The Pickleball Craze
By Susan Salaz
The nation’s fastest growing sport, pickleball, is a competitive mix of ping-pong, badminton and tennis, and just about anyone can play.
Invented in a backyard on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington, in 1965, the pickleball craze has exploded in popularity over the past few years in towns across America. With dedicated courts popping up at local parks, leagues and lessons, and tournaments drawing national and international names, Indianapolis and the surrounding communities are happy to be a part of the pickleball trend.
Dan Hollis
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Ask any seasoned pickleball player about the sport and they’ll probably say things like it’s “addicting” or it’s “the best sport ever.” But what makes the sport so attractive to so many? To some, it’s the social aspect that’s intriguing. “Pickleball players’ enthusiasm for the sport is contagious and the friendships that get created become lifelong,” says Dan Hollis, board member of the Indy Pickleball Club, formed in 2019 to be a united voice to grow pickleball in the area. He adds, “The Indy Pickleball community players are very generous with their time and kindness when sharing their passion for pickleball.”
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To others, it’s the accessibility that is inviting. “The beauty of pickleball is that it’s a lot easier entry point than tennis,” says central Indiana’s pickleball pioneer, Rick Witsken. The game is played on a smaller court than tennis, with a slightly lower net. The paddle is larger than a ping-pong paddle, and the lightweight ball is similar to a Wiffle ball. Witsken explains that kids, seniors, non-athletes and even those with physical limitations can pick up the game quickly—and get good at it, too! “That really helps the excitement and the growth of the sport.”
Witsken, a former professional tennis player and founder of Team Witsken, a local organization offering professional tennis instruction, got hooked on pickleball ten years ago. He has since added the sport to the lineup at Team Witsken, and he recently started the first middle school pickleball team in the state at Zionsville Middle School, where he also coaches tennis. Since 2014, Witsken has competed in pickleball tournaments professionally, now a top-ranked pro senior player. “It’s given me a new lease on life, playing a professional sport after age 50 that’s pretty cool,” he says. This June, Witsken and his wife will host the 2022 APP Indianapolis Open Pickleball tournament, drawing professional and amateur players from around the globe.
“I would encourage anyone that is looking to improve their social and physical well-being to look no further,” says Hollis. “We are an incredibly welcoming community.” So grab your paddle and head to the nearest court to challenge yourself and connect with others. Cyntheanne Park in Fishers, along with Forest and Finch Creek Parks in Noblesville, offer public, outdoor pickleball courts. Indoor courts are available at the Monon Community Center in Carmel. Wherever you play, just be sure to stay out of the kitchen (don’t worry, you’ll get the reference after a game or two).
Witsken, a former professional tennis player and founder of Team Witsken, a local organization offering professional tennis instruction, got hooked on pickleball ten years ago. He has since added the sport to the lineup at Team Witsken, and he recently started the first middle school pickleball team in the state at Zionsville Middle School, where he also coaches tennis. Since 2014, Witsken has competed in pickleball tournaments professionally, now a top-ranked pro senior player. “It’s given me a new lease on life, playing a professional sport after age 50 that’s pretty cool,” he says. This June, Witsken and his wife will host the 2022 APP Indianapolis Open Pickleball tournament, drawing professional and amateur players from around the globe.
“I would encourage anyone that is looking to improve their social and physical well-being to look no further,” says Hollis. “We are an incredibly welcoming community.” So grab your paddle and head to the nearest court to challenge yourself and connect with others. Cyntheanne Park in Fishers, along with Forest and Finch Creek Parks in Noblesville, offer public, outdoor pickleball courts. Indoor courts are available at the Monon Community Center in Carmel. Wherever you play, just be sure to stay out of the kitchen (don’t worry, you’ll get the reference after a game or two).