Why should I play Pickleball?

Do you wonder what all the excitement is about pickleball?  Why is it the fastest growing sport?  First and foremost it can be enjoyed at any skill level.  Beginner or pro you can share a good time with friends.  The sport is easy to learn. You don’t need to be super strong, or super fast.  The court is smaller than a tennis court. The ball is bigger and moves  slower than a tennis ball. That makes pickleball a great sport for those with challenges.

Stay out of the Kitchen

They say if you aren’t laughing playing pickleball, then you aren’t playing it right.  Pickleball players enjoy the game and are usually laughing. Lighthearted banter on the court is the norm. The game is easy to learn. Just remember to stay out of the kitchen. You will have to come join us and find why.

Truly Inclusive

This sport is truly inclusive and will allow you to play against your friends and family with and without disabilities. Learn from avid pickleball players from the La Crosse community. Volunteers that love the game of pickleball who provide many tips and tricks to better your play. Learn the rules, basis skills, and play the game of pickleball from those who love the game. Participants will work through drills to improve backhand and forehand hits, serving, receiving and rally play.

Who can participate in adaptive/para pickleball?

• Anyone, youth and adult, who has a mobility or cognitive challenge that makes participation in traditional programming difficult.
•  Co-ed.
• some of the challenges that may enjoy Pickleball
  • Spina bifida
  • Arthritis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Congenital limb issues
  • Amputations
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Short stature
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Motor dyspraxia
  • Limited range of motion
  • Balance issues
  • Post stroke
  • Blind and visual impairment
  • Shoulder issues
  • Down syndrome
  • Autism spectrum
  • Learning disabilities
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Low muscle tone
  • Other congenital syndromes
• Individuals may ambulate independently, or use assistive devices, or wheelchairs.

When is this program offered?

• This program is offered seasonally

Did you know?

2022 marked the 57th anniversary of the game of pickleball. This sport has been continuing to gain popularity over the past few years. The sport grew to 4.8 million players in the US in 2021- that is a 14.8% growth from 2020 to 2021 (USA Pickleball).

How do I play wheelchair pickleball?

Pickleball is played using paddles and a small plastic ball that resembles a wiffleball. Wheelchair pickleball is played very similar to the game of stand up pickleball. One difference is wheelchair athletes may allow the ball to bounce twice before returning it to the other side of the net. The wheelchair is considered part of the athlete’s body, during play. Check out the link below to learn more about wheelchair pickleball.