How To Get Your Kids Started With Pickleball

This fast-paced sport is sweeping the nation, and it’s a perfect way to get your kids moving while having fun. With online guides and sessions at nearby courts, getting started with pickleball has never been easier.

In this article, we’ll show you how to get your kids started with pickleball and provide tips to help them learn this fun and exciting sport.

How To Get Your Kids Started with Pickleball

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with more than 36.5 million players across the nation, according to court data provider Pickleheads. In fact, according to the 2023 APP Pickleball Participation report, one percent of Americans played pickleball last year.

It’s a fun and social game that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The game’s doubles-oriented structure makes it a fun and social game, and the reduced court size and light equipment make it a gentler choice than many other racquet sports.

If you want to get your kids started with pickleball, a great way to introduce them to it is to talk to them about it and show them how it’s played. You might even find it helpful to watch a few pickleball videos together to get them excited about the game.

Once they’re excited about the idea, find your nearest pickleball court with beginner’s clinics. Beginner’s classes and clinics are commonly offered at parks and recreation centers, making it easy to get the basics down. Many are offered exclusively for kids.

Encourage and motivate your kids as their skills progress. Pickleball can boost both your fitness levels and your family bonds.

Where To Play Pickleball in Birmingham

Here are a few of the top places to play pickleball with your kids in the city:

CityWalk Bham Pickleball Courts

The CityWalk Bham in downtown Birmingham offers 10 dedicated pickleball courts.

These outdoor asphalt courts are equipped with permanent nets and lines, so you won’t have to worry about setting up before each game. They’re also illuminated with bright lights, so you can play even after the sun goes down.

Designed as a space to connect those from all neighborhoods of the city, CityWalk Bham provides a beautiful, safe space where you can get out with your family and stay active. From a roller rink to a skate park to an off-leash dog park, there’s something here for everyone.

Heardmont Park

With two dedicated pickleball courts, Heardmont Park in Hoover is another great option for play. These outdoor courts have permanent nets and lines, so you can focus on the game instead of setting up.

Heardmont Park is also home to a wide range of activities and amenities. Enjoy walking trails, top-quality tracks, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields. If you’re looking for something more social, drop by the friendly community center.

Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex

The Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex in Vestavia Hills features six dedicated pickleball courts that are completely free to play.

In addition to pickleball, there’s plenty of space for your family to play their favorite sports, too. Younger kids will love the adjacent playground packed with swings, slides, and more. This venue is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it a great place to unwind and relax.

Pickleball is a great sport to try with your kids, no matter what age they’re at. It’s fun, good exercise and can bring the whole family together. Give a try and enjoy playing pickleball in Birmingham!

Brandon Mackie is the co-founder of Pickleheads, www.pickleheads.com/,  a platform that helps players find courts, organize sessions, and connect with local players. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can be found these days on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.

MORE PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN CENTRAL ALABAMA

Here are a few more places to play pickleball outside of the Picklehead list:

• Crestwood Park Tennis Courts 5400 Crestwood Blvd. Birmingham, AL   35212
• Greystone Pickleball Courts 2104 Cameron Circle Birmingham, AL 35242
• Trussville Mall Tennis and Pickleball Courts Trussville, AL 35173
• Bill Noble Pickleball Courts Bill Noble Drive Gardendale, AL 35071
• Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 35213
• George Ward Tennis Center 1871 Green Springs Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35205
• City of Pelham Recreation Center 300 Ball Park Road Pelham, AL 35124
• Finley Center 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35244
• Parks & Recreation Board 3301 Jefferson Ave. SW Birmingham, AL 35221
• Family Life Center – Shades Crest Baptist Church 2042 Rockland Drive Birmingham, AL 35226
• Joe Tucker Park 230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080
• Parks & Recreation – Hoover Athletic 600 Municipal Drive Birmingham, AL 35216
• Homewood Athletic Complex 121 W Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209
• West Homewood Athletic Center 123 W Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209
• Vestavia Hills Civic Center 1090 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Pelham Tennis Center 315 Ball Park Road Pelham, AL 35124
• Bessemer Parks & Recreation 200-256 14th St. Bessemer, AL 35020