Trying something new as a family does not have to mean a big trip, an expensive hobby, or a complicated commitment. Sometimes, it means grabbing a paddle, heading to a court, and being willing to look a little silly while learning. In Austin, pickleball offers an easy way to do exactly that.
Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports, and part of its appeal is that family members of different ages and skill levels can play together. Grandparents, parents, teens, and kids can share a court, learn the game, and enjoy some friendly competition. Because the court is smaller than a tennis court and the game can be played at different speeds, beginners can often join in without needing years of athletic experience.
The sport began in 1965 when three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, created a backyard game on Bainbridge Island, Washington, to entertain their bored children. They used ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a badminton net. Today, pickleball has grown from a family backyard activity into a nationwide phenomenon.
So, how can your family try it?
Start with a court. Austin Parks and Recreation offers indoor and outdoor pickleball opportunities throughout the city. You can also look for tennis courts that have been adapted for pickleball or gather friends and family at a local facility with dedicated courts. Check schedules, reservations, and equipment policies before heading out.
Taking a pickleball lesson is another great way to begin. A beginner class can teach the basics, including serving, scoring, court positioning, and how to keep the ball in play. Or skip the formal lesson and invite another family to play. Learning together can be half the fun.
Equipment is simple. A family outing typically requires paddles and pickleballs, along with comfortable tennis shoes. If you want to create your own pickleball court at home, portable nets and court-marking equipment can turn a driveway or other suitable space into a play area.
Learning the lingo makes the game even more fun. The kitchen is the seven-foot non-volley zone near the net. A dink is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen. An Erne is an advanced shot played near the net from outside the court, while a Bert is a variation that involves crossing behind a partner. You do not need to master these terms on your first outing. Just knowing what they mean can make you feel like part of the pickleball crowd.
Want to try before buying equipment? Watch an instructional video online, check out pickleball programming, or ask a friend who plays to show your family the basics.
Most importantly, make the goal simple: play once. You do not have to be good, competitive, or even sure you will like it. Bring the whole family, give it a try, laugh at the misses, celebrate the good shots, and discover how much fun it can be when everyone gets to play together.
Laura Hudson, a native Austinite and pickleball coach, is a USPTA-certified tennis professional, who competed on the WTA Tour, and has been recognized for her excellence in coaching and player development.
