Raise Your Garden

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in Tom's Corner

Pickleball

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PictureI’m in the orange shirt

Who am I? My name is Scott Lipitz and I met the infamous Tommy Sproull at Brockport State where he made a mockery of me as we played competitive racquetball. But, that’s another story for another time. I am a Health/PE teacher that is passionate about one of the fastest growing sports in America, PICKLEBALL !!!! Yes, you heard that right, the sport of Pickleball. 
What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a mixture of many different sports, but very unique in itself. You play on a badminton sized court while using a paddle slightly larger than a ping pong paddle. The action is back and forth like a badminton/tennis match, hitting a ball that is very similar to a whiffle ball. The sport is generally played in doubles, but singles is also played as well. 

Why Pickleball? Pickleball is one of those sports where age does not play a factor. One of the best pickleballers in the nation is 67-years-old. The ability to play competitively with people of any age is what makes this sport so appealing. It’s easy on the body, but at the same time, it can be extremely competitive and fun. Also, the game is extremely social. Since the sport is growing so fast in Upstate NY, you meet many wonderful people and establish great relationships with these people not only while playing, but beyond the pickleball realm. I have been known to play pickleball for 4, 5, even 6 hours straight with a bunch of friends. Many times we have tournaments with pizza, wings, and beverages. We make it an entire day/event. Once you try the sport, I guarantee you will fall in love with the sport.

Where to play? If you’re in the Buffalo Area, I would strongly recommend you join the Buffalo Pickleball FB page. Jason Santerre, is a Pickleball Ambassador like myself who helps promote the sport within the Buffalo region. He is also the creator of that website. You can also contact him via email, jason.santerre.10@facebook.com . Almost every YMCA has available court time indoors as well as introductory lessons for beginners. Also, most community parks with tennis courts have pickleball lines down on the court to allow for some fun outdoor fun. If you live outside the Buffalo area, check out Pickleball’s official page: http://www.usapa.org where you will find a plethora of information regarding the sport. I always recommend people to check out YouTube as well, as you will find a variety of videos on the sport from how to play, tips to do better, as well as some EXCITING matches.

Interested? You can always contact me: lipitz@yahoo.com. I’d be more than happy to answer any of your pickleball related questions. I really do think it’s the best lifetime activity for anyone. As a former wrestler with no racket skills whatsoever, all it takes is a little diligence, discipline, and practice, and you’ll begin to improve drastically. For those with a background in any racket sport, you’ll pick this up EXTREMELY QUICK!!! I’ve seen many platform tennis, squash, and even badminton players become a superior pickleballer within a few months. My advice, try it once for an hour, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked! Just ask Tommy’s dad!

This post is linked with www.runningwithspoons.com 

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