New to Pickleball Information
If you are interested in playing pickleball please check with your medical practitioner to make sure you are healthy enough to participate in this sport. If you are healthy enough to participate in pickleball, we currently offer no charge lessons to interested individuals. Please see below for details.
A release liability form MUST BE SIGNED prior to playing on the courts for insurance liability. Please note, all individuals must be at least 19 years of age.
Two Free Sessions:
After 2 free sessions, individuals must join Ontario Pickleball Canada (OPC) for a fee of $21.12 (including tax) for insurance purposes.
Safety Manual:
Welcome to the exciting world of pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the world!
We know you want to get started right away but there are a few safety concerns you need to be aware of before you start play:
Before you come to the courts for the first time:
Talk to a Medical Practitioner to make sure you are fit enough to play. Pickleball is great fun, but it is also taxing on your cardio and respiratory systems as well as your joints. Know your limits and play within them
Equipment is another important factor to consider. Shoes should be made specifically for tennis or pickleball. Running shoes, sandals, flip flops, etc. all have edges that are not made for pickleball and can cause you to turn your ankle when you try to stop.
Eye protection is strongly encouraged. The ball moves very fast and there might be times when you cannot react in time, so we advise you to protect your eyes.
Wrist guards are another option if you have weak wrists and, in some cases, can help in the event of a fall. Your paddle should be light enough that you can move it easily for long periods of time. Tendonitis can happen if your paddle is too heavy.
Use Sunscreen spray or lotion if you plan to be on the courts outside and for extended periods of time. If you have any questions about equipment, please talk to a member of our Executive for their assistance.
Hydration Always remember to bring water to the courts. Hydrate frequently, between games and as often as needed. Currently, there is no access to potable water.
Newcomers to the courts will be provided with a lesson that covers the following. Please note that a lesson must be booked with our volunteer trainers (Peter or Joanne).
During your first time on the courts, a volunteer trainer that will show you some of the on-court safety concerns. Here is a list of the things you will be taught:
• Warmup and stretching are very important before you play. Warm up and stretch your muscles to help reduce the chance of a pulled muscle. You should be doing this any time you are coming on the court.
• Know your limits and play within them should always be remembered. Your opponents, at times, will hit great shots that will just be out of your reach. Whether the shots are in front of you or to the side of you, if it is just out of your reach, let it go and don't try and get to it. A single point is never worth losing your balance and falling or stumbling. Falling is the biggest cause of injury which can cause broken bones
• Lobs or balls over your head can cause you to fall if you try incorrectly to get them. NEVER backpedal to get balls over your head. There will be a very great chance you will fall so here again you can let it go. The correct way to get higher hit balls is to turn, run forward to where the ball should land, turn back, and hit the ball. You will be shown the correct way to approach a higher hit ball or lob.
• Fast hit balls or speedups can cause injuries. Shots to your body will sting for a short period of time but the biggest concern is always balls hit to your face/eyes. This is again where eye protection is recommended but you will be shown some playing techniques to help you feel more comfortable with faster hit balls. While you are first learning how to play, you should not be in any games with faster hit balls, but it may happen so best to be aware.
• Serving has some things to watch out for as well. After you serve the ball, ensure that you are not moving forward towards the net as your opponents may hit a ball deep back to you. As you must let the ball bounce before you hit it, you will need to backpedal if you are moving forward which may cause you to fall. Never backpedal while playing pickleball.
• Other court play will at times affect your play. Sometimes a loose ball may come on your court from another court. Immediately call "BALL" loudly and stop play whether it is your ball or a ball hit from another court. A stepped-on ball can lead to turned or even worse, broken ankle. Just stop play and replay the point.
If, at any times, you have any questions, please reach out to our Executive for their assistance.