Delta Pickleball – A Sport For All Ages

Photo Credit Delta Optimist

One might say it’s better late than never and given my somewhat hectic schedule it’s finally time I got around to posting an article/story that I did a short two weeks ago.

Locally the City of Delta has worked with the league and invested not just time but also funds to help develop and grow the sport and while some question why let’s not forget that they also allocate funding for all other sports in Delta as well.

Since the sport of Pickleball took off I have heard nothing but negative comments about the “noise” that the paddles make including the loud “chatting” from those playing.

Well – I’m not sure about loud “chatting” from the players cause it’s no louder than anyone playing tennis nor will it ever escalate to that level of volume.

Being involved for a “long, long” time without giving away the number of decades I’m open to any sport as long as everyone is having fun and enjoying themselves regardless of the sport they play. 

The sport of Pickleball in Canada and in particular Delta is taking the world by storm and players can be ranked in areas of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced that can see them advance to World , Global, APP.

Ratings are often called or referred to the beginner rating of 1.0 to the very skilled player of 6.0 with the advanced or pro (yes pro) level rated at 8.0 .

I was told that it’s not uncommon for players to rate themselves a self-rating such as 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 or possibly higher with your truly probably rated at a 1.0 for all intensive purposes as well as learning the game.

A rating of 2.5 shows that you can keep any short but limited rally while having a limited knowledge of the rules including keeping score.

If you are confident having a rating of 5.0 you have the confidence to utilize both forehand and backhand drives, serves plus any return as well as knowing the rules of the game.

In Ladner the court used is located at Cromie Park somewhat adjacent to the ball diamonds also noting that there are tennis courts in the  same complex and I am hearing that quite possibly there could be “possibly” coverings put over the outside of the area, so we’ll see.

Delta Pickleball has a strong membership showing no signs of slowing down, noting that most recently they held a championship in  North Delta at a local park.

Anytime you can host a championship you just know that the sport is showing no signs of slowing down for a  sport that can be played by players of all ages.

While I have never played the sport in the past I wanted to put all the negative comments to bed from everyone who is against those who are having fun and enjoying life.

If a little noise of a ball and paddle is of concern just turn on the “tube” and watch what the rest of the world is dealing with in various areas such as Ukraine and be thankful we live in Delta!

I managed to grab a couple of interviews first with Peter Darvill the Director of Delta Pickleball Association as well as Cheryl the VP of the Association to talk about the sport in general which will be posted up on Youtube.

For more info on Delta Pickleball e-mail Alan Holmgren at membership@deltapickleball.org.