Summer and fall are prime time in Minnesota to enjoy outdoor activities. One sport that is increasing in popularity every year is pickleball— players use paddles to volley a whiffle-style ball over a nearly tennis-sized net on a badminton sized-court.

Eden Prairie resident Dennis Gallaher, the 71-year old president of the Southwest Metro Pickleball Club, shared why pickleball is the sport for everyone, but is a particular favorite of older adults, and how to get involved.

How did you get into pickleball?

I was a tennis player, which is not a requirement by any means, and I saw my neighbor playing it. He told me to try it, so about four years ago I checked it out and fell in love with it. It's a very addictive sport. Once you start playing it's just so much fun, you don't want to put the paddle down.

Why should people of all ages play pickleball?

Pickleball is amazingly fun! Play once and you are hooked. You can show up at any venue and make numerous friends very quickly. It is great fun and comradery. It's easy to learn and play and inexpensive. Players who have never played can learn the game and have fun in an hour or less.

It is also great exercise. You don't need to be extremely fit to play, but pickleball keeps you moving and staying in shape all while having fun.

What do you think makes it appealing to the older demographic?

It’s different from tennis in that it does not require the hard lateral running distances to get a ball, which causes a lot of stress on the hips and knees. It’s fairly easy to reach every ball and it becomes more of a quick-action type sport, more like ping-pong than tennis.

Also, pickleball is a gathering sport, where anywhere from 10 to 40 people will gather at a place and you rotate in and out. It’s amazingly social and it’s very easy to play. All you need are comfortable clothes and shoes and a pickleball paddle (which range in price from about $6 to over $80).

How can individuals get involved?

Many cities offer beginner lessons. Simply call the Parks and Recreation departments in your city and ask. An excellent alternative is to go on YouTube and learn the rules then just show up at venues and play with other newer players. Most players are very welcoming and you’ll make friends and improve quickly.

 There are courts throughout the state, from Eden Prairie to Ely. Check with your city or visit places2play.org/state/minnesota.

How friendly is the sport if someone is joining themselves?

Amazingly friendly! Just show up and make friends immediately. Players are very gracious as they are excited to be playing. Pickleball is a gathering sport.

For more detailed information, go to the USA Pickleball Association website, usapa.org.

Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of thrive., a healthy living newsletter for Blue Cross Medicare members. The full issue, along with past issues, is available at bluecrossmn.com/PlatinumBluethrive.