Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by most people with varying abilities. It has become wildly popular for all ages – from young to old, and there is a possible intensity that makes this sport suitable for all ages. Here are some guidelines on how to get started and on how to advance:

On Monday and Wednesday mornings, we offer New Player Clinics. If this is your first time playing or you would like a refresher of rules and tips, this is for you. These 1.5-hour classes will get you to where you understand the fundamentals of the sport, can follow basic guidelines, understand the scoring, and can play to varying degrees. From there, we offer a Novice Drills and Skills class on Wednesdays afternoons. This class will take you from the introduction clinic to a level that will make you comfortable to play with your friends and family, scoring will now become clear, and strokes and strategies will make sense. We call this level 2.5 to 3.0. Once you complete one of these classes or multiple drill classes, which we recommend, there are even more options for advancement. We are particularly excited about this new drill class, as we missed this link in the past and it is vital.

After you have completed these drill classes and feel comfortable with all of the skills and shots at this level, you will have reached the comfort level of joining Open Play, there are 8 sessions from Wednesday to Sunday and works as follows. Half the courts are for milder play, and half are for advanced players. The winners of a match are allowed to stay on the court for another game, while the other 2 players line back up in the queue for the next available court. You can join these Open Play sessions as a single player and will be matched with other players near your level. There is always assistance available, and we will guide you to the right play.

Additionally, there are two more levels of skills and drills clinics, also on Wednesdays. There is the Advanced Novice, level 3.0-3.5, and the Intermediate Drills and Skills Class, levels 3.5 to 4.

Although we do not have an official rating system here in Steamboat, there are expectations for each level that are understood by your instructors, and the right play can be suggested for the enjoyment of the sport. If you ever have a question about your playing level, feel free to reach out to one of the pickleball pros and they can help guide you in the right direction.

Doubles play appears to be the norm, but for the athletic player we offer a Singles Match Play Clinic, that also addresses skinny singles, a perfect adoption to the game if you only have 2 players and a great training tool for accuracy and stroke skill, also offered on Wednesday early in the day. The Friday afternoon Ladies’ Happy Hour is perfect for all levels and offers every level of play in a friendly, supportive atmosphere with time for social chats and a glass of wine.

Bring a pair of court shoes, the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center will provide paddles if you need one, and courts can be rented all day. The Center is very busy, so advanced reservations are suggested for all times, clinics, and classes.

All items needed for the sport are also available for purchase in our Pro Shop. Visit our website for additional details, follow us on Social Media, or call the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center at 970-879-8400. Pickleball will make you happy and fit, helps to make new friends fast and there are Pickleball destinations to visit all around the world. Enjoy!

Thank you Barbara Robinson for contributing this story.