Go Pickleball-ing

Guess what the latest stress-buster that’s creating waves across the city is? It’s Pickleball — a popular game in the US — which is a hybrid of lawn tennis and badminton, with some elements of tennis as well.

Though a relatively fun and a soft sport, Pickleball is played on a badminton court (indoor or outdoor), with a wooden paddle the size of a ping pong racquet and a hollow plastic ball; while the net is reduced to half the size of a badminton net. Apart from all the health benefits that it promises, Pickleball also goes easy on your
pockets.
 
History and origin
A game of American origin, Pickleball was introduced in India for the first time in 2007 by Sunil Valavalkar, Secretary of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), a charitable organisation founded by Valavalkar. “The best part about Pickleball is that it is easy to learn, non-risky, non-technological, and economical. Besides, a person of any age and ability can enjoy the benefits of this game,” says Valavalkar.
 
How it scores over tennis
Pickleball eliminates the tough aspects of lawn tennis, badminton and table tennis and is a flexible mix of the three sports. It allows underhand service unlike lawn tennis and is not restricted to a table as in case of table tennis. Since volleying the shuttle in badminton is quite a task, Pickleball allows the ball to be smack-dabbed or to be returned with a bounce, as in tennis. Also, the light-weight racquets and the low-lined net (that cost Rs 400 and Rs 150 respectively) make it even more effortless.

Lamenting on the sad state of fitness sports in India, Valavalkar says, “Only five out of 10 people in India actually play any sport, which is a risky proportion, while in developed nations the ratio is 60:100.” He justifies this lackadaisical stance saying most sports are “fast, risky and costly”.

In his endeavour to promote Pickleball, Valavalkar has approached many gyms and sports clubs in the city and Pickleball is presently played in about five badminton courts.