The game of pickle ball comes to Orrville Tuesday

June 6, 2012

ORRVILLE - Orrville is introducing a new game called pickle ball.
Pickle ball is a game that combines some of the features of tennis, badminton and table tennis.  It is a game that is played on a badminton court with the net positioned at the ground level similar to tennis. The ball is hollow and light made of plastic the size of a medium orange with holes all around it. The paddle, with which one strikes the ball, is similar to a table tennis paddle but is slightly larger in size.
"It's supposed to be lots of fun for adults, and we are going to start June 12 at 10 a.m. and every Tuesday, and Thursday throughout the summer, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Orrville Community Centre," said Joan Conn, member of the Orrville Recreation Committee.
Pickle ball is suited for players who may not currently possess the ability or the desire to run around a large court such as for tennis or exert at a high physical activity level, said advocates of the game. The game provides opportunities for the player to participate in a physical activity that employ ones eye hand coordination, mental alertness /reflexes and moderate mobility on the court.
"We have cottagers who have been playing it all year at their community centre in Aurora and they wanted to continue playing so they've offered to come and do it here," added Conn
Pickle ball play at the community centre is designed to provide an environment for its residents to participate in a friendly physical activity while maintaining a low to medium level of competition consistent with individual preferences.
It is also to provide camaraderie, physical activity, enhance mental alertness/reflexes and having fun while enjoying the game. Organizer strive to achieve these objectives by creating and fostering an environment that is conducive to mutual respect and pursuit of individual personal goals without adversely impacting on others to enjoying playing the sport.
Two of Orrville's summer residents, Sue and Cam Wilding are involved with the pickle ball  club at the Aurora Seniors Association. They have volunteered to assist interested residents to gain skills needed to play the game and also to coordinate the activities related to the play at the community centre.
Initially the pickle ball play would be targeted and geared to the Seniors and adult residents of Orrville, said organizers.
"We did have a demonstration earlier in the season and so some people have seen it and they certainly will demonstrate it again and teach people how to play," said Conn.
New members who have not played the game before and would like to get some training or coaching can come to the community centre.  If any one who has played badminton, tennis or table tennis would be able to pick up this game in very short time period. Paddles and balls will be made available at the community centre.
To assist residents in enjoying a friendly game or mastering it to participate in regional, provincial or national competition, it is important to understand and practice the rules of the game, said organizers.
A summary of rules that are recognized in Canada for pickle ball play will be made available at the community centre for pick up. Participant will be asked for a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of the equipment.
(Submitted article.)