How to prevent heat stroke while working, exercising outdoors in North Texas<\/a><\/p>\nIt\u2019s easier now to find a court to play on but learning how to play\u00a0pickleball and whether it\u2019s the right game for you might be another story, said Chrishawn Spackman, a pro-pickleball coach and player. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cI would say go out and play a little bit first and just decide, \u2018Hey, do I like this? Do I really enjoy it,\u2019 \u201d Spackman said. \u201cGo experiment, get a feel for it a little bit, and then maybe it\u2019ll be worth that investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spackman, 58, said pickleball is a lovable game anyone can play once they learn the rules.<\/p>\n
“It’s the only game where your grandmother or grandfather can play with your\u00a0grandkid, and be careful because they can beat them, too,\u201d Spackman said. \u201cI think that’s a phenomenal thing.”<\/p>\n
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The Major League Pickleball Tournament at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, Texas, Sunday, August 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
Anja Schlein\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
Ali\u00a0Layton sees pickleball as more than a trend, as she\u2019s been playing it most of her life. The 15-year-old started playing pickleball with her father when she was in seventh grade. She immediately fell in love with the sport.<\/p>\n
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Seeing her peers and friends come to enjoy the game has made\u00a0Layton appreciate pickleball more. In her hometown of Paris, Layton said the town recently built more courts where kids can have a special place to hang out together.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery night it\u2019s just a lot of young teenage kids staying out of trouble and learning a new sport while keeping their exercise up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
One of the things that makes\u00a0pickleball appealing is the opportunity to meet new people without having to spend much money.<\/p>\n
Lance\u00a0VanHemel, 37, plays pickleball with friends at outdoor courts rather than playing at the various membership courts throughout North Texas.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, all of the indoor facilities, they are at a cost,\u201d\u00a0VanHemel said. \u201cBut I still find time to play outside. It is also more social. If I go in my phone book and type in the word pickleball, I have like 80 contacts. \u00a0And I’ve met every single one of them through pickleball.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Lance VanHelmel walks his dog Buddy \u2018The Pickleball Pup\u2019 during the Major League Pickleball Tournament at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, Texas, Sunday, August 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
Anja Schlein\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
Giving older and younger people and sometimes even pets the chance to socialize, pickleball is making a mark as an affordable third space activity that can be played as a hobby or professionally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the best part of\u00a0pickleball, you\u2019re enjoying it with your friends,\u201d Penaloza said.
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