Last week, seniors at the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center were introduced to Pickleball by The Rhode Pickleballers.

A paddle sport, Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It will be played every Thursday at the center at 6 p.m. through April, at which time it will be moved outdoors.

Currently, organizers are seeking more players to join in. All equipment is provided by the center.

The game is played on a smooth, hard surface, usually concrete, blacktop or a gymnasium floor. The court resembles a tennis court, but the net is positioned slightly lower. There are no alleys for doubles, although the game is often played in doubles, and at about half the size of a tennis court it is more like a badminton court. The ball is hard, hollow and perforated, a modified Whiffle ball.

“Tonight was very fun. I really enjoyed this game. It helped me get great exercise and I learned many new skills. I find the name of the sport interesting. In fact, it has been a great conversation starter with my friends,” Irene Colin of Cranston said. “I had taken beginner’s tennis at the Y and enjoyed it, so when I learned of the center offering Pickleball I couldn’t wait to check it out. I love being active and am thankful that the center is offering this great program that gets me moving.”

Pickleball is played with a paddle, measuring about eight inches wide and 15 inches long, including the handle. In singles or doubles, players serve underhand and diagonally from one side of the baseline, then the other. The ball must bounce before the serve is returned and, unlike in tennis, the return, too, must bounce. Then volleying can begin.

“Pickleball was fun, gave me a surprisingly great workout…and was very easy to learn, especially since I used to play tennis. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow athletes as we were rotated into different doubles matches all evening, giving us the opportunity to compete with all abilities of players. As a newbie, I felt welcomed by the veteran players and, by the end of the night, comfortable with the nuances of this game,” said Sue Stenhouse, executive director of Cranston Senior Services.

“We are thrilled to be offering this funny named sport here at the Center, thanks to the support of the Rhody Pickleballers organized by Bob Walker,” Stenhouse added. “Bob approached me at the 2014 Senior Games Banquet to see if we might have the space to offer indoor Pickleball during the winter months. We embraced the idea and had enough room in our facility to create two courts. We recruited new members from across Rhode Island, including folks from Bristol, Coventry, Cumberland, Warwick, West Warwick, Providence and, of course, Cranston. We hope others will join us on Thursdays to join in the fun. We welcome beginners and veterans of the sport.”

As participants enjoy this developing sports craze, the center will be incorporating a Pickleball tournament as an event to help commemorate the 20th annual Senior Games.

The fee for participation is a senior center membership, which is $10 for Cranston residents and $12 for non-residents. The membership includes other activities throughout the year at the center.