By: Jane Strickland
A clear blue sky and 90 degree weather make for a perfect afternoon to play pickle ball outdoors in Rosemary Beach.
The net separates the two sides of the court as players get ready to compete. The neighborhood courts are a popular place for people to spend time outdoors.
The painted court lines mark the boundaries for each point. Pickle ball combines parts of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one fast paced game.
The afternoon sun shines across the pickleball net as the court waits for the next point. The neighborhood courts are a place where friends come together to enjoy the outdoors.
It's a hot afternoon in the Rosemary Beach neighborhood as Mary and Ellie head to the pickleball courts. They say the Florida heat doesn't stop them from playing one of their favorite sports.
The pickleball net stretches across the court as the afternoon sun shines overhead. The neighborhood courts are a popular place for people to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Water bottles, bags, and paddles rest on the bench during a break in the match. Staying hydrated is important when playing outside in the summer heat.
A pickleball sits on the court between points. Even a short break doesn't last long before the next rally begins.
Mary waits for the next serve as the game continues. She says pickleball is a fun way to exercise without feeling like a workout.
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Mary starts off by tossing the ball into the air before serving. She says a good serve helps set the tone for the rest of the point.
The pickleball courts are enclosed by fencing to help keep the ball within the playing area and reduce
interruptions during play.
A pickleball paddle waits on the court before the next game starts. Mary says having the right equipment makes the game even more enjoyable.
After a tough first game loss, Mary takes a break in the shade while Ellie practices her serves. The short break gives them a chance to recover before returning to the court.
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The girls make sure to stay super hydrated in the heat.
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Ellie serves the ball to begin the second game. She says staying focused helps her compete throughout the match.
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| Ellie tosses the ball into the air and delivers a well placed serve to Mary to begin the next point. |
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| The hot, humid conditions create condensation on the camera lens, making it difficult to capture a clear image. |
The afternoon sun beats down on the court, making it more challenging for Mary and Ellie to play at their highest level.
The girls take a break in the shade and decide to call it a day.
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| Mary and Ellie sit at a picnic table in the shade to escape the afternoon sun and enjoy a quick snack before they head out. |
Mary and Ellie pack up their paddles after deciding to end their match for the day. They say the Florida heat was too intense to continue, but they look forward to playing again soon.
