匹克球（Pickleball）是用球拍击球的一种运动，兴起于美国西雅图的本不里奇岛。有人说它是结合了网球、羽毛球和乒乓球三种球类的混合运动，不无道理。
匹克球适宜于各种年龄。尤其是过去打网球、但是目前失去了继续打网球的条件（有人戏称匹克球是“老人的网球，seniors’ tennis”），或者打乒乓球、羽毛球的人，想寻找更为激烈些的运动项目，匹克球就是极好的选择。此外，由于匹克球要求的场地、器材比网球的便宜，所以有人戏称匹克球是“穷人的网球，poormen's tennis”。
匹克球的场地和羽毛球的场地完全相同。使用的球大小如网球，为硬塑料制成的薄壳中空球，有26个直径约1厘米的孔。横握的球拍形如较大的乒乓球拍，最初是木制的，目前有较轻的玻璃纤维、混合材料和碳纤维板的。
匹克球的规则和网球的规则类似，但是只是发球方可得分（和羽毛球类似〕。此外，发球必须是在下手（腰下）击球；双方都必须在球于自己场地内落地一次之后方才可以凌空拦击对方来球。匹克球的设计是使所有在场的人都能积极活动。匹克球是球落点的竞技，是耐心的竞技；它不是气力和蛮力的竞技。 击球规则中，禁止在网前7英尺区域内凌空截击对方来球，有助于减轻在网前过强的扣杀。
注：图片来源于网络搜狗图片搜索；内容改编自有道百科
Pickleball: A Fun Sport for Everyone
Have you heard of Pickleball? It is a paddle sport that is becoming popular around the world. It started on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, USA. Many people say it is the perfect mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. This makes it a unique and enjoyable game for people of all ages.
There are several reasons why Pickleball is so welcome. First, it is easier to play than tennis. The court is smaller, and the ball moves slower. This means you don't need to run as much, so it's less tiring. That's why some people call it "tennis for seniors". Second, it is not expensive. You only need a paddle, a special ball, and a small court, which is why it's also called "tennis for the poor" . The low cost allows more people to join in. Finally, it is a very social sport. Because the game is easier to learn, people can quickly start playing and having fun together.
Pickleball is more than just a sport. It shows us that sports do not always have to be difficult or costly to be fun. It brings people together, helps them stay active, and creates a friendly community. Whether you are young or old, looking for competition or just some friendly exercise, Pickleball could be the right choice for you. Why not give it a try?
链接一：
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选择最佳选项。
Have you heard of Pickleball? It is a paddle sport that is becoming 1.______ around the world. It started on an island near Seattle, USA. Many people say it is the perfect 2.______ of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
There are several reasons why Pickleball is so welcome. First, it is 3.______ to play than tennis. The court is smaller, and the ball moves slower. This means you don't need to run as much, so it's less 4.______. That's why some people call it "tennis for seniors." Second, it is not 5.______. You only need a paddle, a ball, and a small court. The low cost 6.______ more people to join in. Finally, it is a very social sport. Because the game is easier to learn, people can quickly start playing and having fun together.
Pickleball is more than just a simple sport. It shows us that sports do not always have to be difficult or costly to be 7._______. It brings people together and helps them stay 8._______. Whether you are young or old, looking for competition or just some exercise, Pickleball could be the right 9.______ for you. Why not 10.______ it a try?
1. A. popular B. difficult C. strange D. secret
2. A. game B. rule C. mix D. team
3. A. harder B. easier C. faster D. slower
4. A. tiring B. boring C. exciting D. interesting
5. A. safe B. healthy C. expensive D. modern
6. A. orders B. teaches C. allows D. refuses
7. A. fun B. long C. serious D. old
8. A. quiet B. active C. alone D. rich
9. A. job B. choice C. problem D. answer
10. A. give B. make C. take D.get
链接二：
根据短文内容，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
1. Where did Pickleball first start?
A. In a city, China. B. On an island, USA.
C. On an island, England. D. In a city, Japan.
2. Why is Pickleball considered less tiring than tennis?
A. Because the ball is heavier.
B. Because you use a different kind of paddle.
C. Because the court is smaller and the ball moves slower.
D. Because you play it indoors.
3. What can we infer from the passage about the cost of playing Pickleball?
A. It is a sport only for rich people.
B. You need to buy a lot of expensive equipment.
C. Its low cost makes it possible for many people to play.
D. It is more expensive than tennis.
4. What is the main idea of the last paragraph?
A. Pickleball is only suitable for old people.
B. Pickleball is a difficult sport to learn.
C. Pickleball has social benefits and is a good choice for many.
D. Pickleball will soon replace tennis.
5. The word "social" in the second paragraph most probably means ______.
A. about being with and meeting other people
B. about studying society
C. very fast and exciting
D. quiet and personal
链接三：
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入一个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Pickleball is 1.______ fun sport. It 2.______ (start) in the USA. It is like a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
The sport has many good points. Its court is 3.______ (small) than a tennis court. The game is also 4.______ (easy) to learn. You don't get 5.______ (tire) quickly. This is 6.______ people of all ages can enjoy it. The equipment is not expensive, 7.______ more people can afford it.
Pickleball is good for 8.______ (we). It helps us move our bodies and make 9.______ (friend). I think it is one of 10.______ (good) sports to try.
链接四：
根据短文内容，完成下列任务。
1. What three sports is Pickleball a mix of? (根据第一段)
__________________________________________________________________
2. 连词填空：Pickleball is not expensive, ______ more people can join in. (根据第二段)
____________________________________________________________
3. 同义句转换：The ball moves slower.
The ball does not move ______ ______.
4. 翻译句子：It shows us that sports do not always have to be difficult or costly to be fun.
____________________________________________________________
5. Would you like to try playing Pickleball? Why or why not? (Give one reason)
____________________________________________________________
(参考答案见下期）
