Pickle Ball ?

[Greg Nelson]

We'd like to try this sport but is it necessary to buy a racket?

[graciegirl]

We'd like to try this sport but is it necessary to buy a racket?


There are rackets in the equipment shed, but I thought you weren't returning here until October.

[Bogie Shooter]

Some Rec Centers keep them at the desk inside.

[Topspinmo]

Three levels of play. Need to have some idea of scoring and rules. Study up

You also need to look in the rec. Paper in the back under pickleball to find beginning play web page if you want to play with others. If you show up at open play times (8am - 10 am) you may get ran off. Some open players have little patience with beginners that don't know how to keep score or lack of skills. You would be more comfortable with beginners and not get blown off the court at open play times or the ball smashed down you throat. Even if you played similar sports and have strong strokes it may not work until you get some court time.

[Ooper]

The pickleball booth at Lake Sumter Market Square will loan you a demo paddle to see if pickleball is your game.

[Greg Nelson]

Thanks everybody. I'll be in Quail run starting November first and my athletic wife said I need to branch out from just doing water exercise at Mulberry. Here in River Wilderness we both joined the YMCA. Jane goes to the Parrish Y, and I go to Lakewood Ranch YMCA. I'll check at the Mulberry info desk about beginner programs...gracias! I can see by another post here that the rackets vary in size and cost. I'd imagine the larger size is better for a beginner. I used to play racquetball.

[Bay Kid]

Pickelball Central will explain the different paddles on line, then go to the market square and try out the paddles, then buy local. The Y at your home might offer PB, they do in Virginia. Have fun.

[2BNTV]

We'd like to try this sport but is it necessary to buy a racket?

You may want to consider buying a good racket at LSL, from one of the vendors.

More important is to use the proper footwear. Pickelball footwear is more flat than regular sneakers and will help to prevent a fall when moving back.

Cost is approximately $55 - $60 dollars. Better than going to emergency room and paying that cost. :smiley:

[chuckinca]

More important is to use the proper footwear. Pickelball footwear is more flat than regular sneakers and will help to prevent a fall when moving back.



Tennis Court Shoes needed - on day one!

Like:

K-Swiss Grancourt II White-Black Mens Tennis Shoes | Bealls Florida (http://www.beallsflorida.com/online/k-swiss-grancourt-ii-white-black-mens-tennis-shoes)

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[Greg Nelson]

I have New Balance shoes. I see Wally Mart has rackets for under $15. One, a Versus 15.5x7.5 for under $11. I'll have to read up before fall...

[CFrance]

You need court shoes, not cross trainers, etc. shoes for playing tennis are good. You don't want "grabby" shoes or running shoes as you move side to side a lot, and you need to be able to slide a little.

Sign up for a free pb 101 course, and one of the instructors is sure to let you use his good paddle. Or PM me for a loaner or two of good ones. Like everything else, the better the equipment, the faster and more easily you will learn.

[dbussone]

You need court shoes, not cross trainers, etc. shoes for playing tennis are good. You don't want "grabby" shoes or running shoes as you move side to side a lot, and you need to be able to slide a little.

Sign up for a free pb 101 course, and one of the instructors is sure to let you use his good paddle. Or PM me for a loaner or two of good ones. Like everything else, the better the equipment, the faster and more easily you will learn.

CF - My gosh. What aren't you an expert in? And you know I mean that.

[CFrance]

CF - My gosh. What aren't you an expert in? And you know I mean that.

A long list of things, db, but thanks so much for the kind words!:wave:

[Greg Nelson]

I can remember years ago at the Fargo YMCA on my way to pump iron I stopped by the challenge racquet courts and played 3 games with a lithe lady who beat me in all three games. When heading for the weight room, I passed her with two other women one saying 'Is that him'? I turned and told the gal who'd beat me 'I wish I would have played you in the afternoon'. She retorted 'you think you could have beat me then?' My reply...' No, but I wouldn't have to feel bad all day'! My wife is the triathlon type, not me. I'm looking to just have some fun!

[Bay Kid]

You need court shoes, not cross trainers, etc. shoes for playing tennis are good. You don't want "grabby" shoes or running shoes as you move side to side a lot, and you need to be able to slide a little.

Sign up for a free pb 101 course, and one of the instructors is sure to let you use his good paddle. Or PM me for a loaner or two of good ones. Like everything else, the better the equipment, the faster and more easily you will learn.

Glenview tennis center is a good place to buy tennis shoes.

[Topspinmo]

I have New Balance shoes. I see Wally Mart has rackets for under $15. One, a Versus 15.5x7.5 for under $11. I'll have to read up before fall...

New balance makes tennis shoes. As stated they need to be court shoes, not walking , running , or cross trainer,s if you are fast mover. if you not sure you will like the game just try out the red center paddles. Wallyworld paddles are cheaper than the red center wooden paddles. If you played racketball I pretty sure you will get hooked on pickleball. Take advantage of the demo's and get the one you like. Basically is what you get use to playing with just like in racketball. If you are quick have good reflexes bigger paddle may not be better. Try them out then pick one after you sure you like the game.

[Cedwards38]

Take the Pickleball 1 and 2 courses offered at some of the recreation centers, but be careful. The orthopedic surgeons make a great living from Villagers who play pickleball with reckless abandon.

[chuckinca]

I normally play PB 6 to 8 hrs a week (playing time - not waiting time). Sprained my ankle 4 months ago and haven't played since. Hoping to get back on the courts soon.

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[Topspinmo]

Glenview tennis center is a good place to buy tennis shoes.

good deals on closeout tennis shoes at Glenview the last time I was in there. I already got 8 pairs, but 30 to 40 bucks for top brand courts good deal if they have the sizes.

[CFrance]

I can remember years ago at the Fargo YMCA on my way to pump iron I stopped by the challenge racquet courts and played 3 games with a lithe lady who beat me in all three games. When heading for the weight room, I passed her with two other women one saying 'Is that him'? I turned and told the gal who'd beat me 'I wish I would have played you in the afternoon'. She retorted 'you think you could have beat me then?' My reply...' No, but I wouldn't have to feel bad all day'! My wife is the triathlon type, not me. I'm looking to just have some fun!
Pickleball is definitely fun. I urge going with PB 101 (free) instead of just going out to a court and trying to play. You can keep it at whatever level suits your competitive/fun-loving spirit. The rec centers divide playing time into different levels--beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, etc.

[HMLRHT1]

And for everyone's information, they are called paddles not racquets ��

[Greg Nelson]

I'll check out 101..available at Mulberry? Going to the beach tomorrow..after aqua zumba! probably Anna Marie Is

[CFrance]

And for everyone's information, they are called paddles not racquets ��
Yes, good point. It's hard to remember if you're a former tennis player.