Get to know the Dayton Pickleball Association

The Dayton Pickleball Association recently launched with a mission to grow the sport of pickleball in Dayton. They bring together all things pickleball in Dayton to one helpful place. Learn more about how it all started.

For Dayton Pickleball Association owner and founder, Kelsey Schuering, a background in tennis led to a love of pickleball. “I first started playing pickleball because it was something I could play with my parents, friends, and family, and anyone could easily pick it up,” explains Schuering.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball has elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong with a court the size of a doubles badminton court. Players use a paddle that’s about twice the size of a ping pong paddle to hit a whiffle ball back and forth across a short net. Points can only be recorded when serving, which is done underhand. The first team to score 11 points wins – as long as it’s at least two points more than the other team.

Once regarded as a “retirement sport,” pickleball is gaining in popularity throughout the country and with every age group. “It might look or sound easy because of the court size and the ball type, but it is actually a great form of exercise,” explains Schuering. “You can play casually with some friends or get competitive and work up a good sweat. That’s the beauty of the sport, you can play at any level and pace!”

How do you get started?

Schuerling offers this advice to people starting out: “Make sure to look up a few basic rules, the scoring, and the kitchen rules! Both are very important. Scoring is different than tennis, ping pong, racquetball, etc. And STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN!”

A great place to start learning more about the game is on Dayton Pickleball Association’s website. They break down the rules into step-by-step instructions.

When you’re ready to hit the court, check out their list of beginner groups.

“There is something special about the game that keeps people coming back!” explains Schuering. “It’s fun for all ages and levels, it’s easy access and easy to learn – whatever the reason, we’re always happy to hear about someone new playing each day!”