VOORHEESVILLE — The village is calling, on its Facebook page, for residents to play pickleball on a new court for the up-and-coming sport installed behind Village Hall.

Susan Casler, of Voorheesville, said there is already a group of about 20 people who have played games on the new court. She and a friend, Edie Martin, at this point compose the smaller, core group of people who email all the others to try to organize games. 

Casler said that they are looking to expand the group, and that people who want to play occasionally or more regularly are both welcome. She noted that the outdoor season extends only to about the beginning of November, but that even in winter play continues at the Bethlehem Y.

“It really is an addiction,” she said. 

Apparently what distinguishes pickleball from tennis or badminton is the length of the volleys. Rules of the sport tend to encourage volleying. 

According to the website of the USA Pickleball Association, some of the rules for pickleball include: The game can be played either single (two players) or double (four players). A ball that has been served must be allowed to bounce once before returning, and then must be allowed to bounce once by the server as well before returning (this eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends volleys). There is a non-volley zone, which reaches back to a depth of 7 feet from the net on either side; volleying is prohibited within this zone, which prevents smashes from this area.  

The game is played on a badminton-sized court with markings that include the no-volley zone, with a net two inches shorter than a tennis net, and with a paddle that is smaller than a tennis racket and larger than a Ping-Pong paddle. 

The USAPA website says that there are currently 2.46 million people who play pickleball in the United States. The sport is popular with both seniors, who play it in towns and retirement communities, and with kids and teenagers, who learn it in physical-education classes. The website adds that many tennis, racquetball, and Ping-Pong players love the sport’s competitive nature and play in tournaments.  

Casler and Martin are looking for people who like to “run around, get exercise, and have a chance to socialize,” said Casler. 

Anyone who is interested in trying this new sport may email her at  HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" or call the village hall for more information at 765-2692.