As Maddy Moore explained in the previous blog article, What Is Pickleball? pickleball is the fastest-growing recreational sport in the U.S. for the third year in a row. According to pickleheads.com, 36.5 million Americans play the sport. Of that number, nearly 29% of players are 18-34 years old, and 20% are over the age of 55. The numbers don’t lie, not only is pickleball the sport of the future, it is the sport of the now, and everyone’s doing it!
At YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties, you will find open pickleball times and instruction at almost every branch. The Y offers group and private instruction, and the open playing time is scheduled for beginner through expert players, so finding time to play at your skill level is easy, even if you’ve never played before.
Young Adults Play Pickleball
“I started coming to the Y to work out, play basketball and esports,” explained Tavian Parks, 18, on his first day trying pickleball at the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties’ Doylestown branch. “I see others playing pickleball all the time and it looks fun and interesting. So I tried. It was really fun.”
Since pickleball is most often played in doubles, new players can partner up with more experienced players for quick learning on the spot. Tavian went on to explain how he was helped by a more experienced player.
“It was easy to learn and play at the beginner level. I got a lot of help from the more experienced players. They were very welcoming. I look forward to coming back to play again.”
Health-Seekers Play Pickleball
Pickleballers often play to supplement their YMCA fitness routines. Philippe Marguet, 40, cycles and lifts weights in the fitness center, then finds time to play once or twice a week on the courts for two hours.
“It’s the right kind of blend of intensity and strategy. It’s more accessible than tennis but has more movement than ping pong. The sports that I played growing up don’t lend themselves to playing as an adult. I played American Football and wrestled. You don’t do much of that as an adult. So it’s nice to have a quasi-competitive game as an adult that is still relatively lighthearted. You can just drop into a game here at the YMCA.”
Philippe also noted that the Y’s open play setup supports player diversity in skill and experience. “The way it’s set up here, teams are regularly switched up throughout the session, so people get to know each other, and no one doubles team gets to dominate the competition.”
Aaron Mackey, a scientist who plays at the Fairless Hills branch, agreed.
“As a kid playing tennis, I never got good enough to enjoy it. Pickleball is fun, and you can go from beginner [skill level] to enjoying the game much faster than tennis and golf. I’ve got two kids, 15 and 19, who play pickleball on the street with their friends. It’s for all ages.”
Seniors and Retirees Play Pickleball
Late mornings on Wednesdays at the Fairless Hills branch of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties one can find a congregation of seniors dominating play on the courts. “Retirees love pickleball,” said Mary Jo Fiorello, who has been playing at the branch with other retirees since February. “It’s great exercise, but I come for the socialization with others. That’s the fun part. Most of us have grandkids, and some of them play pickleball too!”
Among the players on Wednesday are many SilverSneakers members of the Y. Fred Camillucci comes to the Fairless Hills branch to watch his wife Belinda play. They are both in their 80s and have been playing pickleball since 2013.
“We both played tennis into our 30s and 40s,” Fred remembered. “Later on when we learned about pickleball we got into it pretty hot and heavy, playing indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer. After COVID I developed some health problems so I can’t play anymore. But I come to watch Belinda and she’s still pretty good!”
“I love the game,” Belinda jumped in. “I think it’s easier than tennis, and I like the people. You meet new people all the time and everyone is nice and friendly. Plus it’s good exercise and a lot of fun!” It is difficult to imagine a more engaging way to stay active and fit.
Andrew Yannarella has served the Y since 2008, working his way up through leadership positions serving youth and adult sports leagues and programs. In 2022, he transitioned to the Lower Region as Vice President of Operations. Andrew has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from York College of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Delaware Valley University.