Pickleball makes its club debut at Utah State
The fastest-growing sport in America has joined USU’s curriculum this year.
Wallace Brazzeal, president of the Logan Pickleball Association, instructs the class. He said he is extremely excited about the school’s efforts to reach out to the sport, which was added to the curriculum to broaden the the variety of activities USU offers to its students.
Pickleball takes attributes from racquet sports. It’s a smaller tennis court with the same size net, but a wiffle ball is used.
“It’s a quick learn,” Brazzeal said. “There are many levels within the sport, and you feel really good about the sport. It’s forgiving to those who aren’t in the best shape or who have bad knees. It doesn’t draw off all your energy. Since it’s so accessible, it becomes a lifetime sport people enjoy.”
The fall semester class had 15 members. It’s a beginner-level class that teaches the ethics, rules, game strategies, proper swinging and how to keep score. Even in small classes, it’s possible for everyone to play.
The class is for all skill levels, giving everyone a chance to feel successful. Pickleball has an interesting set of terms to describe itself, such as “dinking” and “the kitchen.”
“Each time we meet, we go through a routine. We practice and then we stop to play in foursomes and keep track of our overall numbers. It’s a pass or fail class, so you’re not graded on your skill level,” Brazzeal said.
Overall, the members of the class enjoy the sport. Brazzeal describes the students as competitive and excited to play.
“I had one of the girls in class interview everyone about the sport, and as I read through the comments, I was surprised about how many were willing to continue playing the sport after the class ended,” Brazzeal said.
The sport is beneficial socially and athletically. The sport is accessible and competitors don’t need to worry about playing against younger people.
“Some guys needed extra credit, and I told them to come play in a regular tournament,” Brazzeal said. “The competitors were two 70-year-old men. I told the boys to go easy on them, but I told the men to give it all they got, and they trounced them.”
Pickleball is a one-credit elective offered in the spring.
-tiffany.farfan@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @farfantiffany