BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Kentucky is known for basketball, but pickleball is an emerging sport on the rise. It's a mix of tennis and badminton, but it has its own set of unique rules.

For example, local pickleball player Doris Scannell, says "You serve underhand and it has to bounce from the first hit…we have to wait and let it bounce here and then after that its fair game in the air or whatever”.

The sport was introduced to athletes in 1965, but it has more recently hit the Kentucky courts. Competitions are offered all over the state, and while it is not an Olympic sport yet, it does have an international federation. The sport offers more than competition, it also has various health benefits.

“I’ve heard of a lot of people increasing their fitness level, loosing weight because you are playing. The thing about it is you can play 3 or 4 hours and do it all again the next day and still feel good and actually feel better because obviously the more you do the more you want to do” says Scannell.

It's a common misconception that the sport is for retired tennis, badminton or racquetball, but it's a sport that anyone can play.

Western Kentucky University graduate Tristan Shaw, says “Pickleball. unlike tennis or badminton or ping pong, I’ve found to be one of the most friendly sports. Almost everyone that plays is just here to have a good time, which I really appreciate, I think that’s probably the part I like the most”.

Bowling Green offers various places to play pickleball, including the new courts at Basil Griffin Park.