Raytown Hosts Women’s Pickleball Clinic

On Saturday, May 31, Raytown hosted its first ever Pickleball Clinic. Pickleball Midwest in partnership with Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. hosted a Women’s Pickleball Clinic at the Colman Park tennis courts, 5912 Lane Ave, Raytown. In 2013, the Colman Park tennis courts were renovated with $100,000 in grant funding. Pickleball lines were added to the courts following the court renovation. What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

It is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net and played with a paddle and a plastic ball. The United States American Pickleball Association (USAPA) estimates there are now over 100,000 players actively playing pickleball. Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states. Many kids and teenagers play it in physical education classes in middle and high schools. Seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in their community. Tennis, racquetball and  ping pong players love the competitive nature of the sport and regularly participate in competitive tournaments.

Brief History    

Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads-Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum-whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities were credited for creating the game. Pickleball evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well as many European and Asian countries adding courts.

Over 50 ladies participated in the event led by Dee Davidson, a 5 rated Pickleball player from Buckeye, Arizona. Participants came from several states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. Participants learned proper pickleball techniques such as serves, overhead shots, backhand shots, return shots and court positioning. Pickleball is open to all ages. For more information, visit contact www.usapa.org or Pickleball Midwest at pickleballmidwest@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pickleballmidwest.