Want In On the Pickleball Craze? Brick Is Offering Lessons

Lavallette’s municipal tennis/pickleball courts. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Brick Township’s Recreation Department is ready to make you the star of the pickleball court – or at least help you learn the ropes so you can join in on the fun.

Pickleball, a racquet game that was first invented in the 1960s as a toy for children, has become a nationwide phenomenon in recent years, surging in popularity, with many tennis courts being converted to pickleball courts to keep up with demand. Initially popular with senior citizens, high schools are now beginning to offer it as a competitive sport for students. Meanwhile, the Jersey Shore has become something of a pickleball capital.

For those who want to learn how to play, Brick is offering beginner and intermediate skill level classes on numerous dates in April, May and June, the township announced. The first class, for beginners, is being held today, the announcement said, but several other dates have been made available.

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Clinics are available for residents ages 18 and over and will be held at the Angela Hibbard Park Pickleball Courts. The fee is $20. Clinics will be held on Thursday, April 18 (beginners), Thursday, April 25 (intermediate), Thursday, May 9 (beginners) and Thursday, May 16 (intermediate). There are also classes being held throughout June. Clinics are held from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon.

According to the clinic descriptions, the beginner’s class teaches fundamentals, and participants will be able to play against fellow beginners by the end of the session. All equipment is supplied, and participants should wear sneakers and bring a drink. The intermediate class is designed for those with some experience, and will feature coached games where participants will learn new strokes and strategies to improve their skills. You must feel comfortable playing with others of this level to join this clinic, the township said.

Those interested in signing up for the clinics can find all of the dates and register online at the township’s recreation page at this link.