PickleBall

PickleBall is described as "a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis, and badminton." Invented in 1965 by U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum, who wanted to create a "sport for the entire family." Apparently, they've succeeded. According to their website, PickleBall is played "...in thousands of school P.E. programs, parks and recreation centers, correctional facilities, camps, YMCA's and retirement communities."

Like the game of Tchoukball, PickleBall is designed to keep everyone in play. There's a no-volley zone close to the net to prevent overcompetitive players from smashing their way to one-sidedness. The serve is underhanded, and the ball must bounce once before being returned. As stated on the site: "Pickleball is a game of shot placement and patience, not brute power or strength." Once the ball has hit the ground on both sides of the net, the volley can continue as in badminton, with the ball constantly in the air. In fact, the size of the PickleBall court is the same as that of badminton - which, in further fact, is yet another game designed to keep more people in play.

Official PickleBall paddles are similar to those used in the playworthy game of Paddleball. Official PickleBall balls look remarkably like the much beloved Wiffle Ball.

The smaller court combined with the slower action of the Wiffle Ball significantly reduce the amount of running required, making the game more attractive to people who play for fun and family togetherness. If I had my say, I'd eliminate competition all together and play an "everlasting" variation where the only goal is to volley forever.