COOKEVILLE, T.N. — Local pickleball players now have an opportunity to learn more about the sport with the funny name. Beginners too.
Cookeville Leisure Services is offering a pickleball clinic March 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cane Creek Gymnasium.
“My hope for the clinic is twofold,” Tyler Johnson, Leisure Services athletic program assistant and instructor of the clinic, said. “First, I want to expand knowledge of the sport to those who already play. Second, I want others who maybe haven’t played and are interested in learning to come experience the fun.”
Pickleball is a paddleball sport for two to four players that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong and badminton. Players use a solid paddle – smaller than a tennis racket but larger than a ping-pong paddle – to hit a plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball) over a net.
“There are differences in the play style and rules when you compare pickleball to both tennis and ping-pong, but if you enjoy either of those sports or you are looking for a new leisure activity that provides a good amount of exercise and fun, pickleball is a great newer sport to learn,” Johnson said.
The clinic is geared toward beginners to intermediate-level players. Participants will learn the rules of the game, how to serve, positioning, strategies and more.
The cost is $5. Participants may preregister at Cane Creek Gymnasium, 180 CC Camp Road, or drop in the day of the clinic. For more information, call 931-526-9767.
Seth Bruton, Leisure Services athletic superintendent, said, “We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity and hopefully help continue the growth of the sport in our community.”
Johnson looks forward to sharing his love and knowledge of pickleball with others.
“Pickleball is a fun sport,” he said. “I believe people enjoy it because it provides a great form of exercise while maintaining that competitiveness some desire. We see a variety of players at Cane Creek Gymnasium, from those in college to some in their 70s. There is no limit on who can play. That’s the beauty of pickleball.”
