The "Sweet or Dill?" Story

Interior of Overlook Roller Rink in Lancaster, PA

It was an ordinary day.  Standing along the far side of the Overlook Roller Rink watching about a dozen or so people playing Pickleball.  Pretty neat sport that I believe I could play and have a good time in the process.  Somewhat physical, but without the constant pounding of the legs on the tennis court that was hard on my back.  About six months ago Carol and I started walking in the mornings at the Overlook Roller Rink for exercise.  The weather was too cold for walking outdoors and when we found the rink was open for public walking on weekdays from 7:00 to 11:00 we decided to give it a try.  Takes about three minutes from our garage to the rink which is located in Overlook Park, a community park that we can see from our front porch that has golf-driving ranges, an 18-hole golf course, walking paths, frisbee golf, ball fields, playground, a miniature golf course and a roller skating rink.  One day, while walking, we noticed a worker setting up these nets in the center of the rink.  Asked and was told it was for Pickleball.  Found out when it takes place and made a visit today to see exactly how it was played and if it was something I could do while I was recuperating from back surgery.  

Returning the ball during a game of Pickleball.

The game of Pickleball started during the summer of 1965 in the state of Washing- ton.  State Represen- tative Joel Pritchard had returned from a round of golf with two friends and found they and their families soon became bored.  They set up a badminton court, but no one could find a shuttlecock so they lowered the net, used a Wiffle ball, made paddles from plywood and the game of Pickleball was born.  The name of the game is in reference to the last boat to return with it's catch at the end of the day.  The pickle boat is a boat made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats that fish the waterways in the state of Washington.  

Ball and paddle used in Pickleball.

Something like being the last person remaining when picking up sides to play a game of ball.  At first some thought the name came from the name of the Pritchard's dog, Pickles, but the dog wasn't born until two years after Pickleball was invented.  The court is similar to a doubles badminton court with the actual size 20x44 feet.  

Size and markings on a Pickleball court.

The court is lined as a tennis court without the outer alleys.  The zones next to the net on either side are called non-volley zones and are 7 feet wide.  The ball is served underhand so that the ball lands in the opposite diagonal side rear court, as in tennis.  There are various other rules that are better understood by watching a game than by reading them in my story.  Games are usually 15 or 21 points, depending on how old and tired you are.  Players rotate sides at 8 or 11 points and are allowed to take a break for the bathroom and a drink.  

Another four-some playing Pickleball.

That last rule I just added to the official rules.  As I was watching this afternoon, Chuck approached me and asked if I wanted to play.  Told him I'd love to try, but thought I should check with my doctor first.  He is the resident instructor and seller of balls and racquets.  

Serving is done underhand.

Costs $4 for a two-hour  afternoon of play.  He was nice enough to give me his phone number and told me to call him when I could return to play.  The skill level was easy to see amongst the players on the courts today.  Eight players, four on each court, on my far right were very experienced and it was fun to watch them play.  Quite a bit of energy was exerted, but mostly while moving around a 10x15 foot area.  Much easier than on a tennis court.  I talked to my wife about it when I returned home and she agreed it might be something we can try when we are both physically able to do so.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.