Pickleball clinic teaches newcomers basics of the growing sport

About a dozen interested Longboat Key residents gathered on Jan. 13 at The Paradise Center to learn the basics of pickleball from fellow residents Terri Noyes and Elizabeth Apmann. 

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

The event cost $15 per person and offered an hour-long course where participants learned the basic rules, scoring and practiced some mock matches on a makeshift court at The Paradise Center. 

Noyes said, to her, pickleball is great because it offers fun, fitness and friends. 

She and Apmann said not much is needed to start playing pickleball, mainly court shoes, water and a paddle. Apmann suggested glasses or a hat, too, to protect from getting hit in the face with a shot. 

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

Both Noyes and Apmann are certified pickleball instructors and avid players, often at Bayfront Park, the island's main public place. 

Though scoring can be difficult and lead to disagreements, Noyes and Apmann said the game is all about fun. At the end of the day, people are on the court to have a good time. 

After going over the basics of the game, Noyes and Apmann brought the attendees on the court to practice serving, volleying and started some mock games to learn the scoring firsthand. 

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

Pete Clausen and his wife, Kim, attended the clinic after seeing an ad about it in the newspaper. 

"We wanted something different to do, something active," Pete Clausen said.

The pickleball basics clinic is held monthly at The Paradise Center, and beginners are always welcome at the Bayfront Park courts, Noyes said. 

For more information on future clinics, visit The Paradise Center's website at TheParadiseCenter.org, or call 941-383-6493.