WITH strong military links, Ipswich pickleball enthusiasts Lorraine Owens and Alexandra Flanagan said they appreciated being invited to join a Team Invictus Day at the recent Australian championships.
Thagoona-based Lorraine’s husband, Trevor, served in the airforce at Amberley.
Deebing Heights resident Alexandra is serving at the Base as a Reservist.
Lorraine and Alexandra joined other ex-serving members or family members to share in an Invictus session as the participants of all different ages became more involved in the growing worldwide sport of pickleball.
Lorraine and Alexandra said they also benefitted immensely from a special clinic at Carrara during the 2024 Australian Pickleball Championships.
The pair have become even more excited about the game after learning from para-athlete Matt Hanson and current Australian women’s number three ranked player Sarah Burr.
Pickleball has been described as “an addictive game with a funny name”.
A paddle is used instead of a racquet and it's mainly played on indoor courts.
Players serve underarm, hitting the ball over the net, testing the opponent’s reflexes, reactions and court positioning.
The ball is softer than a bouncing tennis ball.
However, as Lorraine and Alexandra discovered on the Gold Coast, the game has more technical skills for those wanting to play at a higher level.
Teacher Sarah was among the people to become “addicted” to pickleball in 2021, rising to national and international level.
Lorraine said Sarah and Matt provided many advanced tips on correct paddle grip, defensive paddle positions, third shot drops and how to dink (keep the ball within the white line) effectively.
“All I worked out is how much I don’t know about pickleball,” Lorraine said.
“They teach you so well.
“Sarah was pretty strict but she was great.”
Alexandra also enjoyed receiving the technical tips, having played pickleball for about 18 months after previously being involved in sports like tennis, netball and basketball.
“Much the same [as Lorraine]. There is a lot I don’t know,” Alexandra said.
“And because I’m a tennis player, I had to adjust from tennis to pickleball.”
However, Alexandra has enjoyed the transition, gaining fitness benefits including managing a knee injury.
The Ipswich Pickleball Association (IPA) was formed in late 2023 to introduce the low impact paddle ball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
Lorraine and Alexandra both play regular matches at the Ipswich and Rosewood showground venues.
“You can play with anybody and any level,” Alexandra said, enjoying the social aspects of the paddle sport.
“You can adjust your game to that.”
IPA official Lorraine said the sport continued to generate growing interest at both locations.
She said an army unit from the Amberley RAAF Base were among groups trying pickleball at Rosewood as the sport becomes more widely known.
Four courts are regularly used for pickleball players at the Ipswich Showgrounds.