CLUB-N-BOX
A CLUB-N-BOX CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Youth clubs and organizations, schools, veteran programs, fire stations, EMTs, police departments, sheriff offices, and highway patrols are encouraged to request a Club-N-Box. Each box containing nets, paddles, balls, and instructional material on how to play and setup a court. Qualified requests will be granted a Club-N-Box free of charge.
THE TOP BENEFITS OF PLAYING PICKLEBALL
When you combine tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, you get a unique game called pickleball…which happens to be one of the fastest growing sports in the United States!
Pickleball offers aerobic exercise as well as a component of social connection, which has a positive domino effect of keeping your immune system in strong shape.
“When you consider how the pandemic has upturned so many aspects of our lives, this sport is a great way to improve both physical and mental well-being,” says Dominic Catalano, Director of Pickleball for The Pickleball Club @ Lakewood Ranch.
Easy to learn
First things first: One of the best aspects of pickleball is that anyone can learn how to play. Whether you have zero athletic experience or you’re a multi-sport athlete, the rules of pickleball are simple. All you need to get started is a paddle and a ball. With a shorter paddle, lighter ball and less ground to cover on a smaller court, pickleball is especially beneficial for seniors looking to stay active and those with physical disabilities
Because it’s accessible for all ages and abilities, this sport offers the amazing experience of multiple generations being able to play on the same court at the same time. In fact, it was invented as a cross-generational game back in 1965 by three dads who were looking for a way to entertain their kids.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Studies show that an increased amount of pickleball activity can lead to improved blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness.
It offers aerobic exercise, giving players the chance to move around on the court at any level of intensity they’d like.
Since there is less running than tennis it’s easier on the joints while also improving balance, coordination, and agility. This makes it a wonderful choice for those who have had injuries in the past, or former tennis, racquetball or squash players looking for a gentler alternative.
Social connection
Just the name “pickleball” has an undeniable friendliness factor. More than anything, pickleball is a social game, and it’s no secret that strong social connections improve the quality of our life and can extend our life expectancy.
In a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, the pickleball participants most deeply engaged in the game were more likely to be highly satisfied with their lives and have a positive experience with aging. Based on guidelines provided by USA Pickleball, there continues to be updates on how we should approach playing this game safely.
You never know who you will meet on the courts, but more importantly, each time you play, you will probably leave the courts with a new friend for your next game!