The sport of pickleball continues to gain popularity across the nation.
Zorano Tubo describes the game, which features racquets, a plastic ball, and a net, as an "overnight explosion." He's a certified instructor who travels all over the country to teach new players.
"Three generations can play at the same time. Grandma can be playing with her daughter who can be playing with her daughter and they all can be competing at a high level," said Tubo, a certified instructor.
A couple of times a week, Tubo brings those three generations together. When Spectrum News stopped by, his daughter was the youngest player on the court, playing with the oldest.
"I enjoy slamming the ball because I think it's fun," said Keliina Tubo.
"We do some pretty good slamming and hard-hitting and running, so it's a good exercise all around," said Neisen Luks.
"It is so entertaining. It is so entertaining to watch that happen, and they're not faking it. They all want to win that point. My daughter wants to win as Neisen, but now they're playing together," said Zurano Tubo.
For Tubo, pickleball is an escape, no matter where he's playing. But those options are running out, especially with the closure of Endicott's Boys and Girls Club.
"There's so many pickleball players that want to play. We need more venues. We need more non-profits and profits and organizations to step up and take your old tennis courts that just aren't working anymore, and put a few lines and get pickleball out there," said Zurano Tubo.
Being a low contact sport, pickleball can be done safely. At the Jewish Community Center, a mask was required the entire time you were playing, and all participants had their temperatures checked.
Anyone interested in joining a pickleball league should visit their website.