As Scotland goes pickleball crazy, a new challenge emerges for Andy Murray

“I’m bored” is a cry with which many parents will be familiar. However, all such children now have an example of just what they can achieve, if only they put their minds to it.

In 1965, some American children wanting to play badminton found themselves at a loss because of a missing shuttlecock. Did they start to moan at their parents? Possibly, but what they definitely did is invent a game, pickleball, that is now a growing worldwide sport.

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In Scotland, the number of players has risen from 50 in 2018 to 5,200 this year, with Fife a particular hotbed. There are even claims it will become more popular than tennis by 2030.

Described as a cross between tennis, table tennis and badminton, it is played with solid paddles and a light, plastic ball with holes in it.

Passions: stepping on court with pickleball, one of our fastest growing sports

The Kardashians, George Clooney and Scotland’s own Judy Murray are fans. And, who knows, following Andy Murray’s retirement from tennis, perhaps he could find a new challenge in pickleball. There’s no world championship yet, but there will be one day soon...