Participants still have to be quick on their feet at walking basketball - mainly off the court, enjoying post-game coffee and cake.
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The banter between the players, all over 50, is fast and furious.
Let's start with the team name for the group playing on Tuesday morning at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium.
"We're called The Muskets because we're old and we misfire a lot," said Peter Kinnell, 79, with a laugh.
![Walking and smiling at walking basketball are (l-r) Pauline Godber, 63, David Blanch, 68, Jenni Philippa,59, and Peter Kinnell, 79. Picture by Karleen Minney Walking and smiling at walking basketball are (l-r) Pauline Godber, 63, David Blanch, 68, Jenni Philippa,59, and Peter Kinnell, 79. Picture by Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32suSVsqH3pdw6NJyh92X9D/4c6b991f-f974-4838-b9b7-e7e6639903e2.jpg/r0_146_5058_2990_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
When 63-year-old Pauline Godber twists her knee slightly, teammate, 58-year-old Meg Cain hurries over with some ice.
"This is for your gin after the game," she said, straight-faced.
Nobody takes themselves too seriously.
Walking basketball is held by Basketball ACT to encourage participation in the sport at all levels.
The current crop of players range from their 50s to their 80s. Some have never bounced a basketball; others are reconnecting with the sport.
![Meg Cain, Pauline Godber, Amanda Brown and Jenni Philippa look for the rebound. Picture by Karleen Minney Meg Cain, Pauline Godber, Amanda Brown and Jenni Philippa look for the rebound. Picture by Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32suSVsqH3pdw6NJyh92X9D/b392f71e-3f44-4422-9bf6-81bcece2bf5a.jpg/r0_0_4480_2523_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Skills and drills are followed by a friendly game at modified walking pace on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
"When I heard it was for players from 50 to 99, I thought, 'I've only got 20 years left to play'!" Peter said, with a laugh.
And, on the court the competitive spirit is still strong. And maybe the occasional burst of "power walking". Never "running".
The teams are put through their paces by coaches Daniel Weatherburn and Elijah Duke.
![On the court, the competitive spirit is strong. Picture by Karleen Minney On the court, the competitive spirit is strong. Picture by Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32suSVsqH3pdw6NJyh92X9D/a4277a6e-c5f2-47bf-bd8b-77ac675b5efb.jpg/r0_19_3540_2013_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"We call Daniel our carer," Jenni Philippa, 59, said. She has played the sport throughout her life and is loving being back on the court.
"It's so much fun," she said.
Pauline Godber, meanwhile, is starting to understand the joy of playing sport after a genetic heart condition prevented her from participating in any for most of her life.
![The crew from walking basketball on Tuesday morning (l-r) Elijah Duke (coach), Jenni Philippa, Amanda Brown, Peter Kinnell, Pauline Godber, Meg Cain, David Blanch and Daniel Weatherburn (coach). Picture by Karleen Minney The crew from walking basketball on Tuesday morning (l-r) Elijah Duke (coach), Jenni Philippa, Amanda Brown, Peter Kinnell, Pauline Godber, Meg Cain, David Blanch and Daniel Weatherburn (coach). Picture by Karleen Minney](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/32suSVsqH3pdw6NJyh92X9D/24a16ca1-39d5-4cc1-a360-417d64d6b929.jpg/r0_27_4109_2337_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Evatt grandmother had lifechanging heart surgery six years ago which gave more energy.
Walking basketball was the perfect outlet for her new lease on life.
And at "not quite five feet", she's the poster girl for the sport's inclusiveness.
"I have a go and I have fun," she said. And then she gets on her bike and rides home to Evatt.
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