Balls swooshed through the air, across a net, most times, only to be returned at the same violent speed.  The thunk of the bat meant a delirious attempt to return the ball again and again.  At first the game seemed pointless but energetic.  After watching the game for awhile we began to cheer for this stroke or that one as players addressed the ball.

Pickle ball is either a small version of tennis or a large version of Ping Pong.  Very skillful and demanding and developing hand to eye coordination plus position is the demanding part.  Then come the rules, lots of them.  They will come in time.

Encouraged by everyone, demanded by our doctor, resigned to by our failing physiques we were advised to join a league, do something, enjoy the physical and social life.  Why not, kids have Little League?  Pickle ball seemed to be our game.

Off to the cheap courts on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for a Loonie entry fee, the privilege  of seniors.  Dutifully we set up our nets and take them down later, ready ourselves in our doubles positions  A little experience has taught us that our skills need to be sharpened to play singles.  Playing singles at our skill level would amount to chasing the ball off court all of the time.  We play, practise, a couple of games with more experienced players, sweating and exhausted we head for home and a well deserved hot shower.  All of

“I guess we”ll just keep calling the game, PICK UP BALL.”

that exercise, that night we sleep soundly.

The next morning we awake clear headed and try to rouse ourselves from bed.  We both creak and groan, we know we have joined the Liniment  League.