SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, but what many may not know about is the friendships created on the court. What was once an unheard-of game, has now become the most inclusive sport on the planet.
A former tennis player, Norm Caffrey, could always master the hustle on the court, but never his serve. Six years ago, after golfing with a friend, he played pickleball for the first time.
“I always felt that if you could serve underhand in tennis, I’d be a much better player. Of course, with this game, you serve underhand, so I just love it,” Caffrey said.
Pickleball has become so popular, Caffrey said it is almost impossible to play without a partner nowadays.
“Even if everybody wanted to play singles, they couldn’t just not enough to accommodate it,” Caffrey said.
“Plus, you’re less likely to get injured if you’re playing with a partner than if you’re playing by yourself, too,” said Caffrey.
With forced communication comes the opportunity for friendship. Caffrey and other avid pickleball players have connected with one another, creating lifelong bonds between teammates.
Danielle Oloughlin, a teammate of Caffrey’s, said it doesn’t matter where you play or whom you play with, a new friendship starts among the group.
“It doesn’t matter where you play, once you start playing together, it’s a friendship that starts. It’s kind of nice, we all look forward to playing against or with one another,” Oloughlin said.
Oloughlin said while the sport is competitive, it is important that players are kind to one another, and understand everyone’s skill level is different.
“It’s a good fitness to come here and keep playing. It’s also important to be kind to other players who are not as strong. It’s one thing that we really try to harp on,” Oloughlin said.