But, in fact, pickle ball was first invented in 1965 by three dads using left over sports equipment to entertain their families.
With a bit of imagination, they created a game that combines the size of a badminton court, a net like tennis, and paddles similar to table tennis, but larger.
Former Yarrawonga tennis coach, Greg Dunns brought the game here last year and its proven to be so popular, it is expanding to two nights a week.
“Pickle ball is played by a lot of people aged from 55-75 because it’s not overly demanding on the body, but it’s still good exercise,” Greg said.
Win Htwe moved to Australia from Myanmar with her husband who is a doctor in Yarrawonga.
Win said she loves all racquet sports but found after years of playing tennis that pickle ball was easy on her knees.
“It’s a game for everybody, for all ages … my husband doesn’t play tennis, but he plays pickleball,” Win said.
“Everyone can play, without practice or coaching … you don’t need to be fit, and the courts are smaller, so you don’t need to run a lot.
“And I’ve met a lot of new people.”
Pickle ball has taken off around the world. Locally, Greg said players can just turn up and play social pickle ball for fun, or they can play at state and national level.
For players who are really keen, tournaments are held between Wangaratta and Yarrawonga.
The Yarrawonga club plays at Sacred Heart College’s indoor sports facility, which is airconditioned, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, starting from next week.
“We’ve gone from nothing to about 30 players; now Wednesdays are full and there are about 8-10 spots left on Tuesdays,” Greg said.
“The Shire has identified it as a growing sport and want to cater for it, so they’ve spoken with us about holding pickle ball in the new multi sports centre.”
Want to play?
• Sacred Heart College
• Tuesday or Wednesday nights, 7.45-9.15pm
• Cost is $170 for 10 weeks or $20 for occasional play
• All equipment is provided
• Call Win on 0410 574 482.
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