Pickleball is Transforming Prison Life: The fastest-growing sport in America has made its way at ‘California Men’s Colony’ (CMC) in San Luis Obispo. On a November morning, the prison’s gym buzzed with activity as 25 inmates, paddles in hand, awaited their turn to learn pickleball.
Leading the session was Roger BelAir, a pickleball coach who has spent years introducing the game to prisoners. “This is not tennis; this is ping-pong on steroids,” BelAir told the eager crowd. Accompanied by a film crew documenting the sport’s rise in prisons, Roger BelAir aimed to teach the fundamentals of pickleball, a game that’s captured the nation’s attention.
Pickleball as a Tool for Rehabilitation
BelAir believes in pickleball’s power to foster camaraderie and discipline among inmates.
“Guys enjoy it so much and they look forward to it, that there’s a new rule inside: If you don’t behave, then what’s going to happen is you can’t play pickleball.” – (BelAir)
His visit, filmed for the documentary Pickleball in Prison, showed how the game helps bridge divides between inmates and staff.
Correctional Officer Herschel Keel described the sport as a constructive outlet that keeps inmates engaged and out of trouble.
“It fills their time. It’s constructive and keeps them out of trouble. It’s a good incentive to not screw up.” – (Keel)
Inmate Virgil Zwicker echoed these sentiments, calling pickleball “addicting” and a sport that builds community within the prison.
“It’s definitely one of the sports people are enjoying, you can see the community getting bigger and stronger, especially amongst us inmates.” – (Zwicker)
The Journey from Amateur Player to Prison Coach
BelAir’s journey began in 2017 after watching a CBS 60 Minutes segment about inmates in Cook County Jail. The scenes of idleness inspired him to bring pickleball to prisons.
His idea took off, and since then, he has coached over 4,000 inmates at nearly 20 facilities, including Rikers Island and San Quentin.
“Pickleball is going to be the No. 1 sport played in prison.” – (BelAir)
Hollywood Highlights Pickleball’s Impact
The documentary Pickleball in Prison, directed by Hollywood producer Daniel Ostroff, highlights BelAir’s efforts to bring the sport to correctional facilities. Ostroff praised pickleball’s ability to foster a sense of community, even in challenging environments.
“Unique to pickleball is the sense of community that it fosters. The incarcerated are aware of how big the sport’s becoming out the prison, so it helps them feel more in tune with what’s going on in society.” – (Ostroff)
The documentary aims to show how the game provides a positive outlet for inmates and helps them form healthier relationships.
A Catalyst for Change
Pickleball at CMC has quickly gained traction, with courts now available in the prison’s four yards and gymnasium. The sport is part of a broader rehabilitative strategy, explained Heidi Wippel, head of physical activity programs for California’s correctional system.
She emphasized pickleball’s role in fostering healthy habits that inmates can carry into their post-prison lives. Inmate Michael Harris, who plays weekly, sees the game as an opportunity to bond with his peers and, in the future, with his young daughter.
“Everyone can do it, that’s the dope thing about it. It brings people together — all ages, all races.” – (Michael Harris)
News in Brief: Pickleball is Transforming Prison Life
Roger BelAir, a pickleball coach, visited the California Men’s Colony to introduce inmates to the sport. Accompanied by a documentary film crew, BelAir demonstrated how pickleball fosters friendship and builds discipline among inmates. The game has gained popularity across U.S. prisons, where it serves as a constructive and rehabilitative activity.
Inmates and staff alike praised pickleball for its ability to break barriers and create community. The visit was part of a broader effort to highlight pickleball’s potential to transform lives behind bars and beyond.
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