Adaptive Pickleball is making a positive impact on the lives of players with disabilities and impairments by allowing them to compete on a level playing field with able-bodied peers.
The rules of Adaptive Pickleball (AP) were written and trialled by husband and wife Rex and Trudie Ellis, co-founders of Dunstable Hunters and Silsoe Hunters Pickleball Clubs.
Essentially, anyone with a physical disability or impairment who is assessed by the club or coach or captain to be at a significant physical disadvantage, is allowed to have two bounces before they return the ball. The first bounce must be within the court lines, but the second bounce can be ‘out’ before it is struck.
This simple rule levels the playing field by allowing a physically disadvantaged player to play against an able-bodied opponent. AP applies to singles and doubles and players using AP rules at Dunstable wear a badge (see below).
The rule already existed for wheelchair users, but Rex and Trudie have extended it to players with lower body impairments and cognitive issues.
“The joy on their faces when they get to the ball and actually send it back over the net is just wonderful,” Rex tells Pickleball52. “It’s great to watch the realisation dawn on them that they can play this sport thanks to the two-bounce rule.
“It doesn’t give them an advantage, it just takes away their disadvantage.“
“It gives people the opportunity to enjoy the game more because it lasts longer. We’ve tried it at our club and everybody has been fully supportive.”
Trudie added: “I really do hope we can spread Adaptive Pickleball across the country and worldwide. Then pickleball can be even more inclusive for everybody.”
Pickleball England are looking into how to roll out AP across the English pickleball community and incorporating it on their website.
Members of Dunstable Hunters who wear the AP badge proudly include one member who has reduced mobility after having a stroke and two who’ve had hip and knee replacements.
Trudie and Rex say it is “blatantly obvious” when identifying a particular club player who would benefit from using AP rules. She urges club coaches and captains to make objective judgements and physically limited players “not to be too proud” of approaching their club leader to ask if they qualify.
Dunstable Hunters member Mark Chapman, who has restricted movement due to a hip replacement, plays under AP rules. He said: “Now that I’m regularly playing pickleball, the ‘two bounce rule’ that I’m allowed as an Adaptive player means that I can reach more shots and sustain rallies that would otherwise be impossible. Pickleball’s great and the Adaptive rules allow me to better compete.”
Veronica Comparini, who has had both hips and knees replaced due to osteoarthritis, said: “I thought my ball playing days were over, but since being introduced to pickleball by my friends Trudie and Rex, I have found a new energy and enjoyment.
“Although I am not very good and my play somewhat erratic, I must say I love the game. When I was told I could play an Adaptive game, I was overjoyed. Because I am less mobile, it gives me a chance of being able to win more points against my opponents.”
Read more about Adapted Pickleball here
