Special Report: Press Gang Reporters Take The Pickleball Challenge!
By Jack, Aurde, Mariam, Zahra, Scarlett H, AlBaraa, Daniel, Abdul & Yahya
Press Gang reporters from different schools have been taking the Pickleball Challenge! We gave reporters sets of paddles and balls (donated by OK Pickle) so that they could experience Pickleball for themselves. Here is what they discovered.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball was created in the United States, but it is also played in Australia. It was invented by Joel Pritchard in 1965.
Pickleball is a bit like tennis, but we think it is more like badminton. It is easy to play and you can play it anywhere. You can play singles (1 v 1) or doubles (2 v 2).
It involves hitting a ball to one another with a paddle over a 2m net. You have small heavy bats and a really light hollow ball with holes in it. The paddle is much smaller than a tennis racket, but the ball is light, so you need less force for the ball to travel far.
Pickleball is played as a competitive sport. The objective of the game is to keep on hitting the ball back and forth.
Pickleball is Australia’s favourite game, more than 25,000 Aussies play Pickleball!
What are Press Gang reporters saying about Pickleball?
“My favourite thing about pickleball is when we play doubles I love the teamwork. When my classmates play and I play pickleball not even one person gets mad if we lose. Instead, we help them and use nice words.” – Mariam
“The ball makes a satisfying thunk sound when it’s hit.” – Audre
“It’s a nice and calm sport. It is a nice way for older people to exercise but younger people can also enjoy it. I love that it is like tennis but way easier.” – Zahara
“I love playing pickleball with my friends.” – Abdul.
Tips for pickleball beginners
Hold the pickleball paddle with one hand and your wrist painting to the sky or to a position that is comfortable. Have your dominant hand on the paddle. If you want to do a high ball, have your wrist to the sky.
Thank you to OK Pickle for supplying paddles and balls for Press Gang to test out! OK Pickle is also giving Press Gang News readers 30% off Paddle’s, balls and other pickleball essentials!
