STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK
They call themselves “picklers.” They spend their time “pickling.” They don’t say, “Sorry”—they say, “Pickle.” And, when they lose, they’re “pickled.”
They’re among the growing legion of pickleball players at the Community Campus gym in Hailey who spend three days a week trading lobs, volleys and lots of laughs and giggles.
“It’s so addicting,” said Bellevue resident Sidne Lamb. “I find myself waking up in the night dreaming about it. It’s the most incredible sport because it’s something anyone can play together, whether they’re 5 years old or 80. And you meet a lot of new friends you would never know if not for pickleball.”
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.
Its lightweight perforated wiffle-like ball is about the size of a baseball. Its paddle made of high-tech lightweight aerospace materials is shorter than a tennis racket and embodies such fearsome names as the Whomper, Kryptonite, Predator, Blaster, Stryker, Avenger and the Enforcer.
The game was invented in 1965 by former Congressman Joel Pritchard in the backyard of his Bainbridge Island home as a way to entertain a bunch of bored youngsters one Saturday afternoon.
Pritchard couldn’t find the shuttlecock for badminton so he improvised with a wiffle ball and lowered the badminton net.
Legend has it that the game was named for Pritchard’s cocker spaniel Pickles who would often retrieve the ball as if it were “Pickle’s ball.” But Pritchard’s wife Joan claims the name originated when she said the game reminded her of the pickle boat--the slowest vessel in a race and the last fishing boat to return with its catch each day.
Pickleball was officially incorporated as a game in 1972. It’s now played around the world—with more than 2 million playing it in the United States alone. And players claim it’s the fastest growing sport in the country, especially among the millions of retiring baby boomers who know enough to stay off the skateboards but have way too much energy for shuffleboard.
You can learn it in five minutes as rules are minimal. But, as with any other sport, you can spend a lifetime perfecting it, said Hailey resident Kay Brill.
There’s no need for fancy tennis skirts and Polo shirts—just dress comfortably.
Ketchum resident Nancy Goodenough introduced several Wood River Valley residents to the game this past summer at an outdoor court in the Heatherlands. As winter neared, the group approached the Blaine County Recreation District about using its gym.
“Jim Keating and Dave Keir couldn’t have been more accommodating,” said Hailey resident Judy Harrison. “Immediately, they ordered two nets, then two more and we’re going to get more. We went from 10 players to 80—55 are what I’d call regulars, although we don’t get all of them at once.”
Pickleball attracts many former tennis players because there’s less ground to cover and less impact on the joints since the ball is served underhand rather than overhand. That said, some players say they get more exercise playing pickleball than they ever did playing doubles tennis.
“It’s just the best thing—it’s addictive,” said Anne Dressell, who comes in tandem with her husband Rick Dressell. “We started playing four months ago and it keeps us going. It’s something my husband and I love equally. And I’ve found that it’s done wonders for the arthritis in my left hip. I don’t feel it at all since I started playing pickleball.”
“I do it because it’s fun hitting balls at people,” quipped Betty Barnes. “And I have Parkinsons’ Disease so my neurologist says I from hitting the ball.”
Recently, some of Sun Valley’s pickleball players went up against 130 competitors at the annual Pickleball Classic staged by the Treasure Valley YMCA in Meridian. They learned they have a lot to learn, going up against players who had been playing for years, observed Dave Harrison.
But, still, Tracy Simon and Ann Gross came away with a gold medal in their division. Kay Brill and Sine Lamb won silver, as did Tracy Simon and her 12-year-old son Jake Simon. And Rick and Anne Dressell brought home a bronze medal.
Two longtime Boise pickleball players will teach clinics and private lessons for Wood River Valley pickleball players in Hailey June 25-28.
And local pickleball players are already making plans to compete at the Idaho Senior Games in August and the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah, next October.
“We’d invite anyone to come out and try it,” said Kay Brill. “It’s a fun, happy sport full of friendly welcoming people, and it provides great exercise. It’s challenging but only as competitive as you want to make it. And it’s changed the lives of many people for the better.”
STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN UNLESS…A PRIMER TO THE GAME
The pickleball court is similar to a doubles badminton court with the net height 36 inches off the ground. The low net height makes it accessible to 5-year-olds and those who use wheelchairs.
The ball is served with an underhand stroke. Players must stay out of the kitchen—an area 7 feet from the net on both sides— unless the ball first bounces. Those using wheelchairs get two bounds instead of the one a standup player gets.
Points are scored only by the serving side when the opponent fails to return the ball or hits it out of bounds. The first side scoring 11 points wins—they must be leading by at least two points. But tournament games may be played to 15 or 21 points.
WANT TO TRY IT?
PIckleball players play from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Campus in Hailey. But some of the more enthusiastic players get started before the scheduled time and play beyond 11 a.m. if no one’s waiting to use the court. On Sundays they play from noon to 1:30 a.m.
The ticket to play is $5 per day or $20 for a month’s worth of play.
Newcomers are welcome—players will gladly share racquets with those wanting to try it out. And players are said to have some engaging conversations while sitting on court awaiting their turn.
THE LOWDOWN ON THE PICKLEBALL CLINIC
Nick and Tami Leach of Simply Pickleball in Boise will give a couple clinics and private lessons in Hailey the weekend of June 24-26.
The first clinic will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 25. The second, from 2 to 5 p.m. that day. Cost is $30 per person.
Clinics will cover serves and returns, third shot drops, shot selections, strategy and other skill drills.
To sign up, email kaybrill@gmail.com.