts and is said to be nice. Many other places are available for free, including the Redlands Community Center, Crafton Hills College, Azur Hills Church in Grand Terrace and Woodland Park in Moreno Valley. These are only a few places and times, be sure to check with each venue for additional days and details.
For your safety, court shoes are highly recommended and no sandals or flip flops. Let’s play ball!