SDBC Pickleball
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. Played on a court with a 36" high net, games at SDBC are played as doubles (two people per side). Each player uses a solid paddle, made of wood or composite materials. To score points, you successfully hit a plastic ball (commonly known as a whiffle-ball) over the net, without it being successfully returned by their opponents.
The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a doubles badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications. One of these modifications includes letting the ball bounce once on either side of the net for the first two hits of the game. Pickleball was invented outside Seattle in the mid-1960s as a children's backyard pastime, but has become popular among adults as well. It is now the fastest growing sport in North America.
Who Can Attend?
Our pickleball sessions are open to all adults interested in having fun and improving their fitness. Players are asked to only attend a maximum of two playing sessions per week, to give playing time to as many players as possible. Exceptions would be for session hosts and experienced players designated to assist with skill development. Please see check-in procedures below.
Player Levels
We have different sessions available to accommodate four skill levels. Players are encouraged to use the USAPA skill self-assessment sheets to determine which session it would be appropriate to attend.
Download Pickleball Skill Levels
Beginners: these are players who have never played or are fairly new to pickleball and are working towards understanding basic ground strokes, positional play, scoring, and are beginning to sustain play longer. These players are working towards a level 2.0 of play. If in doubt as to whether or not this session is for you, email us and we will try to assist you.
Novice: these players have participated in the beginner's lesson (see below) or equivalent, and fit the criteria established for a 2.5 skill level of play.
Intermediate: these players are able to sustain play consistently and are at a level 2.5-3.0.
Advanced: players at this level can consistently sustain play at a faster pace and are at level 3.5 and above for competitive play.
