This group is open to current members of Belper & District u3a.

Pickleball is a fast-growing indoor/outdoor court sport – a cross between badminton, tennis and table tennis.

It’s played on a badminton court with the net lowered to tennis height.

Bats (or paddles) are solid, and similar to an oversize table tennis bat. The ball is made of hard hollow plastic with “airflow” holes. It’s about the size of a tennis ball.

Though similar in scoring and rules to badminton, the serve has to be from behind the base line, and volleys are not permitted until the 4th stroke of a rally.

The game can be fast and furious, or played at a slower pace depending on ability and aptitude.

Group members usually play doubles, in any combination of male/female. Familiarity with any racquet sport will be an aid to playing pickleball, but it is not difficult to learn from scratch. It may particularly suit those looking for a sport that is less physically demanding than, say, badminton or squash.

The Belper & District u3a Pickleball group has a block booking on one court at Ripley Leisure Centre on Thursday mornings, 11-12noon. We often extend the booking to two courts simultaneously, plus a further hour on one court from 12-1.00pm, depending on demand from members and court availability. Regular members are invited to join a WhatsApp group to indicate via a weekly poll if they intend playing that week or not.

There has been some limited interest in starting a second group on a Tuesday afternoon, but more players are needed for this to become a reality.

There is no need to purchase equipment (except non-marking indoor sports shoes) before giving the sport a try. The group has some “starter” bats for anyone to use, though most players will eventually buy their own.

Cost is around £3 per person per hour to cover court hire costs.

If you would like to join the group or for more information please contact the Group Co-ordinator by clicking on the blue link above.