By Jimmy Hyams
At the end of a tough day on the tennis courts, my doubles opponent who drilled me had a question.
“Have you ever played pickleball?’’ he asked.
You could take that one of two ways.
- You stink at tennis and you should try another sport.
- 2. Pickleball is a fast-growing and enjoyable sport that you should try.
While Option 1 initially came to mind, I thought my friend and foe Lee Martin meant Option 2.
Martin has invested with Scott Thompson at Cedar Bluff Racquet Club to build four state-of-the-art pickleball courts adjacent to the indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
Martin was right. I tried pickleball and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Martin taught me the rules and the strategy.
There are many nuances of the game I’ve yet to figure out, but I’m looking forward to learning.
You can learn them, too.
CBRC is having Grand Opening with free and open pickleball play all day Saturday. Beginners are invited from 9 to 11 am. Intermediate play (3.0 to 3.5 level) is from 11 am to 1 pm. Mixed doubles for all levels is from 1 to 3 pm. Advanced doubles (4.0 and above) is from 3 to 5 pm. All comers double elimination is from 6 to 9 pm.
Each game will have a time limit of 15 minutes to allow for as many players as possible.
Players are allowed on the courts on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rackets will be provided.
When you are not playing, you are requested to wear a mask.
“Pickleball is easier on you than tennis,’’ Martin said, “but you still get a workout.’’
The new facility is available 24 hours a day for members.
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