.jpg)
By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright July 2024
A friend of mine has recently become addicted to a new craze called pickleball. Yet, his frustration doesn't stem from the game itself but from the seemingly impossible task of booking a court. Each week, the reservation system opens at 8 a.m., and by 8:01, all eight courts are fully booked. Competing with the younger crowd for these slots is no easy task for a forty-year-old.
One afternoon, we hung around the courts and asked some teenagers how they always managed to secure a booking. They revealed their strategy: a team of keyboard warriors who furiously type away at 8 a.m., ensuring all desired slots are snatched up within seconds. We joked with our friend that he would need a team of cyber troopers to compete.
Living just 300 meters from the courts, I often take a leisurely stroll to watch the players. With a RM12 fresh coconut in hand from the nearby bar, I casually observe and occasionally offer tips. This tactic usually earns me an invitation to join a game, especially when players are exhausted and have time left on their booking.
One day, my wife appeared with our own paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Despite its initial ridiculous appearance, we quickly learned that this little ball could pack a punch. The game, it seems, is not only popular but addictive, drawing in players of all ages, including former tennis champion Andre Agassi.
So, what is pickleball? It's a paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The rules are simple, making it accessible for beginners, yet it can be fast-paced and competitive for the more experienced. The smaller court size promotes social interaction, and the game provides excellent physical exercise without excessive strain on the body.
The sport's popularity has led many clubs to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts, further driving demand. This transformation has made it easier for recreational facilities to offer a versatile and affordable new programme.
Given the immense popularity of pickleball, booking a court can be a challenge unless you have a dedicated team ready to pounce at 8 a.m. each week. However, there's a little secret I've yet to share with my pickleball-addicted friend: you can bypass the rush by booking two weeks in advance for double the price. Considering the cost is split among players, it’s a small price to pay for guaranteed playtime.
In the end, while the competition for court time might be fierce, the solution lies in outsmarting the system—perhaps with a little help from your friends.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
