Lubbock Pickleball Expansion: Pickleball is quickly growing in popularity in Lubbock, Texas, as the city celebrates National Pickleball Day and expands places to play. The sport, enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, is becoming a favorite outdoor activity, with more courts opening throughout the area.
What Is Pickleball?
Andy Carter, head coach at Lubbock Indoor Pickleball, describes pickleball as a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It is played on a smaller court similar to tennis. Players can compete in singles or doubles, and only the serving side can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, with a two-point lead needed to win.
A Sport for Everyone
Coach Andy Carter highlights pickleball’s wide appeal.
“It’s a game that I have taught 8-year-olds to play and I’ve taught 80-year-olds and everybody in between,” (Andy Carter).
Carter teaches beginner classes weekly, where players learn the rules and start playing within two hours.
Growing Facilities in Lubbock
Lubbock is adding more pickleball courts to meet rising demand. Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center offers 16 outdoor courts suitable for pickleball. A new facility at McAlister Park on the west side includes 12 new pickleball courts. Additionally, several neighborhood parks have been updated with courts to encourage more players.
A Sport on the Rise
Andy Carter credits the COVID-19 pandemic with boosting pickleball’s popularity.
“If something good came out of COVID, I think it was a real blessing to pickleball,” (Andy Carter).
The need for outdoor, socially distanced activities led many people to discover the sport. Carter also works with USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing body, and hopes pickleball will be included in the Olympics by 2032.
How to Get Started
Carter encourages anyone who can walk and hold a paddle to try pickleball.
“If you can walk and move around and you can pick up a paddle, “then you can learn to play pickleball at some level, and we’d be happy to help you do that.”(Andy Carter)
News in Brief: Lubbock Pickleball Expansion
Lubbock celebrates National Pickleball Day as the sport gains popularity across all ages. New courts at Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center, McAlister Park, and neighborhood parks provide more places to play. Coach Andy Carter credits COVID-19 for expanding interest and hopes pickleball reaches the Olympics by 2032.
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