In a father-daughter Pickleball matchup, you’d think the younger daughter would be the favorite against a 64-year-old man, but you’d be wrong, writes Gina Lizzo for Main Line Today.

In Pickleball, youthful speed and athleticism aren’t enough.

Lizzo’s first Pickleball game with her father at the Chichester Community Center ended with his win and her scoring no points.

Local seniors embrace Pickleball. Lizzo and her father play three days a week at the Center with Chadds Ford native Joe Masterson and Jim Semple. 

Masterson had abandoned a tennis routine during the pandemic and noticed his health declined. Pickleball revived him.

 “It’s definitely boosted my stamina, and my mental outlook has changed,” he says. “I think it’s been a big benefit as far as health.”

Semple picked up the game from a neighbor living in a 55-plus community in Garnet Valley.

He figured competing against older people 65 to 70 would be easy. It wasn’t.

“Older players are smarter,” said Renee Hollander, head pro at Bounce Pickleball Club in Malvern. 

Local seniors embrace pickleball for a variety of reasons. It’s played on a smaller surface, yet it’s a competitive aerobic workout gentler on the joints that helps balance coordination and endurance.

Find out what skills these Pickleball players develop in Main Line Today.