Page 55 - The Gem | May 2024 Magazine

Tennis enthusiasts join the pickleball craze

PLAYING TENNIS HAS HELPED GEMLIFE WOODEND HOMEOWNERS DAVID AND JANICE BRAY
ADAPT WELL TO PICKLEBALL, A SPORT THEY HAVE MORE RECENTLY TAKEN UP AND ARE LOVING.

“It’s not just us but also our grandchildren Playing sport is something the couple’s entire
Georgia, 10, and Alicia, 8. We play with the girls family enjoy. In addition to pickleball, David still
every time they come over to the resort now, plays golf, tennis and squash and his energetic
although before moving in three years ago we grandkids are right into basketball – a sport their
never had an opportunity to try it out. We all father excelled at and played competitively.
look forward to every game and are improving all Since moving into the GemLife Woodend resort,
the time,” said David.
David, a former plumber, and Janice, who was a
David, 74, and Janice 69, say playing tennis when nurse, have also joined other residents for weekly
younger has certainly helped them make the golf and ten-pin bowling sessions. They also
transition to the pickleball court. walk every morning with a keen group of active
“You can adapt your tennis skills to play homeowners.
pickleball and, of course, coordination and “There are some really nice walks around
strategy play a big part in scoring a win. But it is Woodend, and we usually follow the Five Mile
so much easier on the body especially as you get Creek round trip, enjoying a coffee along the way.”
a bit older,” said David.
Meanwhile, the couple are looking forward to
“There is not as much running, the bats are a bit the next visit from their granddaughters so they
shorter, there are no overhead shots, and you can test their skills once again on the pickleball
don’t hit the ball as hard as you would in tennis. court.
Not only that but it also sharpens your reflexes
and can be quite exhilarating when you get a
rally going. What’s not to love about the sport?”

David said it is also great for spectators, especially
when watching professionals at the game who
move very quickly, and he added when anyone
plays pickleball against better players it helps
improve personal performance on the court.

54 The Gem GemLife.com.au MAY 2024 55