Pickleball, the world’s fastest growing racquet sport arrives in Mosman. Are you ready to play?

By JACK KELLY

The sport that has taken the United States by storm has its sights set on Mosman.

In just a few weeks, more than one hundred local residents have signed up for Pickleball, a game which coach Tom Hassan told Mosman Collective resonates with tennis, but has a social spin that’s easy on the joints.

“A tennis court is a lot bigger, so I can’t really interact with people on the other side of the net. Whereas in pickleball, I can have a laugh with my opponents and my partner in close proximity.

“I think as a form of exercise, it’s really good, gets people moving, and it’s a really good workout. It doesn’t put too much strain on joints and muscles, your risk of injury is quite slim,” Tom explained.

Discovery Sports Group Sydney is the creator of the Mosman Pickleball group and has been running training sessions and competitions for the past month.

“I think the great thing about Pickleball is that people are competitors and of course, they want to win but it’s super social as well,” Tom said.

“It’s really fun, with the bleachers full of spectators who support their friends and it creates a really nice atmosphere.”

Lessons and matches are hosted in the Mosman Preparatory School playground on Shadforth St.

Local Steve Boi is one who admits he’s addicted to the game, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, played on a modified court with paddles instead of racquets.

“Two months ago I hadn’t even heard of the game, now I’ve joined the club and it’s fantastic,” he said.

“I went and bought a very expensive paddle three weeks into the game, so yes I’m very committed.”

Emma is another resident who recently discovered the sport and hasn’t looked back, providing an array of reasons why she loves the game.

“I like going to meet new people, I love that we get to go outside after work, something new to learn, it’s a little bit less intense than tennis, we’re all on the same skill level and it’s more about fun than competition. I’ll definitely stick with it,” she said.

The sport’s popularity in Mosman is exploding, with the group’s current playing space at Mosman Prep playground almost outgrown.

“The reality is we’re pretty much full already, so we’re really looking for other locations where we could put more Pickleball space, run our clinics and run our comps,” Tom said.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world. Here in Mosman, we just want to continue to expand and keep the community active.”

Pickleball training sessions are on from Monday to Wednesday, 5:30pm – 7:30 pm or if you feel like you’re ready for the big leagues you can attend the competition on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Visit the WEBSITE for more details.