Ed Merkert, right, serves the ball, as his game partner, Jerry Ryan, watches on Friday, July 22, at the courts at Kelly Park, 130 Fawley St., Warsaw. The competition was organized by Pickleball Phanatics. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — To Bob Rich of Warsaw, playing pickleball is “addictive.”

“I want to play almost every day,” he said.

Rich isn’t alone in Kosciusko County regarding his passion for the sport. He’s one of those who play with the Pickleball Phanatics, a group of players in the Warsaw area.

One of the organizers of the Phanatics, Rick Swaim, of Winona Lake, estimates that there are probably up to 100 active people in the group, although not everybody comes all the time to play.

Pickleball is “a mix between table tennis and tennis,” said Rich.

According to Pickleball Magazine’s website, it started in 1965 in Washington. The website cites the name pickleball comes from pickle boat races, in which less talented competitors would join together to participate. According to the wife of one of pickleball’s founders, the teams for those races seemed to be a mix of people just as pickleball is a mix of other sports.

Players use a Wiffle ball and paddles to play the game on small courts with nets. Rich noted that four pickleball courts can fit into the size of one tennis court.

Play occurs in either singles or doubles. Each side gets two tries to serve.

“So if you hit into the net, then your teammate then gets a shot,” explained Rich. Games go up to 11 points, with points being awarded on serves.

“One of the big things is the kitchen area. … I think it’s seven feet from the net (marked off by a line),” said Rich. “It’s kind of a no man zone … No volley zone is the official term. … You can’t hit the ball if you’re in there unless the ball has bounced first.”

The Phanatics mostly play at the courts at Kelly Park, 130 Fawley St., Warsaw. Swaim posts the weekly schedule for their games on the group’s Facebook page.

There are games six days a week with both competitive and noncompetitive play, so those who are new to the sport can pick a time at which they feel more comfortable.

“This group is very welcoming,” said Rich regarding the Phanatics. “You walk up and people are like, ‘Hey, you want to play and what’s going on. Have you played before?'”

The group also has some extra equipment to share if people need it.

In colder or otherwise inclement weather, the group plays at the City-County Athletic Complex, 3215 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw, for a $2 charge.

Those aren’t the only two places where pickleball may be played in the county.

The Parkview Warsaw YMCA, 1305 Mariners Drive, will offer play once again after school has started back up in the area from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Nonmembers have to pay a $5 fee.

At the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, pickleball is offered for a $1 cost from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

People can also bring a group to play at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St, during the hours its gym is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Pickleball courts are also planned at other locations:

• Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department is reconstructing tennis courts at Bixler Park this month to accommodate pickleball courts.
• Winona Lake Limitless Park is also planning to create courts.
• Pierceton is seeking a grant to create a spot for pickleball at Brower Park.
• The soon-to-be-finished Miller Sunset Pavilion in Winona Lake has anchors for pickleball courts in place, which could allow for them in the future.

“They say it’s the fastest growing sport right now in the states,” Rich said, adding that he believes it’s popular due to it being easier for people to play a sport on the smaller court.

The sport is good for all ages. The age span seen at the Phanatics’ events ranges from teens to those in their 80s, said Rich.

“I’m 56 and I’ve played with people out here that are 30 years older than me and some of them are aging and can’t move a lot and I’ve gotten beat by some of them in their 70s and 80s,” he said.

Fellow Phanatics offered various reasons for their interest in the sport

“It’s very enjoyable and you get good exercise, and I just love doing it,” said Tracy Gilliland of Warsaw.

“Fun, fitness and fellowship, that’s why I play,” said Toni Ryan of Warsaw.

Swaim said he discovered a passion for the game as others who try it. “They enjoy it and get hooked,” he said.

Mike Metzger, who started the Pickleball Phanatics group in 2011, invited him to play.

He’s grateful to Metzger, who passed away in 2021, for starting the Phanatics. A plaque honoring Metzger is out at Kelly Park.

Swaim said he what he enjoys about playing pickleball are “the relationships, the fun and the competition,” in that order.

Cliff Newsom, left, and Kathy Jones head for the ball during one of the Pickleball Phanatics’ games at Kelly Park on July 22.