All About Pickleball at Spanish Lakes

Are you a pickleball player? At Spanish Lakes, we love our pickleball, and we'll get into that below. But first, if you're new to the game, let's go over some basic information to get you oriented to what has been called the fastest growing sport in America.

What is pickleball?

Though invented in 1965, the game has only recently taken off in popularity. It's a great physical activity for people of all ages and skill levels, requiring little space (the court is the size of a badminton court) and minimal gear. The aim of the game is to hit the ball over the net on your opponent’s side of the court, without letting the ball bounce twice on your own side. The first player to make 11 points (or, in some cases, 15) wins the game. For more on the rules, have a look at the How To Play Pickleball guide from USA Pickleball.

What do I need to play?

With courts and nets provided at all five Spanish Lakes communities, all you need to get started are some sturdy sneakers, athletic clothing, a pickleball paddle, and a pickle ball (plastic ball with holes in it).

Speaking of paddles, you'll want to avoid the cheap, heavy, wooden paddles in favor of a lightweight, more maneuverable paddle which typically has a poly ("foam") core, covered in either fiberglass, carbon fiber, or graphite. Your play will be better and your shoulder and wrist will thank you. Consider borrowing paddles from other players in the beginning, to see what type you prefer.

Why is pickleball so popular?

Here are just a few reasons.

• It's fun for players of all skill levels. From casual recreational games to intense competition, there's a game for everyone.
• The rules are easy to learn and similar to ping-pong.
• It's a social activity. Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, gameplay allows players to be close enough to one another that they can hold conversations.
• It doesn't require as much running as most racket sports.
• Games are fast-paced, with very little waiting between points.
• You can play doubles or singles, but doubles is especially popular.

Dedicated pickleball courts at Spanish Lakes Country Club

Pickleball at Spanish Lakes

With an active base of enthusiasts, pickleball is played at all five Spanish Lakes communities.

• S.L. Country Club - two dedicated courts
• S.L. Fairways - two dedicated courts
• S.L. Golf Village - pickleball shares courts with tennis
• S.L. Riverfront - pickleball shares courts with tennis
• S.L. One - pickleball currently shares courts with tennis. However, one of the two tennis courts is about to be converted to dedicated pickleball use.

A note: while pickleball is a great activity for healthy people of all ages, as with any sport, injuries can occur and it's recommended you be cleared by a doctor to play this active game.☀️