Tickle for the pickle

The sound attracted me. It was softer than thunder and louder than a mallet on a pick, but when the paddle hit that ball, I was instantly wowed, drawn like a moth to a flame. Four people on a badminton court with a very low net. They were positioned as strategic pawns holding rectangular paddles, two standing out of court at the baseline on one side and on the other side, one person stood in the middle half of the court while the other passed the baseline on the other side. as ready to receive a service. He was right and the game was on and he was fast with heavy punches and another heavy slap. Now some people are happy to transition to a sedentary life once they hit the golden age of 50, but I am not. I went looking for something fun. It had to be a bit competitive and require familiar athletic skills, but something that wasn’t too stressful on my aging joints and just the right amount of rules so as not to overwhelm my cognitive synapses. Pickleball’s sport was everything I expected and more.

The basics

Before heading out onto the court, it is important to know that Pickleball has different skill levels, is an activity for all ages, and you can choose from singles, doubles, or mixed doubles. Equipment is minimal but essential. The shoe should be elliptical trainer or tennis shoe with durable non-marking flat webs that provide stability for side-to-side movement, and the paddle you use should be light enough to present you with tactile options and power. Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of any physical activity. Maintain your optimal functional efficiency by warming up all muscles, joints, and ligaments for greater ease of movement, better skill performance, and less chance of injury – remember that short, tight muscles limit movement and become painful when doing physical activity . Every athlete knows the importance of having water available and Pickleball is no exception, hydration will be essential due to physical demands.

Everything is in the team

The doubles game is perhaps the most fun part of Pickleball. Playing involves much more than the techniques or physical abilities of each player. The emphasis is on the team, working together using strategies, tactics, and various techniques. A recent game had my partner ask me, “Why are you trying to kill him? Put the ball where it isn’t.” Makes sense. How was I going to stop my enthusiasm? Trusting my partner.

Before diving into more advanced skills like strategy and tactics, I first had to understand Pickleball’s basic doubles formation. Move in with my partner to get the best effect. On serve, both players should stand behind the baseline and stay there until the other team returns the ball, then we move down the middle of the court together for the best spin.

As a rookie player, I tend to make the mistake of staying on my side of the court even when my partner is under pressure. I find myself standing there watching as my partner is assaulted by opponents. Lately, I have found that as a beginner, I am more attracted to the ball by experienced players and are confident that I will make mistakes, often. If that sounds familiar, here’s how to help yourself and your partner. Imagine there is a rope tied around your waist and your partner’s waist and when one player moves, the other should naturally follow. For example, if a player is returning a shot at the corner net, the partner should follow through to help maximize the value of the court. You and your partner are linked by an invisible rope, pressing forward together, backing up together, and moving sideways together. This is how couple chemistry develops in Pickleball doubles.

Health benefits

You may be thinking, “Here it comes: exercise and diet, you will live longer.” Consider this, the human body was designed for physical activity, only the fittest survived. Our society today has an abundance of what are known as hypokinetic diseases, conditions caused by a lack of regular physical activity.

The average person can burn between 300 and 400 calories per hour playing Pickleball. When you increase the number of calories you expend and balance it with healthy eating, something magical happens; You begin to feel good about your body, emotional and mental clarity can continue, and energy levels improve considerably. Stress and tension disappear. Increase your game or add a few more games each week and your oxygen demand will increase. Aerobically, this means that your heart, lungs and muscles work more efficiently, which is why it even reduces elevated blood fats and blood pressure, improves digestion and elimination, defeating hypokinetic disease. Dynamic and isotonic strength improves, low back pain, osteoporosis, and joint pain decrease, as well as resistance fatigue develops over a period of time. A Pickleball lifestyle is more than physical activity, it is a standard of living with meaning and purpose. The evidence supports the fact that you are never too old to experience the benefits of exercise, and your body will respond to exercise at any age.

The rules

For starters, the toss of a coin usually decides who goes first, but most friendly games have the partner with the least amount of service experience. The pair will stand behind the baseline and the player on the right side will start serving from below and making contact with the ball below the waist. The ball is directed to the opposite player on the other side of the net who is standing behind the end line. The ball must bounce once before being returned and the serving team must also wait for the returned shot to bounce before volleying. This is where the game gets exciting and picks up speed. There is a no volley zone – or “kitchen”, this is the 7 foot space between the net and the front line of the court that prevents players from standing too close to the net and promotes quick reflexes with shooting strategies. skill as opposed to potency. shots. Only the serving team can score points and the game is played until one team reaches 11 points or clears 2 points up. A game can last between 10 and 25 minutes and can be quite competitive with equally skilled players. The main goal is to have a lot of fun.

Tips

Always consult a physician before beginning any activity that has a physical component and always warm up before entering the court. Include various stretches, including the quads and hamstrings in the legs, shoulders, and wrists in the upper body. While playing, stay alert in anticipation of your next shot, maintain a firm stance with a wide base for stability to avoid injury, and while waiting for the ball, keep the paddle high, centered on your chest, ready for a shot to either side of you. . Sportsmanship during and at the end of the game is essential as in any other sport. Cooling down should be an important part of your Pickleball routine. Immediately after playing, do light rhythmic activity and some flexibility stretches. A sudden stop in movement can cause blood to pool in the arms and legs, which can lead to dizziness or fainting.

Warning, once you play, you will be hooked because when it comes to sports, few can beat the magic that is Pickleball. See you on the courts …

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