1. Pickleball is Crazy Fun: It is one of the most popular sports in the country, and is played all over the world—in fact, the USAPA recently estimated that over 400,000 people actively play this addictive game on a regular basis, at all levels.
2. It’s Been Around for Almost 60 Years: It was invented in 196 and all started with three dads, a few bored kids and a dads up in Washington state. They created the game as a solution to their children’s boredom during the summertime.
3. The Evolution of the Pickleball Paddle: Initially, pickleball paddles were made entirely of wood, but anyone who is anyone does not use them because they are too heavy. These days it is best to get one made of graphite, fiberglass, etc. Prices vary. The typical pickleball paddle is larger than a ping-pong paddle, smaller than a tennis racket and comes in various shapes.
4. Not Your Average Ball: Unlike tennis or ping-pong balls, pickleball balls have holes (similar to the holes found in Wiffle balls) and are Slower Than a Speeding Bullet. Due to the inferior aerodynamics of the pickleball ball, (thanks to its large holes), pickleball balls travel approximately 1/3 the speed of a tennis ball. Thank goodness!
5. Shoes, Important to Avoid Injury: Players should always wear proper court shoes to avoid injury. They should have little tread and no lips on the toe box. They should be cute.
6. Not Just for Seniors: The average age of pickleball players in the US used to be, uh, old. Now it is 32!
7. Careful of The Kitchen: The non-volley zone directly in front of the pickleball court’s net is called “The Kitchen. '' Don’t ask. Yes you can step in to return a ball but ONLY if the ball hits the ground inside the kitchen. No air shots.
8. “Dink Shots: The term “dink shot” is used when a soft shot narrowly arcs over the pickleball net and lands in the Kitchen. ALPA folks would rather smash the ball. It is more fun, but don’t worry. See #5.
9. Why the Name Pickleball: Pickleball was named after one of the inventors, Congressman Joel Pritchard’s dog, whose name was Pickles. Cute, huh?
10.Keeping Score. Even crazier than the name and to be explained another day.
ALPA Outlaw Fall Schedule
For morning sessions, we’re still playing at 9:00 am. This will shift to 10:00 am once the sun stops cooperating.
Mondays - Advanced Play, open to all Alto members and their guests. 3.5+ skill level.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays- ALPA Club Play
Wednesdays - 3:00 pm. Skinny Singles
(This is a more advanced type of game, not necessarily a diet plan or a way to get a date)