Pickleball Lincoln Community Boom: Pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite activity in Lincoln, Nebraska, where courts are filling up and players of all ages are joining in. Joel Houston, president of Pickleball Lincoln, a non-profit group promoting the sport, shared that Lincoln now ranks third in the nation for the number of courts per person.
“Pickleball in Lincoln is really hot. Lincoln is a top 10 Hot Spot City according to the New York Times and an Axios article that came out.”(Joel Houston)
During a lesson at Let’s Pickle, Joel Houston taught newcomers the basics, like how to hold the paddle and make different shots.
Learning the Game
Joel Houston explained how to grip the paddle.
“Your grip on a pickleball paddle should be like it this was a hammer and I’m going to hit this with the edge of the paddle… That will give you a good forehand and a good backhand.”
He shared why so many people are getting involved. “
The level of skill required to learn is fairly low, although the higher skill levels are extremely skilled athletes. It’s just got a broad range of people that it appeals to. It appeals to the retirees. It appeals to young people; the fastest growing segment is pickleball is Gen Z.”
He added that while anyone can start, the sport can be very challenging at higher levels.
“There are some people that play pickleball that are extremely athletic. It’s not easy at that highest level,”.
Building Community
More than just a game, pickleball is creating strong social bonds in Lincoln.
“From maybe somebody who has lost a loved one, and they are a little bit lost in their life and then they find this community of people that are overwhelmingly friendly. The social aspect of pickleball is different than any other sport I’ve ever been a part of.”(Joel Houston)
Players are also getting plenty of exercise. A game of pickleball can burn about 400 calories an hour while being fun and easy to learn.
With so many people enjoying the game, pickleball is now both a serious sport and a way for residents to connect. As more courts open and interest keeps rising, Lincoln is likely to remain a top pickleball destination.
News in Brief: Pickleball Lincoln Community Boom
Pickleball is booming in Lincoln, Nebraska, thanks to easy access and a strong community spirit. Joel Houston of Pickleball Lincoln says the city ranks third nationwide in courts per person. The sport appeals to all ages and is quickly becoming both a fitness trend and a social hub.
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