Pickleball has been growing in popularity – and for good reason! It’s fun, easy to learn, and accessible for kids of all skill levels. If you’re a PE teacher, recreation director, or camp leader, introducing pickleball into your youth program is a great way to get kids moving, learning, and gaining some important skills.
A Quick History of Pickleball
Di you know that pickleball was invented in 1965 by three dads looking to keep their kids entertained during summer vacation? What started with ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball in a backyard has grown into a nationwide phenomenon. Today, schools, community centers, and camps all over the country are adding pickleball to their activity planning.
Why Pickleball Works for Kids
Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, making it easier for kids to cover ground and stay engaged. Plus, it’s low-impact, so it’s great for kids of all fitness levels. It promotes the following skills.
- Hand-eye coordination
- Agility and quick reflexes
- Teamwork and communication
- Sportsmanship and confidence
Basic Rules & Gameplay
Court: Same dimensions as a badminton court (20’ x 44’)
Serve: Underhand, diagonally cross-court
Scoring: Only the serving team scores; games typically go to 11
Double Bounce Rule: Each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys begin
Non-Volley Zone: No hitting the ball in the “kitchen” (7 feet from the net) unless it bounces first
Want to learn more? USA Pickleball offers detailed youth rule guides you can check out here.
Tips for Teaching Pickleball to Kids
1) Start with the Basics – Introduce rules slowly and focus on fun before form. Start with simple paddle drills and let kids practice hitting the ball back and forth over a lowered net or even a line on the floor.
2) Keep Groups Small – Small-sided games (2-on-2 or 3-on-3) keep kids moving and involved. Rotating stations with skill challenges can also help build fundamentals.
3) Emphasize Cooperation First – Team up kids and reward rallies over winning. Encouraging rallies helps build confidence and gets everyone participating.
4) Add Creative Challenges – Try “target practice” with cones or hoops, “longest rally” contests, or serving accuracy games.
5) Create a Mini Tournament – Set up a round-robin format with mini courts to keep energy high and give kids a fun goal to work toward.
Recommended Pickleball Equipment for Youth Programs
Here at S&S, we have made it easy to bring pickleball to your program with age-appropriate, teacher friendly equipment. Here are some of our top picks:
🏓 Pickleball Starter Pack: Everything you need to get started, including paddles, balls, and a net—perfect for new programs.
🏓 Deluxe Pickleball Pack: Great for larger groups with durable paddles, indoor/outdoor balls, and carrying bag.
🏓 Portable Pickleball Net: Easy to set up and store, ideal for gyms and multipurpose spaces.
🏓 S&S Pickleball Easy Pack: Affordable all-in-one pack that includes net, storage bag, paddles and balls.
🏓 Youth-Sized Paddles: Lightweight and sized just right for smaller hands.
🏓 Pickleball Packs: Indoor and outdoor options!
Browse the full collection here: S&S Pickleball Category
Support from USA Pickleball
We’re proud to support youth pickleball alongside organizations like USA Pickleball, who were recently at the SHAPE America Conference promoting free resources for educators. They offer:
- Free curriculum guides
- Rule books
- Youth instructional videos
- Activity cards and drills
Whether your group is new to pickleball or more advanced, their tools make it easier than ever to teach the game.
Ready to Rally?
Pickleball is a great addition to your PE curriculum, recreation program, or summer camp. It’s inclusive, exciting, and teaches lifelong skills to students. With the right equipment and a fun approach, kids will be rallying in no time!
Need help getting started? We’re happy to help you build your pickleball program. Contact us today!
