Growing Sport of Para Pickleball: Para pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity across the country, offering people with disabilities the opportunity to play and enjoy the sport. The game has been modified to ensure accessibility, allowing athletes in wheelchairs to participate in singles, doubles, or hybrid teams. Through adaptive pickleball rules and pickleball equipment, para pickleball is becoming an exciting and inclusive sport for all.
What is Para Pickleball?
Para pickleball is a version of pickleball adapted for people with physical disabilities. It’s designed to be played in a way that ensures all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the game. For wheelchair players, the rules are slightly different.
A double bounce rule is applied, and the front wheels of the wheelchair are allowed to cross the non-volley line. This allows for longer rallies and better gameplay, which is motivating and fun for the players.
Getting Involved in Para Pickleball
There are many ways to get involved in para pickleball, whether it’s as a player, coach, volunteer, or community supporter. Visually impaired people can also participate by guiding wheelchair athletes, making the sport more accessible to everyone.
Para pickleball is still a relatively new sport, and in some areas, it is not yet available. Those passionate about the sport can help bring it to their communities by contacting local para-sport organizations and organizing events to introduce people to the pickleball game.
How to Start Para Pickleball?
The first step is to find someone passionate about the sport who can lead the effort. This person should contact local para-sport organizations and set up a pickleball demonstration for potential players.
Organizing hybrid games, where wheelchair players team up with stand-up players, is a great way to encourage participation. These games allow for longer rallies, which keeps the wheelchair players engaged and motivated.
The goal is to create opportunities for wheelchair players to learn and improve at the same rate as stand-up players. As more people get involved, the sport will continue to grow.
Success Stories and the Future of Para Pickleball
One inspiring example of the sport’s growth is the success of a wheelchair volleyball team that transitioned into para pickleball. Initially, the team was not very active, but after getting involved in para pickleball, six of the players became active and competitive. This transformation shows the potential for para pickleball to bring joy and activity to athletes who may not have had other sports to enjoy.
News in Brief: Growing Sport of Para Pickleball
Para pickleball is an adapted version of pickleball for athletes with physical disabilities, including wheelchair players. It uses modified rules, such as the double bounce rule and allowing wheelchair wheels to cross the non-volley line. The sport is growing, with opportunities for players, coaches, and volunteers to get involved and support its development.
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