Pickleball a hit in Heathcote
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A family affair: Local Heathcote tennis player Maree Bell attended the inaugural Come and Try Pickleball session led by her brother Paul Henshall. Photo: SUPPLIED
LOCALS and club members attended the inaugural Come and Try Pickleball session held at the Heathcote Tennis Club last weekend.
Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, ping pong and badminton, first introduced to Australia in 2017.
“It was great to see so many new faces either willing to give it a go or just sit and watch,” said club president Marion Smith.
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The group was led by competitive Pickleball player Paul Henshall from Bendigo who is ranked sixth in Australia for doubles in his age group.
Mr Henshall’s sister Maree Bell, a local Heathcote tennis player, also attended to try the sport.
“Maree, along with many interested locals picked up Pickleball in no time,” said Ms Smith.
“The 90-minute session covered explanations on the history of the game, set up of the court, rules, techniques, scoring and tactics.
“Everyone got to have a go and some of the points were quite competitive.
“We will be offering casual Pickleball sessions at the club every Sunday morning from 9.30am along with the opportunity to have a hit of tennis.
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“Come and see how much fun it is.”
The sessions will be free for club members, and $5 a day for casual players.
If there is enough interest, the club is hoping to introduce weeknight Pickleball, and field a team in local competitions.