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The Games People Play
Until a couple of years ago I had never heard of pickleball. An avid tennis player in adulthood, I recoiled at the idea of such a thing. If you think I’ve changed my mind, I haven’t. Lest you think I’m a purist, I’m not. It’s just that I have a brand-new sport that I’m excited to tell you about: Spitball™! Like pickleball, Spitball™ was invented out of necessity on an island—that is where the comparisons end. Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Spitball™ was born. Invented by one dad, his friend, and the dad’s two daughters (ages 7 and 9), this sport has already gained in popularity—going from four players to six in just one day. Spitball™ is played with tennis racquets and tennis balls on a tennis court, but it is not tennis. In fact, it might even ruin your tennis game. Nevertheless, it is a ton of fun! The game gets its name from the sopping wet tennis balls and the puddles that remain on the court after a heavy rain. Originally played without a net, the game evolved after the groundskeeper put the net up on the tennis court. The ball is served while soaking wet and the server can be anywhere on their side of the court or even slightly off the court—it doesn’t matter. It also doesn’t matter if the serve lands in the service box. Why confine yourself!? What does matter is that the server must name the serve aloud prior to serving the ball. For example, serve names included “the salty mermaid,” “the titanic tinkler,” “the piranha,” “the peg leg,” and the “typhoon.” Anything goes in terms of getting the ball over to the other side. Over the net. Under the net. Around the net. The ball can bounce once. It can bounce twice. But why stop there? A point is scored when the ball comes to a dead stop on the court, or by the fence, or on the courtside bench. It is a sport that in its brief history has changed to meet the demands of its players. I am one of those players and perhaps someday you will be too. Like most other celebrated sports, some of life’s greatest lessons come simply from playing. Spitball™ has taught me that sometimes it’s necessary and just more fun to make things up as you go.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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