Pick up a paddle, grab a couple of friends, and head out to the City of Dillon Wellness Center to play one of the hottest and fastest growing sports today—pickleball.

The City of Dillon Wellness Center has several people who come out daily in the early mornings to test their skills in this growing fad.

However, pickleball is not a new sport and traces its roots back to 1965 to Washington State. While the sport steadily grew over the years, it seemed to catch fire during COVID exploding in popularity through the United States and Canada and even internationally.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one sport. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is a family-friendly game because all ages can successfully play this easy to learn, low impact sport. It is a great way to get in some exercise.

Pickleball is similar to badminton in that a pickleball court is the same size as a badminton doubles court. However, pickleball is a much slower-paced sport than badminton. The paddles are more like oversized ping pong paddles and the ball is similar to a whiffle ball, and though the court is smaller and the equipment more lightweight and different, the similarities to tennis are undeniable. Some of the major differences between pickleball and tennis are the underhanded serve and the difference in volleys.

To serve, a player must hit the ball underhand and below waist level. The serve is made diagonally across the court and must bounce before the opposing player can hit it back. A point is scored only if a player is serving. If a point is scored, the serving team switches sides, the server will move from right to left.
A player is not allowed to volley the ball within 7 feet of the net. Players hit back and forth until someone misses the ball.

The Wellness Center loves their pickleheads and has a court set up in the gym Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. and sometimes on Saturdays if the gym is not booked. Pickleball is a great way to socialize and enjoy some friendly competition. So, come join the fun at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.

Pictured at top are l to r: Paulette Rogers, Jakie Lewis, Ann Lee, Major Stephens, and Terry Mussman. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC)

PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
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