Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. It’s a paddle sport (similar to a racquet sport) that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The game features two or four players using solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball (similar to a Wiffle ball) over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, including the dimensions and layout of a badminton court and a net, and rules similar to tennis.
Pickleball in the news:
- Read about our appropriately named pickleball pro
- Read about our September 2022 Magic City Open tourney.
Clinics and open play
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, clinics at The J cater to all levels. Led by certified instructor Steven Claassen, a 5.0 level player and PPR instructor, these clinics offer personalized coaching, drills, and gameplay strategies to help improve your technique.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Expert instruction from experienced pickleball coaches
- Small group sizes for personalized attention
- Skill-focused drills to enhance your game
- Tips and tactics to improve your strategy
- Fun and supportive atmosphere for players of all levels
General open play in Wood Gym ($5 for pay-to-play members*)
- Mondays 5:30-8 p.m.
- Fridays 9 a.m.–noon
- Sundays 2–4 p.m.
For members only: The Wood Gym is also open during the following hours (one net):
- Mondays, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
- Tuesdays, noon-3:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
- Thursdays, noon-3:30 p.m.
- Sundays, 8-11 a.m.
An outdoor court at the tennis courts is also available:
- 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily
- Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
*Pay-to-play pickleballers can simply set up an account (scroll to the bottom of the membership levels list for pay-to-play) and scan in at the front desk each visit for monthly billing.
Direct your questions to Athletics Director Kirsten Thomas.