Here are a few interesting facts about the burgeoning sport of
pickleball we thought you'd enjoy:
• An estimated 4.8 million folks in the U.S. now play pickleball
• Participation in the sport has increased almost 40 percent in the
last two years
• It is played in 70 countries (and growing)
• The United States and Canada combined have about 9,500
pickleball venues now, including senior communities, YMCA's
recreation centers, schools, parks and cruise ships
For new players, here are a few things to be aware of when playing
pickleball:
• Always wear proper footwear. Court shoes are the correct choice.
They allow you to move in any direction, not just forward like
jogging or walking shoes. Proper shoes help eliminate falling.
• Never run backwards. Back peddling more than a step is unsafe
and causes falling. No one wants to fall – especially us seniors!
• Always stop play when a ball from another court rolls onto or
through your court.
• Know your limits and stay balanced. Be realistic about your
abilities. Our brains may tell us we're 21, but our bodies will
remind us we're not. NO BALL IS WORTH THE FALL.
Beginners are very welcome. Please wear proper shoes and bring
water. We have paddles and balls for you to use.
For more information, feel free to contact either Sue Miller at (503)
702-4273 or Sandy Stearn at (951) 797-0991.
PICKLEBALL PADDLERS
| LIFE IN SOLERA | MAY 2022 | 29
