As the Autumn brings the colder and wetter months, we can find that we lose our enthusiasm to stay active. Maybe we skip our morning walk, or find the cosy sofa more appealing than leaving the house to go to an exercise class. Or it could be that our chosen sport relies on dry, warmer weather.
But have you thought of starting a new fun sport? It’s a great way of getting enthusiastic about being active.
This is where Pickleball can be such a great sport to begin.
Pickleball England estimates there are around 35,000 pickleball players in England. The organisation has registered more than 9,000 players and has around 600 places to play listed on its club locator. Find a club near you.
Pickleball – what is it?
You might have heard of Pickleball – but like many people you’re wondering what is this new sport?
Started in Seattle, US in 1965, the sport is growing rapidly. We even had Pickleball Day on 10 October. Bexhill Leisure Centre celebrated the Day with the support of Active Rother by offering a free hour of play between 11am to 9pm(the hour included coaching, support and equipment for new players).
But what is it? The sport combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
It can be played in pairs or singles. It’s played using a wooden paddle and a plastic ball. The game involves you hitting the ball over a net, your opponent then has to hit the ball back before it bounces twice on their side of the court. It can be played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
There’s lots more information about Pickleball on the Pickleball England website.
Benefits of pickleball
Staying active has many physical health benefits. And starting a new sport, meeting new friends and learning new skills can help with brain health and wellbeing too.
Pickleball also:
- improves heart health – staying active can reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35%
- improves flexibility and balance – as we get older falls and fall-related injuries become a common and serious problem. Reduce your risk of falls
- improves muscle strength
- it’s socially inclusive – meet new friends. Staying socially active can help maintain our brain health.
Surge in popularity
Freedom Leisure has seen a huge surge in popularity of Pickleball, which has led it to expand its sessions in Bexhill.
Toby Reed, Freedom Leisure’s Area Manager in Hastings & Rother, said: ‘It’s a game that’s suitable for all levels of fitness, ages and abilities. We have witnessed a real community of regular players who have all bonded over their love of playing the game.’
Join regular pickleball sessions
Freedom Leisure operated Bexhill Leisure Centre and Summerfields Leisure Centre, both run sessions You can book a court and play with friends or family by calling the phone numbers below:
Summerfields Leisure Centre
A friendly inclusive session suitable for all ages and competencies. With plenty of courts are available for play, there is always space for new comers to come and experience Pickleball and meet new people. All equipment is provided and no pre-booking is required.
- When: every Wednesday 3pm to 5pm
- Cost: £3 per session – just turn up
- Contact: telephone 01424 457691.
Bexhill Leisure Centre
Organised sessions are held throughout the week and are open to everyone. You can just turn up to sessions and join in.
- Tuesday 2.30pm to 5.30pm
- Wednesday 11am to 2pm
- Thursday 11am to 1.30pm & 7pm to 9pm
- Friday 3.30pm to 5.30pm
- Sunday 1.35pm to 3.55pm.
Cost: £3.90
Contact: 01424 731171
Battle Sports Centre
- Mondays 7pm to 9pm