Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport, according to those at the forefront in Logan, drawing in locals of all ages with its unique mix of fun, fitness and social connection.
For pickleball coach and player Gail Aiken, the game has been nothing short of life-changing.
“I had been a professional tennis coach for 25 years until a significant injury to my playing arm in 2016 brought about a life-changing shift,” Ms Aiken said.
After several years away from racquet sports, Ms Aiken discovered pickleball almost by accident in 2019 while living on the Sunshine Coast.
“I had never heard of the sport before,” she said. “I was handed a paddle and therein began my love affair with the sport.”
That first hit sparked a deep dive into the rapidly growing sport, eventually leading her to establish XCEL Pickleball in 2023. After moving to Yarrabilba the same year, Ms Aiken noticed demand for coaching and playing opportunities was growing quickly.
“Demand for coaching continues to grow as all ages and abilities find themselves getting hooked,” she said.
Often described as a hybrid sport, pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, squash and table tennis.
“Pickleball is a cross between tennis, squash (without a wall in front of you), badminton and table tennis,” Ms Aiken said.
Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a perforated ball, the sport is widely regarded as easy to learn — but still challenging enough to keep players coming back.
“The social connection is perhaps why the sport has taken off like wildfire,” Ms Aiken said.
“Can you imagine seeing 70+ with teenagers, side by side, playing this game, socially and competitively?”
Yarrabilba locals will soon get a chance to experience the sport firsthand, with the suburb’s first official “Come n Try” pickleball event planned for Sunday, February 21, at Yarrabilba State Secondary College.
“This is absolutely a family event – absolutely everyone is welcome,” Ms Aiken said.
All equipment will be provided, with games catering to beginners through to more experienced players, alongside a sausage sizzle and feature matches.
“This is just the beginning for Yarrabilba,” Ms Aiken said.
