Pickleball

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis where players use solid paddles made to hit a perforated polymer ball, with 26-40 round holes, over a net. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with each team aiming to become the first to win 11 points.

Pickleball code of conduct

To ensure everyone has a fun experience that is welcoming and inclusive, please follow this culture code:

  • Respect all players and encourage fair play: Treat everyone with courtesy, and respect, regardless of their skill level. Encourage fair and sportsmanlike behavior. Offer encouragement and constructive feedback to help others improve their skills.
  • Wait your turn: Be patient and wait for your turn to play on the court. Rotate in and out fairly, allowing everyone a chance to participate.
  • Communicate clearly: Use clear and concise communication with your fellow players, especially when calling shots and making line calls.
  • Honor line calls: Line calls should be made promptly and honestly. If you’re uncertain about a call, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent.
  • Control your emotions: Maintain composure and control your emotions. Avoid outbursts of anger or frustration.
  • Respect equipment: Treat pickleball equipment: nets, paddles and balls, with care. Avoid damaging or mistreating borrowed equipment.
  • Clean up after yourself: Dispose of any trash or debris properly and leave the playing area clean for the next group of players.
  • Have fun: Above all, enjoy the game and have fun! Pickleball is meant to be a social and enjoyable activity for players of all ages and skill levels.

When does pickleball start? 

The courts are generally open mid – April to early November, depending on the weather. Check the calendar for the complete schedule.

Drop-in Pickleball

The courts are reserved for drop-in pickleball at the following times.  You can register for one or both sessions: 

  • Monday mornings 10:00am – 12:00pm. 
  • Wednesday evenings 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  

Please note that start times will be adjusted according to daylight changes or sun conditions.  For example: evening start times may shift from 6:30 to 5:30pm in September so there is more day light to play.  Morning sessions may shift from 10:00 to 9:00am to avoid peak sunny periods.

All levels are welcome to the drop-ins, however, it is ideal that you have played a few games, understand the scoring system and basics of pickleball.

You do not need a tennis court key to join these drop-in sessions, a volunteer coordinator or delegate will be available to open up the court. 

What is the cost for drop-in pickleball?

Once you have your WCA membership, it is $50 per session for the entire season which runs from May to November.  There are 2 sessions this year: Monday mornings at 10:00am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. 

  • Example 1:  if you sign up for Wednesdays, the cost is $50 plus taxes.
  • Example 2:  if you sign up for Mondays and Wednesdays, the cost is $100 plus taxes. 

Drop-in sessions are set up as separate registrations so if you would like to play Mondays and Wednesdays, you will need to register and pay for the 2 sessions.

How I can register for the drop-in sessions?

The first step is ensuring you have a WCA membership ($35 per household per year, $5 for seniors per year). 

Click here to log in and register! Ensure your membership is active, select “Programs & Events” from the menu on the left side of the page and then click on the Pickleball section. 

Why is there a cost for drop-in pickleball? 

The cost is to try to recoup some expenses such as new screens, nets and pickleballs. 

If you play every game in a session during the season, it averages to $1.93 per game, so the rates are extremely market competitive.

What do I need to bring for drop-in pickleball?

All nets and pickle balls are supplied. Please bring your own paddle, water bottle, sunscreen and fun attitude. 

Pickleball lessons

For the first time, we will be offering pickleball lessons.  We are excited to have Lori and Allison facilitating these clinics at Wildwood.

Beginner Clinic

The beginner clinic will be led by Lori Gillespie, a NCCP certified pickleball coach.   Lori currently competes at the 3.5 Level and has won 2 Bronze, 2 Silver, and 2 Gold Medals in tournaments across Alberta in Ladies Doubles. 

Lori is an experienced coach who has taught with Pickleball Connect, Westside Recreation Center, and Red Deer Pickleball Club.  She has also served as assistant coach to Professional Players such as Kim Layton, Brad Chapman, Joel Peltier, and Shaun Radford just to name a few. 

Lori specializes in helping beginner pickleball players learn the game in a fun and relaxed way.  We are excited that she will be facilitating this clinic.

Intermediate Clinic

The intermediate clinic will be led by Allison Genovese, an IPTPA certified coach who is also training to become a Level 1 referee.  Allison has medaled in singles, womens, and mixed doubles in 3.5-4.0 tournaments and leagues and is training to compete at the 4.5.   She played tennis competitively in the United States, and is now playing pickleball exclusively.   

Allison has a passion for coaching all ages and found her passion for coaching while she was teaching her children pickleball.  She likes to emphasize shot selection and strategies that work in today’s evolving game.  Although she likes to compete, her number one priority is to have fun and make sure those around her have fun too! 

The intermediate clinic will focus on:

  • Week 1: Meet me in the Kitchen!  For this class we will be learning strategies to dink with a purpose and practice drills to work on hand speed.  Safety goggles are required.
  • Week 2: Targeted approach to serving and returning.  We will discuss techniques to improve power and strategies for a successful start to the point.  
  • Week 3: People’s Choice.  The class will decide as a group what they would like the class to focus on.

When: Mondays May 6, 13 and 27 

  • No class May 20th as it is Victoria Day weekend 
  • June 3rd will be a back-up date in the event a prior class is cancelled due to weather 

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Cost: $60 with a WCA membership  

Class size:  Maximum of 8 

Click here to log in and register! Ensure your membership is active, select “Programs & Events” from the menu on the left side of the page and then click on the Pickleball section. 

Questions

For more information about the pickleball programs, please contact pickleball@mywildwood.ca.