MAPLE GROVE, Minn. – The oddly named sport of "Pickleball" has become America's and Minnesota's newest passion. The activity appeals to people of all ages.
The sport began 50 years ago near Seattle, Washington. Three men are credited with creating the sport to combat the boredom of their children. A story is that the dog of one of them kept chasing the ball. Since the dog's name was "Pickle", Pickleball was born.
"The pickleball has a little bit slower play to it," said Patty Anderson, Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Administrative Supervisor. "I think that is what is the interest of the seniors, but we also are seeing, throughout the Park and Recreation industry, that this is a sport that all levels are getting interested in, children and adults."
Maple Grove converted two tennis courts into six pickleball courts and is adding 4 more in late summer. Other courts are up and working in Woodbury, Plymouth, Roseville, New Brighton, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Richfield and Burnsville. St. Cloud just opened six courts of their own.
The sport is played with a solid racquet (paddle) and a whiffle ball. There is a net, a couple of inches lower than a tennis net, that divides the court into two sides. It has been compared to ping-pong and involves the strategy and skill of the net play in tennis. The action is close and relatively fast.
All serves are underhand and the ball must be struck with the racquet below the waist. The formal rules of the game are set by the United States Pickleball Association (USAPA).
The appeal of the sport is that it is an accessible activity and very social.
"Oh, it is phenomenal," said Mike Kline, Plymouth resident. "I know we have met at least 120 people in the three years, we have played. I mean that is by name. Where else do you get that kind of social life with something other than you know holidays or parties or something like that or work."
Kline played racquet ball when younger. His wife, Jean, who is retired, never played tennis, but did play ping-pong in her youth.
"I started playing cards at a senior center and not very active and then I saw a flyer for pickleball and I was curious," said Jean Kline. "I just came and tried it and fell in love with it."
"I think the hook is that you can get somewhat proficient right away," said Mike Kline. "In other words, It is not like tennis where you will hit the ball way out of bounds every time."
Kline said he has played with people in their 80s and with teenagers. " Around the holidays when they're home from college, or when their parents bring them in, MEA week or something like that, they are all over the place," grinned Kline. "They humiliate us and they leave."
The enthusiasm of the players is contagious. They were anxious to praise the fun of the sport.
"I love pickleball because it is a great way to meet people, get a lot of exercise, and be competitive," said Rosemary Mueller. " And you can play men against women."
The sport has no age or gender barriers. It is regarded as the fastest growing sport in North America.
