WYCKOFF, N.J. — During the pandemic, with tennis courts closed, Anne and Jeff Zenn decided to lock down their tennis racquets and play pickleball for exercise and fun.

“We took lessons on a trip to Florida in 2019 so we ordered a net and paddles online,” said Anne. “We used chalk and painter’s tape to make lines for the 20 by 44 feet court on our driveway.”

Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a Wiffle ball, with 26-40 round holes, over a net.

The Zenn’s three daughters, Nicole, Jackie and Melanie, moved home during the pandemic and soon joined their parents in pickleball matches.

“Playing pickleball with my family has definitely brought us closer,” said Nicole. “Pickleball was a healthy distraction from the pandemic and the quick games provided a good sense of competition and laughter.”

Melanie agrees pickleball is both a fun and competitive family sport.

“It was a great activity that we could all do together while quarantining,” said Melanie.

Even Nicole’s fiancee Josh Coonin, an avid racquetball player, has joined the pickleball craze.

“He comes to Wyckoff from New York City to play with us and our Wyckoff pickleball friends almost every weekend,” said Anne. “He is the most avid, skilled and intense player of all of us.”

The driveway matches drew spectators and curiosity.

“There were so many people walking around and they would see us playing and stop and ask about the game,” said Anne. “About six families in our neighborhood set up their own driveway court.”

One neighbor was Anne’s tennis partner Andy Winston.

“Andy liked pickleball as much as we did and soon we were finding more people who were interested in playing,” said Anne. “We wanted to spread the word about this sport.”

Both Anne and Andy are administrators of the Facebook group Wyckoff Team Pickleball.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America,” said Anne. “We are competing in local pickleball tournaments.”

Anne says the Wyckoff Recreation Department has supported residents’ interest in pickleball and has added lines for pickleball play to four tennis courts.

“They also provided nets since pickleball nets are two inches lower than a tennis net,” explains Anne. “We are so grateful for their support of pickleball players.”

The Recreation Department designated Tuesday nights and Weekend mornings for pickleball play.

“Tennis players have been very supportive sharing the courts,” said Anne. “People can just drop by and join a game”.

Anne says newbies can familiarize themselves with pickleball by watching YouTube videos but suggests instruction at Premier Pickleball (at Hoop Heaven) and Downtown Pickleball (Quest).

“You can only improve your game with instruction,” said Anne.

Although Anne has been a lifelong tennis player, she is now embracing the attributes of pickleball.

“It’s a smaller court than tennis,” said Anne. “Pickleball is easier on the body.”

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