PICKLEBALL

Pickleball is growing in popularity in Chilton County thanks to the sport being added at the YMCA.

Pickles and staying out of the kitchen may not be words Chilton County is used to hearing associated with exercise or sports.

However, these are words associated with the YMCA’s

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE

newest sports opportunity — pickleball.

The net sport — which really has nothing to do with food — has been described as a cross between tennis and ping pong. “It came into being because two (men) came home to their families, they were staying together for a trip and their kids were bored out of their mind,” pickleball player David McCary said. “All they had was some badminton (net) material, some ping pong paddles and a Wiffle Ball, so they rigged up the net, and they started hitting and playing it.”

These men were Washington State Congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell, according to the

David McCary demonstrates a serve.

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USA Pickleball Association website.

The family enjoyed it and continued playing until it grew to a following large enough for the establishment of leagues, the USA Pickleball Association and a national championship.

McCary said the name of the activity came from the family’s dog Pickle because he kept taking the ball as they played.

“It became popular in the retirement community in Florida particularly,” McCary said. “... Anyone from 8 to 80 can play it effectively. When they have competitions, it is divided into age groups.”

While the Y court is indoors, there are many places in the country that have outdoor courts. The lines resemble a tennis or badminton court. “You play to 11 and you have to win by two,” McCary said. “You can play doubles or singles.” Women and men can play on the same team and against each other.

Similar to tennis, if the serving team hits the ball into the back of the court, and the opposing cannot return it, then the serving team gets a point.

“You can’t get a point unless you are serving,” MCary said. If the ball goes out of bounds, hits the net or bounces twice, a point is lost. When both players on the serving team lose a point, the other team gets to serve.

McCary became interested in the game as a way to stay active during the winter when it is too cold to play tennis.

Although he had never played the game, McCary said he knew of some community members who had been introduced to the game during gym class.

“The game helps your footwork and your hand speed which is good for tennis,” McCary said. “You can get a

David McCary and Chris Ferguson stand in the back court as they wait for the serve.

Chris Ferguson prepares to serve. In pickleball, serving must be under hand and contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist.

Bryan Petty serves. Players must stand outside the court to serve.

good bit of cardio, too.”

Several of the other players also have a background in tennis, while others have a background in ping pong.

Player Jason Harley compared the game to racquetball.

“It’s quick paced like racquetball is,” Harley said. “If you like any kind of paddle sport, ping pong, tennis or racquetball you are probably going to enjoy this.”

A major component of the game is hand-eye coordination.

Players must be conscious of their feet so they do not step into the kitchen, the name given to the square of the court closest to the net, unless the ball has bounced there.

A major difference between pickleball and tennis is the way the ball bounces. Harley said the Wiffle Ball does not bounce as high as the tennis ball, so there is more running toward the ball than waiting for it to come to the player.

“No one wants to get beat 11 to nothing, so the challenge is to find someone to play with at your skill level,” McCary said.

As Chilton County’s interest in the game increases, opportunities to play will increase.

“We hope to have a little bit more of an organized league soon, and we are talking about trying to do a tournament in the spring,” YMCA CEO Lori Patterson said.

Offering the sport had been an idea of Patterson’s about two years before she found the right people interested in it

“We have a lot of fun,” McCary said.

In the summer of 2019, Patterson talked to McCary and some other Y members

Jason Harley prepares to serve. Serves are made diagonally in pickleball.

Jason Harley hits the ball during a game of doubles.

about starting the sport and planning began in earnest.

“It’s the most fun game I think I have ever played,” McCary said.

To launch the opportunity, the Y hosted a pickleball instructor to introduce community members to the game. Harley said he has enjoyed learning a new sport with friends.

“You burn a lot of energy,” Harley said. “You burn a lot of calories doing this. We usually play for about two hours.”

The competitive nature of the game also appealed to him.

“Because it is quick paced, it is even fun to sit and watch guys play,” Harley said. “I just really enjoy it.”

He said after about three games he felt comfortable with the game.

Kevin Gray wanted to give the sport a try because he enjoys competitive games, and he knew several of the people who were playing.

“It is a fun way to get in exercise without feeling like you are having to go to an exercise activity,” Patterson said. “It’s a fun competition.”

While the Y provides all of the necessary equipment, some of those who play on a regular basis have purchased their own paddles.

Pickleball courts are open at the YMCA Mondays 3-6:15 p.m., Tuesdays 3-5:15 p.m., Thursdays 3-5:15 p.m. and Fridays 3-6:30 p.m. Those who are not a member of the Y can come and try out the game for free. After that, there would be $5 per game.

More information about pickleball and the national following is available at the USA Pickleball Association website usapa.org.

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