If you’re looking for a fun physical activity that doesn’t take a lot of experience, the Poplar Bluff Pickleball Club might be a great place to start.
The sport, which is described as a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has been active in Poplar Bluff for more than two years.
Derek Spencer started the group, and when he moved to St. Louis, the trio of Teresa Rushin, Jack Rushin and Geneva Johnson took over the organization’s stewardship.
Like tennis, the game can be played as singles or doubles, but Jack Rushin said that “doubles are more fun.”
One of the recent weekly competitions at the Black River Coliseum featured three courts, all of which hosted doubles play.
Jack Rushin said the pickleball group in Doniphan is much bigger and more competitive than its Poplar Bluff counterpart, but he said the appeal of the game is that anyone from any age or skill level can compete.
“I like that any age level can play,” said Teresa Rushin.
Geneva Johnson recommends newcomers watch YouTube videos to become accustomed to the somewhat unusual rules of the game.
“The rules are crazy until you start playing,” she said.
The serve must strike the ball below the player’s waist, usually with an underhanded swing. The ball has to bounce once upon the receivers’ side, then one bounce must occur on the return before no-bounce volleys can occur.
Pickleball paddles can be made of wood or composite materials. They are similar to a racquetball racquet, but solid, without strings and a bit smaller. The ball is plastic with holes, like a whiffle ball.
Teams repeat the score out loud each time they serve. In doubles, both players get to serve for points before the serve goes to the other team. Teams can only score a point if their team serves.
For weekly games, teams usually play to 11. In tournaments, games go to 15, and in either case, teams must win by two points.
The Poplar Bluff group usually plays on Tuesdays or Thursdays. When weather has permitted, it has played outdoors at the Poplar Bluff Middle School. It currently plays indoors at the Black River Coliseum as long as other events don’t conflict with their schedule.
The group usually attracts 12-16 players each week, representing all different levels of play, from beginner to expert, and all age levels, from teens to seniors.
“I like that you can play at different levels,” said Carol Davis. “You don’t have to be super athletic to enjoy the game.”
“You don’t have to have a lot of strength and power,” she said. “You can do a finesse game.”
“It’s easier to pick up and hang with than a lot of other sports,” said David Stewart, “plus it’s social, where you’re playing with a mix of different people.”
“We have beginners and higher levels playing together,” he said. “This is a great group of people to hang with.”
The game has been around since the 1960s, invented by “a group of dads that was born out of boredom and ingenuity,” according to pickleballguide.net.
There exist two competing stories about its unusual name, with one camp claiming the game was named after a dog, and a second giving credit to a slang term for the last place boat in a sailing race.
For more information or to contact the group, its Facebook page is called “PB Pickleball.” Upcoming game play information is posted there. Players pay a $3 weekly fee to take part.
Extra rackets are usually available for those who want to give the game a try. Those who want to pursue the sport can purchase rackets locally at Dunham Sports or many other places online.