Why pickleball might just be the perfect sport for Australian seniors!
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Are you an avid athlete looking for a new sport to try? Maybe you’re searching for an activity that could help boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Or maybe you’re just up for trying something new and building new friendships.
Well, Pickleball* could just be the perfect solution for you!
What is pickleball, you ask? We had the same question! Pickleball is typically played in pairs, similar to doubles tennis, badminton or table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, and strategy and patience are key elements of the game.
Pickleball can offer amazing benefits to both the younger and older Aussies—exercise to keep fit and healthy, an opportunity to socialise and improved self-confidence. What’s more, it’s a sport with minimal physical boundaries.
At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, there was no shortage of older volunteers and participants getting involved. The youngest competitor on the day was only 17, but the majority of players were over 50, 60 or 70 years old.
As it involves a lot of strategy, a game between an experienced 25-year-old and a newbie 65-year-old can be very competitive. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Victorian Championships meant that all participants felt comfortable giving it a try.
It can be hard to make friends without work or school-aged children being around. But pickleball is a great way to combat social isolation, enlisting the social connections we’ve made throughout the sport.
A 2018 study of 153 pickleball players over the age of 65 also showed that playing pickleball* is significantly related to a low level of depression in older adults.
We were even told an incredible story of an 84-year-old gentleman who was reportedly getting fitter and fitter while playing the sport. He’s now able to run back and forth around the court!
A 2016 study showed you can burn more calories playing pickleball* for 30 minutes than if you had been walking—40 per cent more, to be precise.
Now, you might be wondering, how do I actually play*?
We’ll send you over to the experts at Laneway Paddles* for that one! They’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know* from how to serve and score your game.
Once you’ve got the basics down pat, you might like to invest in your own paddle. Laneway Paddles* have some beautiful designs like ‘Ivy’, which reminds the SDC team of a sunny cricket field in summer* or ‘Pacific’, reminiscent of afternoons spent in the pool or down by the beach*. There’s even a premium option for any aspiring pro-pickleball players*.
The designs clearly have more fans than just us, as they first sold out online within two weeks of preorder*.
Buy one, get one free
Until September 9th, Laneway Paddles* are honouring Australian dads with a 'buy one, get one free' offer*! Simply add two paddles to your cart and use the code FATHERSDAY23 at the checkout to score your freebie*.
So, if you’re looking for your next activity that could benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being, we highly recommend giving pickleball a go*.
It could be the start of a fantastic journey!
If you have any stories or tips to share about pickleball, please let us know in the comments below! Do you think you’ll give the sport a go?
*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!
Well, Pickleball* could just be the perfect solution for you!
What is pickleball, you ask? We had the same question! Pickleball is typically played in pairs, similar to doubles tennis, badminton or table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-size court with a tennis-size net, and strategy and patience are key elements of the game.
Pickleball can offer amazing benefits to both the younger and older Aussies—exercise to keep fit and healthy, an opportunity to socialise and improved self-confidence. What’s more, it’s a sport with minimal physical boundaries.
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity. Image Credit: Shutterstock
At the recent Victorian Pickleball Championships, there was no shortage of older volunteers and participants getting involved. The youngest competitor on the day was only 17, but the majority of players were over 50, 60 or 70 years old.
As it involves a lot of strategy, a game between an experienced 25-year-old and a newbie 65-year-old can be very competitive. Plus, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Victorian Championships meant that all participants felt comfortable giving it a try.
It can be hard to make friends without work or school-aged children being around. But pickleball is a great way to combat social isolation, enlisting the social connections we’ve made throughout the sport.
A 2018 study of 153 pickleball players over the age of 65 also showed that playing pickleball* is significantly related to a low level of depression in older adults.
We were even told an incredible story of an 84-year-old gentleman who was reportedly getting fitter and fitter while playing the sport. He’s now able to run back and forth around the court!
A 2016 study showed you can burn more calories playing pickleball* for 30 minutes than if you had been walking—40 per cent more, to be precise.
Now, you might be wondering, how do I actually play*?
We’ll send you over to the experts at Laneway Paddles* for that one! They’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know* from how to serve and score your game.
Once you’ve got the basics down pat, you might like to invest in your own paddle. Laneway Paddles* have some beautiful designs like ‘Ivy’, which reminds the SDC team of a sunny cricket field in summer* or ‘Pacific’, reminiscent of afternoons spent in the pool or down by the beach*. There’s even a premium option for any aspiring pro-pickleball players*.
The designs clearly have more fans than just us, as they first sold out online within two weeks of preorder*.
Buy one, get one free
Until September 9th, Laneway Paddles* are honouring Australian dads with a 'buy one, get one free' offer*! Simply add two paddles to your cart and use the code FATHERSDAY23 at the checkout to score your freebie*.
It could be the start of a fantastic journey!
If you have any stories or tips to share about pickleball, please let us know in the comments below! Do you think you’ll give the sport a go?
*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!
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