Jun. 10—The Jimmy Johns Pickleball Center at Point Mallard was, as usual, filled with people playing the fastest growing sport in the United States on a recent weekday, and the atmosphere was full of competition, laughter and community.

"I play with different people every day, it's amazing," said 60-year-old Siridao "Siri" Cheng, a Decatur pediatrician. "Pickleball has a friendly, social and welcoming vibe and it's just good physical activity. It's fun, people talk in between games and then get back to playing."

According to USA Pickleball, the sport combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

Pickleball can be played in singles, doubles, indoors and outdoors, making it easily adaptable as seasons change. A solid paddle, a perforated plastic ball — and being prepared to enjoy the fun for longer than intended — are necessary to start.

Decatur residents of all ages are playing, especially in the early morning and evenings.

The pickleball community got a boost when the city built the $3 million, 15,000-square-foor Jimmy Johns center featuring 12 courts in an enclosed ClearSpan facility. Ages 18 and under play for free, 19 to 61 pay $5, while 62 and up pay $3. Memberships can also be bought for individuals or families.

Cosmetologist Dovie Glenn, 58, plays pickleball after a devotional with her church friends. She shared her experience as a new player.

"It was intimidating," Glenn said. "It felt like high school or middle school all over again, thinking you're gonna be the last one picked for the team. It's not like that. Everybody is so kind and welcoming. This is a great community."

Gaining traction in 2020, the sport is a great full-body workout for the heart and brain as it boosts strength, balance, coordination and burns calories.

"I don't enjoy exercising," Glenn said. "This has literally gotten me off of the couch. I'm addicted."

After growing comfortable with friends, Glenn decided to go to a fundamentals class where more advanced players volunteered to show her how to improve her game and strategize.

She shared words of encouragement for those who may be interested.

"You don't realize you're going to like it until you try it, so just come out and give it a try. Borrow somebody's paddle and just bobble it over that net."

Cheng said she looks forward to playing pickleball more often soon when she retires because of its addictiveness.

She got into the game three years ago. She was asked to play at the Aquadome and instantly got hooked. She now plays with people in many different areas and age groups. Cheng has also played in tournaments with her husband.

"Bring your kid; you can't find any cheaper entertainment than this," Cheng said. "You can get cheap paddles from Academy. If anyone wants a ball, I have plenty. Just show up."

For those with any interest in playing or finding a doubles partner, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Facebook has a local pickleball group with 2,500 followers, Decatur Alabama Pickleball, that posts where and when people are playing. Photos and local tournaments are also shared on the page.

Decatur also has indoor courts at Aquadome and Fort Decatur, plus several outdoor locations for pickleball play such as Austin Junior High School, Julian Harris Elementary School, Pop Oliver Park and Walter Jackson Park.

— tru.anderson@decaturdaily.com.