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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2026 | 63 It may not be a rivalry on the level of Rome versus Carthage or even Red Sox vs Yankees, but there is definite tension between pickleball and tennis. As pickle grows and thrives there is competition for court space. Tennis players may look down on the upstart "new kids on the block." And then there is the grumbling about the sound of our ball-striking that some find annoying. Fortunately our sports have much more in common than many appreciate. A recent study in the New York Times featured a number of academic and medical people who have examined the relative health benefits of the two most popular court sports in America. Both provide good cardio workouts but tennis gets the nod here with its larger court, long rallies, and full swings. One doctor, looking at pickleball's smaller court and fast volleys, says it is, "probably better for reaction time and maybe even for balance." The threat of injury looms over both activities and gets much press these days as reporters look for attention. Tennis elbow is a well- known issue. Physiologists point to the Achilles as a vulnerability in pickle, especially as the game's accessibility lures many who don't realize the importance of stretching. The bad news is that 70 percent of pickleball players report some injuries. The good news is that most are minor. All the experts agree the benefits of the exercise far outweigh the risks. The authorities surveyed by the Times were resounding in one accolade. Both sports offer terrific social and mental benefits. "You cannot be playing pickleball or tennis or badminton on a regular basis without becoming good friends — it's just so joyous," gushed one physician. A longtime tennis player/coach who has fallen in love with pickleball likes that it is "commonly played as a doubles game and in open play sessions, in which players of all ages and backgrounds drop in." That, in a nutshell, is what Sun Lakes pickleball is all about. We should all agree that being active is better than the alternative. Our community gives us a place to feel young again. To get out with the neighborhood "kids" and have fun. When is the last time you skinned your knee doing something enjoyable? We may have to treat some aches at the end of the day but we can hit the hay knowing we spent time with some really pleasant folks. We encourage you to check us out. Give our club veteran Royce Newman a call at (951) 809-2303. He will welcome your interest. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club is that most are minor. All the experts agree the benefits of the exercise far outweigh the risks. The authorities surveyed by the

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