Club News & Blog

Pickleball is the fastest growing racquet sport in the USA. What initially started as a backyard game has now taken our country by storm. Pickleball courts and pickleball converted tennis courts are popping up everywhere. From retirement communities, to sport clubs, to youth clubs - players of all ages are obsessed by the game of pickleball!

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball (think small wiffle ball) over a net. The rules are fairly simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. It can, however, also develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

So why should you try pickleball? Here are five reasons why:

1. Pickleball is a game that’s fun for all ages and levels

What was initially seen as an “older persons” sport has quickly developed into a game for all ages. Tournaments and pickleball leagues have also captured the interest and participation from our younger generation. The great thing is that the sport adjusts well to many different levels and you can enjoy playing pickleball with your friends at your own pace.

2. Pickleball has a great social/fun aspect to it

Whether you play singles or doubles with your friends, pickleball is really fun and I guarantee you, there will be a lot of laughing happening. Besides providing exercise, you can also see it as a great way to relieve stress with friends. Need people to play with? Lots of clubs organize club nights were you just show up ready to play and you get teamed up with players of the same ability.

3. Pickleball is easy to learn

Pickleball is not like tennis or golf where a lot of technical skills are required. You will learn to play pickleball with a little bit of practice. Obviously, previous tennis, racquetball or squash experience will certainly help - but I guarantee you will be rallying in no time even without it.

4. A Pickleball court is small

The dimensions of a pickleball court are 44 feet x 20 feet. This allows for a game with less real estate to cover and much longer rallies. This doesn’t mean that pickleball will necessarily be less intense. Even the most competitive player will be challenged.

5. Pickleball has health benefits

In a time when health and fitness is a hot topic, pickleball is another way to get at the health benefits of exercise. These benefits may come in the form of lower blood pressure, an immune system boost, or even the mental boost that results from increasing your activity level. It is definitely a fun way to exercise. Those who don’t like running or using gym equipment should give pickleball a try. You will be surprised how engaging and fun it can be.

Recently, the Rochester Athletic club has converted two indoor tennis courts into 4 indoor pickleball courts. Members may book these courts all year round through the Activities Desk by stopping by in person or calling the desk at (507) 287-9300. We are also offering beginner classes, pickleball introduction events and a Sunday evening Club Night. To learn more about these offerings click here.

For questions or more information about pickleball, please contact:

Sabine Tetzloff at (507) 287-9308 or stetzloff@racmn.com or

Ben Maes at (507) 287-9323 or bmaes@racmn.com.