You may not have heard of it yet, but one of the fastest-growing sports in Ontario is already a hit at the Huff n’ Puff Seniors Fitness Association of London. It’s called Pickleball, and it has grown over the last five years to 196 participants at Huff n’ Puff, an organization that offers 37 different activities to its members.
Currently, pickleball is scheduled four times a week in different parts of London. It is widely reported that the sport is easier on different parts of the body than other activities, which seems to increase its popularity within the Seniors Fitness Association.
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court, and can be played as either singles or doubles. The game sees a wiffle ball hit with an oversized ping-pong paddle over a lowered badminton net. The ball is served diagonally, and points can only be scored by the side that serves. Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed, like a tennis match.
It has really taken off at the Huff n’ Puff Seniors Fitness Association, an organization that invites people aged 55 and over and their spouses (who may also join at the age of 50) to participate in a wide range of activities to encourage fitness and social contact.
Interested in learning more about pickleball? Email huffnpuff.sfa@gmail.com, phone 519-661-5854, or visit www.huffnpuffsfa.com.
