Pickleball Club offers competitive camaraderie

Pickleball can be highly competitive, energizing or casual. Here in Leisure World, Pickleball Club members are out on the courts from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day of the week. Some of the games are quick hitting, others competitive with a friendly camaraderie. Some games are all male players, some all female, but most are mixed, and at a games conclusion all come to the net for an appreciative paddle clap.

Pickleball incorporates a variety of skills seen in tennis, badminton and table tennis, but is unique in court and paddle size, and incorporates a ball with holes in it that makes annoying sounds like those made inside a popcorn machine—but most of all it’s fun.

Residents are encouraged to take up the sport, with lessons given free of charge every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. The first Wednesday of the month is designed for new players. During this session, basic strokes are introduced and new players begin to drill, hitting the ball in repetitive manner. Players also learn ball handling, paddle handling and the basic serve.

The following week, players improve their serve, learn to volley and hit the ball. Positioning strategy is demonstrated and in the third week positioning and scoring are emphasized. The last two Wednesdays of the month are devoted to sharpening basic skills, with various opportunities for drills, strengthening serve with targeted surface work, and learning how to dink.

The last weeks of the month generally involve actual games being played, with emphasis on scoring and court positioning.

Players are encouraged to register on the Team Reach app and schedule games with their classmates to follow up on the drills and begin active play.

Residents interested in learning more about the sport can come to the courts and watch players in action. There are benches courtside. Observers should pay attention and only enter the area when the ball is not in play.

—Donna Gambol The pickleball courts will be closed for resurfacing for fi ve to seven days beginning March 9.

Nancy Rader (l-r) and Phil Orndorff congratulate Vindar Batoosingh and Patrick Reagan on a game well played under the lights. The pickleball courts are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and are illuminated beginning at dusk.