Pickleball?

While checking the weather in Florida ahead of my trip to Tampa next week I stumbled across an article from a local newspaper on a new sport sweeping Florida's senior homes:

PICKLEBALL!

So what is pickleball??

Pickleball is described as combining aspects of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.

Pickleball is played on a 20-by-40-foot court, the same as badminton, and the net is set at 34 inches, two inches lower than in tennis. Players use paddles to hit a whiffleball about the size of a baseball, back and forth.

The game starts with an underhand serve and at least two underhand shots must be exchanged before volleying is allowed. No volleys, or overhead shots, are allowed within seven feet of the net. A point is scored when the ball is not returned, and the first player or team to 11 points with a two-point lead wins.

The seniors interviewed in the article said the sport offers a good level of exercise for their age.

Here's a video I found on You Tube showing highlights of a 2006 tournament- yes pickleball is competitive- in Arizona.



Looks like it would be pretty fun even now- and when i'm in my 60's and 70's with a huge beer gut and a daily tee time it might be a good way to break a sweat.

Probably only a matter of time before there's a court somewhere in Bermuda.

We're Going Streaking!

Its a first people.

Cricket on the blog!

But its not to discuss the failing Bermuda cricket program (still trying to think about how to word that post poignantly enough so as not to offend anyone)...

Its for a highlight that's cheeky to say the least.

A streaker took to the field during the one day tri-series final game between Australia and India got a little more than he bargained for.

I guess the respect the British have for streakers in their full naked glory-(I will always remember that picture of the Queen politely clapping the streaker at Wimbledon)- wasn't passed on to the rest of the Commonwealth.

Take a look:



I guess Andrew Symonds had seen enough balls at the wicket for one day.