By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — If you think the popularity of pickleball has maxed out, think again.
Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department is offering pickleball clinics, including some for youngsters ages 8 to 10, which are already full.
The classes are for beginners and for those who are more advanced, and some focus on the basics, strategies, rules and scoring.
The popularity of the game has snowballed in the past half dozen years to the point where many communities, including Warsaw, Winona Lake and Syracuse have established numerous indoor and outdoor courts.
David Thieme, a certified pickleball instructor, said he’s not surprised that there’s a youth movement in a recreational sport that has been dominated by older folks.
Thieme is providing instruction for the Warsaw parks classes.
He said he thinks some youth are drawn to the game because it doesn’t take a lot of athletic ability.
“I think that’s the biggest thing because now, they don’t have to be a really good athlete to play this game,” Thieme said.
The pace of the game and proximity of players to each other are also qualities that add to the fun, he said.
“Once again, it’s easier on your body and it’s a lot faster paced game, which young people like. They like that fast pace,” Thieme said.
Warsaw Parks Recreation Director Stephanie Schaefer said she appreciates Thieme’s willingness to provide instruction and said she was eager to offer the classes for young people.
“I think this is a great opportunity for kids to come and see something that maybe isn’t in the school system yet,” Schaefer said.
Theme said the popularity continues to grow for older folks, including those who have lost spouses.
“Last several years, I’ve got hugs from some of these people who said, ‘you introduced us to a game that has brought life back to us,’ ” Thieme said. “That’s why I think it’s gonna grow.”
Some classes are still open to register. You can learn more by calling the parks department, or click here to see if registration for any clinics is still open.
Classes are free for youths, but $20 for adults.
Schaefer said they wanted to make the classes free for youth to further entice them into trying the sport.
