Now, this is a bad idea

 Here in Palm Springs, there is a vibrant pickleball scene. If you don't know of pickleball, where have you been (unless you're outside the US, then I get it). Pickleball is a slow-paced, easy game, played on a court that is about one-third the size of a tennis court. Its slow pace (they use plastic open balls) and simple rules make it perfect for old folks.

I visited Joe and Aldona in their North Carolina club and played and it was fun.

Well, pickleball is the official game of the elderly nationwide. But Palm Springs and other desert cities may have more than anywhere else (okay, maybe Florida gives us a run for it's money).

But we can't have nice things. Enter washed-up tennis players and ESPN, and it has become a thang. It is pretty good TV. Very fast and manic, but quick with plenty of breaks for commercials. So pickball has swollen in popularity. But far outside of the age-group it was defined for.

We actually asked my doctor about it, and he says it pays his bills. Older individuals often twist and break bones regularly, as the more aggressive style is particularly hard on the bones.

This is all the background for the great pickleball wars of Palm Springs. We have one park with lots of pickleball courts painted on tennis courts. So first you have the tennis pickleball divide - no one likes each other. Then you have the pickleball swap-in rules.

Only 4 people play at a time, but the game is quick. Some players wait until a team loses, and then there is a team swap. Sometimes, an extra player or two will swap in every new point. And sometimes a game is best 2 out of 3.

And if you think you should be next but other teams don't let you in, you will get into a shouting match. Or, if you are a couple of cranky old people (gay or straight, men or women - it is a very integrated park and game), you may occasionally engage in fistacuffs. I have never seen this in person, but it almost makes me want to sit there one Thursday morning and just watch.

Palm Springs just keeps building more and more courts to accommodate people. Which may not be a smart idea, but it is pretty much democracy working.

I find it odd that bunch of adults come to blows (or slaps) over what is, essentially, adult four-square.

Oh great, older people playing pickleball drunk. Queue the ambulance bays.