SUMMER2016
17
Washington during the
summer of 1965 when the
Pritchards and their friends
wanted to play badminton but
couldn't find a shuttlecock, so
they used a Wiffle ball, and
instead of rackets, they used
pieces of plywood. They also
lowered the net.
Pickleball is a game for
everyone. Those with little
to no athletic ability can pick
it up quickly. Beginners can
enjoy it as much as advanced
players. According to their
website, USIndoor member
facility Greensboro Sportplex
in Greensboro, North Carolina,
has skill levels from beginner
to level 3 and above.
Because many middle school
and high school students have
played and enjoyed pickleball
in their physical education
classes, it is a good sport
for camps and after-school
programs. Pickleball also
attracts retirees, who are
often interested in playing
during the day, when most
facilities have court space
available.
In an article that appeared
in Athletic Business in
September 2013, USA
Pickleball Association
Executive Director Justin
Maloof said: "Seventy percent
Marking the Pickleball Court
at Folsom Sports Complex (Folsom, CA)
Playing Pickleball
at RISE (Rockwall, TX)
