Have a hit of pickleball

YOU may not have heard of the game, yet the fastest growing sport in the world is played in Linton.

Pickleball is in action in town on Monday mornings at 11am within the Recreation Reserve stadium, and community members are invited to head along and have a hit.

The social sport mornings are an initiative of Jenny Stuart, who discovered pickleball at the Ballarat Badminton Stadium and knew Linton locals would love it too.

“We’ve got a stadium at Linton, we’ve got four courts marked out, and I thought ‘I reckon we could have a go there’,” Ms Stuart said.

“Pickleball is a blend of table tennis, tennis, and badminton, and is played with a bat similar to a table tennis bat. There’s no over arm serving

“We have a relaxed atmosphere, you pick up the rules as you go along, and you don’t have to run. But when you play regularly, you do notice you get incrementally fitter.”

Linton pickleball costs $10 a session or $20 for a family, and people of all ages are welcome to play.

“No matter a person’s level of fitness, their age, or experience, it doesn’t matter because it’s inclusive,” Ms Stuart said.

“We’ve had 13 different people come along so far. I have put it in other town’s newsletters and people have come from as far as Cape Clear and Berringa.

“A lady from Smythesdale who is a qualified umpire has been coming along as well, who helps us play properly, but we’re not fiercely competitive.”

Ms Stuart has partnered with the Linton and District Progress Association to deliver the sessions, and has been hiring equipment through Ballarat Pickleball.

But the people of Linton have needed their own equipment, and earlier this week, Ms Stuart got the good news that they would be able to purchase their own.

“I got a grant for $1000 and the Linton Takeaway promised us $100,” she said. “We have received funding from three sources.

“This will lead to a reduced price to play and probably an earlier start time…which might increase how many people come along.”