How did such a popular game get such a ridiculous name? It started sixty years ago in a backyard and took off across a continent. Where? In America of course, where whacky names usually begin.

What is it?

Pickleball is played on a court half the size of a tennis court, using a paddle and plastic ball, and combines the skills of tennis, squash and badminton, creating a game of technical ability. It has three unique features.

Practical convenience

The court can be set up on a tennis or badminton court, in a gym or even in a carpark.

Safe aerobic exercise

The game is usually played as doubles. Unlike padel or tennis, players do not need to control a large court, or twist to play off side walls. This radically reduces the risk of injury. Anyone with basic racquet ability can enjoy the game from their first attempt.

Social activity

Pickleball attracts both the young and old and is played in a friendly ambience as a group sport. Older players are surprised by the return of skills they thought had gone and the fun they enjoy from a well-fought game. Younger players often prefer singles matches, with the variety of shots and tactical moves required.

We recently played a match against The Kensington Pickleball Club. We were outclassed by a younger and lither team, but we fought valiantly. The tiger-like effort of our team members to raise their game was remarkable.

We now have two areas at the Club where pickleball can be played and great staff encouraging us to play this exciting game.

Pickleball? Yes, I want to play!

PAUL PURNELL

SUMMER PICKLEBALL

Monday roll-up sessions:
Synthetic Court 12, 3-6pm; Tennis practice wall, 3-6pm; MUGA, 3-7pm – (weather back up)

Tuesdays:
Tennis practice wall, 12-3pm (book in advance);
MUGA, 10am-1pm – roll-up session

Thursday roll-up sessions:
Tennis practice wall, 10am-1pm; MUGA, 10am-1pm

Fridays:
Tennis practice wall, 12-3pm (book in advance)

Plenty of racquets available to borrow. Private coaching with Harry Cunnett and Hugh John – call the Sports Centre or book online.

Having slogged and battled their way through the earlier rounds, a select crew of the Club’s finest squash players made their way to the Racquet Centre on the evening of Wednesday 20 March to contest the Finals of the Hurlingham Championship, with Club coach, Kace Bartley, refereeing the matches. These were watched over by our special guest for the evening, former England and world number 12 player, Tom Richards.

First up was new member and 1st team player, Jack Webster, against 1st team captain Seigo Masuda. Some long rallies ensued with Jack picking up everything Seigo could throw at him. Jack emerged the winner and added his name to the Winners’ board for the first time.

The Ladies’ final was a repeat of last year’s final, the closely fought contest between the 2023 Champion, Vicky King, and her Queen’s Cup compatriot, Rina Borromeo. Alas, Vicky had to pull out with an injury sustained in a match the previous day.

In the Over-45s final, David Main, last year’s runner-up, was up against an on-form Hugo Fisher, who had won several of his recent matches for our Veterans team in the London Clubs Bath Cup league. David’s touch and shot disguise proved the deciding factor as he took the title for the first time.

In the Handicap competition, last year’s winner, Bertie Graham, faced fellow 2nd team regular Javier Corominas. After some gut-wrenching rallies, Javier emerged the exhausted winner in the fifth game.

Lastly, the Squash Doubles final provided its usual thrills, spills and a good number of incredible recovery shots, as Jack Webster and Al Titchener-Barrett overcame David Main and Richard Pound to take the title.

PAUL LUBBOCK, CHAIR, SQUASH