Come and try Pickleball

HEATHCOTE Tennis Club will hold a free ‘Come and Try Pickleball’ session on Sunday 5 May.

Leading the session will be guest coach Paul Henshaw, from Bendigo, who is ranked Number 6 for doubles in his age group.

“Paul is the brother of local tennis player Maree Bell who regularly plays at the club on our Wednesday sessions,” said Brenda Stocks who is helping organise the event.

“Maree will definitely be there on Sunday to try her hand at Pickleball.”

Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, ping pong and Badminton and was created by three friends in Washington USA in 1965.

“It was introduced in Australia in 2017 and is now the fastest growing sport,” said Ms Stocks.

“Seventeen per cent of players are 65 and older, and a third of all players are 25 or younger.

“This means that Pickleball is for everyone!

“It is played on a shorter and narrower court than tennis and paddles are used to hit a perforated ball over a net slightly lower than a tennis net.

“I have played in Nagambie with other members of our club, and it is also played at clubs in Bendigo.

“We are really looking forward to having it in Heathcote.

“Come and see what all the fuss is about on Sunday morning.

“You can watch, join in, and ask questions of our Pickleball expert Paul.”

The session will be held at the Heathcote Tennis Club courts and, if raining, will be moved to Barrack Reserve Stadium.

It is open to players of all abilities and there will be a sausage sizzle following the session.