Schiedam seniors hooked on pickleball: ‘Padel is too wild for us’
Over forty million Americans play pickleball regularly. The sport’s popularity is also starting to grow on this side of the ocean. At the Schiedam football club PPSC, a pickleball court has recently been added. “It’s for people who can no longer handle the physical demands of tennis,” says Wim Meijboom, chairman of PPSC’s senior council.
At Sportpark Thurlede in the Beatrix Park, a regular group is already starting to form. “We tried it for the first time last week,” says Meijboom. “There’s already a group of enthusiasts who want to play regularly on Thursdays.” According to Meijboom, pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. “Padel is far too wild for older people, so this is a better alternative.”
The rules are similar to tennis, except for the part of the court near the net. “We call that the ‘kitchen,’” explains Rob Hoogendam, an avid pickleball player. “You’re not allowed to step into the ‘kitchen,’ because otherwise you’d just stand at the net smashing all the time.” Hoogendam has quickly become hooked on the game. “It’s dynamic, but not overly intense.”
