PEORIA, Ariz. (Dec.
4, 2009) – For the first time, Peoria is offering Pickleball leagues for
adults and youth.
Pickleball is … well …
sort of like indoor paddle tennis with a Wiffle ball. It is played on a
badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center and 36 inches on
the outside. Players hit a perforated plastic baseball with wood or composite
paddles. According to Recreation Programmer Shane Hannah, it is easy for
beginners to learn but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game
for experienced players.
“I strongly recommend
that you come out and experience this sport,” Hannah says. “Don’t miss out on
this great growing sport for youth and adults. I warn you: Once you try it, you
will be hooked!”
Peoria’s Pickleball
leagues will start in January. The youth league, for ages 9 through 15, will
hold practice on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and matches on
Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The adult league, for ages 16 and
older, will play on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Matches and
practices will be at the Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson St. in
Oldtown.
The registration
deadline for Peoria Pickleball is Thursday, Dec. 17. The youth fee is $70 for
residents, $80 for non-residents, and includes the use of equipment and a
program T-shirt. The fee for adults is $30 for residents and $50 for
non-residents. Equipment will be available for those who need it.
To register, call
623-773-7137 or visit
www.peoriaaz.gov/pickleball. For more information, contact Hannah at
623-773-7763 or
shane.hannah@peoriaaz.gov.
