Kelley Griffin, 10, and his mother Liz get ready to return a volley.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

Janice Pauly, Fairfield County’s USA Pickleball Association ambassador, teaches the game Saturday.

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

Are you looking for a sport the whole family can play, even grandma and grandpa? Pickleball is the answer: People of all ages, from senior citizens to 10-year-old Kelley Griffin, showed up at a clinic for the oddly named sport at the Wilton Family Y on Saturday.

Janice Pauly, the Fairfield County Ambassador of Pickleball, was on hand to teach the game, which is a combination of tennis and badminton but played with a Wiffle Ball. Although the players keep moving, the small court size makes it possible for anyone to play and enjoy. "Even if you're not that good of an athlete, you could keep a game going," Pauly said.

After going over rules, basic strategy and the game's history, Pauly had the participants break into groups and begin playing. Everyone remained jovial, laughing and joking as they tried to hit the Wiffle Ball back and forth over the low net.

Wilton resident Anne Richards, who goes to Founders Hall in Ridgefield where Pauly teaches the game, said she has been "nagging" Bob McDowell, the Y's executive director, to bring it to Wilton. On Saturday, she got her wish. "I didn't want to be the last one in the state with it," Richards said.

Mary Ann Genaurio, the Y's health and wellness director, said the Y would start offering Pickleball in March. Depending on the weather, the game can also be played outside on the paddleball courts.

Have you ever played Pickleball? Would you like to try it? Leave a comment below!