The Peace Country Pickleball Association (PCPA) is holding members-only pickleball clinics on Sunday, April 27 at the Taylor pickleball courts next to Lone Wolf Golf Club. The sessions aim to teach skills and prepare players for upcoming events, including the May tournament in Dawson Creek.
The clinics are led by coaches Robin Sipe and Donna Sipe and are limited to eight players each. The beginner session runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the intermediate session goes from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $25, payable in cash at the event. Paddles will be available for those who need one.
A Sport for All Ages
PCPA president Ted Euchner says the idea that pickleball is only for seniors is wrong.
“It’s a game for everybody. Our youngest member started when he was 14. We did some sessions last summer with Bert Ambrose’s [Elementary] P.E. classes and are doing that again this year.” – (Euchner)
“The average age of our club is 52 currently, okay, and two years ago it was almost 60. So it is declining.” – (Euchner)
Sessions Focused on Skill Building
Euchner explained why the clinics are small in size.
“When you’re teaching a class, [if] you have a dozen or 16 people on the courts, it’s loud. Not everybody can hear what you’re saying, and it’s difficult to kind of watch everybody and critique.” – (Euchner)
The intermediate session is already full, while the beginner session has space for four more players. The lessons include basics like paddle control and drop shots, along with more advanced topics such as court position and strategy.
What Makes Pickleball Different
Those with a background in tennis may find the sport familiar but should watch out for one key rule.
“People have difficulty with that because they want to rush up to the net and slam balls down hard. They accidentally step in that area. That’s kind of a safety factor built into the game. People aren’t getting hit with the ball at close range. It is a plastic ball, but it still stings when you get hit.” – (Euchner)
Rising Interest in the Game
Pickleball was created in the 1960s as a kids’ game but has become more popular in recent years. About 11 per cent of Canadian homes have at least one player, and 1.37 million people play monthly.
“I live near Kin Park. I can see the courts from my back door. I’m looking over there frequently, and there are a lot of people playing there that I don’t recognize. I see young guys playing together. They’re going to Kin Park and borrowing paddles and playing on their own.”
PCPA also plans to hold public sessions in 2025 in partnership with the City of Fort St. John.
News in Brief: Peace Country Pickleball Association
The Peace Country Pickleball Association will host members-only clinics on April 27 at Taylor’s pickleball courts. Sessions are limited to eight players and aim to improve skills ahead of upcoming events. The beginner session still has space. Non-member sessions are planned for 2025 in partnership with Fort St. John.
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