If you’re relishing a brand new game for you and your kids, perhaps you find yourself in a pickle for something to do. Pickleball is a game that is growing in leaps and bounds and is an activity perfect for new players, young and old.
And the whole family can play together. The Hannibal Pickleball Club, in conjunction with Hannibal Parks & Recreation, is putting on a Youth Pickleball Camp this week. It is designed to teach the basics of pickleball, which will include fundamental techniques, rules of the game and strategy taught by experienced players.
Bill Baker said he and other pickleball enthusiasts noticed that the Huckleberry Park pickleball courts had a lot of young people playing. “But often the kids didn’t know the rules, so we thought if kids want to get involved, they need proper instruction.”
The camp will include drills, games and friendly competition. Baker said a good foundation is needed to advance in the sport. He predicted that high schools will have competitive pickleball teams in the near future, following in the footsteps of colleges.
The pickleball courts will be reserved for the camp from 8:30-11 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.
The courts were renovated last year, including the demolition of the old tennis courts, re-asphalting, surfacing, painting and sealing the courts, along with building new poles, nets and fencing. The construction also included grading of the viewing area and the expansion of the parking area.
The work turned four tennis courts into six pickleball courts and two tennis courts. The tennis courts also have pickleball lines and portable courts.