Pickleball Momentum Shows No Signs of Slowing
Called the fastest growing sport in America by NBC Nightly News, Pickleball continues its rise in popularity in all parts of the country, including right here in Sussex County. A mix between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, Pickleball is played on a court that is twenty feet by forty-four feet and utilizes paddles and a ball reminiscent of a wiffle ball. The sport, which can be played indoors or out, is a great form of exercise that is social, competitive and fun.
The game, which officially began in the nineteen-sixties near Seattle, has since become a mainstay of communities nationwide. Whether located at a neighborhood park, a residential community, or at a facility like The Indoor Academy at Sports at The Beach in Georgetown, pickleball courts are fast becoming commonplace on the leisure and sporting landscape. The rules for the game are simple and therefore easy for beginners to learn, yet the game can quickly develop into a competitive match for experienced players. Quick and fast-paced, the game offers many physical benefits and can give players a solid cardio workout with other health benefits as well.
On the social front, the game is a great way to interact with others, making new friends and enjoying time with old ones as well. Open Social Play allows players of all ages to connect with each other as they compete socially in games that rotate players through regular cycles. This open play format allows players the opportunity to play with and against a large number of other players where they can enjoy new company as well as pick up new tips and techniques as they watch and interact with others. Some players, choosing to advance into high-level competitive play, will also go onto advanced tournament play. From leisure play to advanced competitive tournaments, pickleball offers players a wealth of options to meet their needs and to find the game experience for which they are looking.
Players new to the sport will undoubtedly be interested in pickleball classes such as those offered by The Indoor Academy at Sports at The Beach. The Indoor, as it is commonly referred to by regulars, has been on the Pickleball scene since its opening in 2016 and offers a popular three-week beginners course for first-time players. The course, which is held on consecutive Saturday mornings, covers everything players need to get started including terminology, rules, court layout, and more. The interactive format of the classes makes them both interesting and fun as players experience the game while they learn. Classes build upon each other so that lessons learned in one session are reinforced and expanded upon in the others.
The Intro to Pickleball course, as it is officially branded, is taught by local instructor and Pickleball enthusiast, Doug Worman. For over twenty-five years, Doug has been teaching sports like soccer, baseball, tennis, and pickleball. Doug has trained and coached both teams and individuals from across Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. From youth sports to varsity players, Doug has worked with a wide range of ages and abilities over the years and nowadays he continues to share his expertise with the community through Pickleball intro classes and player development clinics. Doug is highly experienced in Pickleball instruction and he continues to garner wide praise for his teaching style as well as his class formats. “My husband and I just finished a three-week Pickleball course with Doug Worman” says Suzanne H. from Sussex County. She continues on… “We wanted to commend Doug who was an excellent coach. Thank you for providing this great program to residents in the area, and for having top notch people like Doug teaching this sport.” Suzanne and her husband are just two of the hundreds of pickleball players Doug has instructed via The Indoor’s Pickleball Intro Course during recent years.
Alternatively, those looking to join the pickleball craze can opt for private lessons instead. Also lead by Doug, these lessons can be private or semi-private, and can be held at The Indoor Academy or elsewhere, is desired. Group lessons are also offered via the popular “Bring Pickleball to Your Community” program where Doug will bring his classes directly to the community.
Pickleball fever is certainly in high gear with no signs of slowing anytime soon. Interested persons looking for the perfect way to get into the game should certainly consider one of these options offered by Sports at The Beach. For more information and to sign up, visit their website at sportsatthebeach.com/pickleball.
