We did it, we hosted our first pickleball event at PARC! Well, maybe saying “event” is too bold of a word since it was only a few friends playing pickleball together, but this moment was a major accomplishment for Plymouth Pickleball. This day was a big deal because we set a goal to get people excited about the game, find a location to play, and then play, and we did it!
PARC was an incredible host because Gail and her team supplied us with the nets as well as time inside the gym which was taped with four courts. While we only have enough players to rotate in and out on one court, PARC has room for us to expand. When we arrived, we were blown away that PARC had taken the time to set up the net for us so we could start playing right away. We don’t expect them to do this in the future but it was a wonderful surprise that made our first day that much more special, thank you PARC!
Paul and Calvin, the founders of Plymouth Pickleball, brought their families including their kids who dressed up as superheroes as well as their wives, Angel and Katie who came ready to play! Their friends, Brett and Katie (yes, two Katies), showed up too. Brett came prepared with two types of paddles to try, one from Costco and the other from a local sports shop, The Trading Post, as well as a bag full of balls.
“Coach” Calvin introduced the game!
Calvin has been focused on learning the game so he could teach it to his friends as well as others who want to join Plymouth Pickleball in the future. He has recently completed an introductory coaching course and he put his learnings to the test when he introduced his friends and family to the game. The group started their day by practicing hitting the ball back and forth to get a feel for the paddles, balls, and the size of the court. Everyone asked questions about the game’s fundamentals such as how to serve, what’s the “Kitchen” or “non-volley zone,” and how to keep score? Then, we started to play!
We played quick rally games so everyone could play!
We played quick games up to eleven with rally scoring so that we could rotate players in more often, and expose everyone to the game as much as possible. Unfortunately, co-founder Paul was unable to play due to an injury, so he refereed the kids and hit balls against the wall so he could get a feel for the game.
In one hour we were able to spend fifteen minutes learning the game, then we completed at least six games where everyone was able to play. We uncovered questions about the game for “Coach” Calvin to research, and we had a lot of fun playing pickleball.
Thank you, PARC!
We owe a big thank you to PARC for being an incredible host and for supporting our goals of Plymouth Pickleball. They are invested in our success and we couldn’t do it without their support! We look forward to working with PARC as we grow this program.
What’s next?
Paul and I have two goals for the next steps of Plymouth Pickleball.
- First, we want to host our second event with our friends so we can continue to learn the game ourselves. By learning the game we will develop our ability to introduce and teach the game to others. (Updated: ✅)
- Second, we want to start to capture interest in the Plymouth community for those who may want to attend a future event. (Updated: ✅)
Are you interested in pickleball and want to join a future session?
Sign up and become a free member of Plymouth Pickleball so that we can grow this community and organize an event soon! If you live in the Northville, Canton, Livonia, and surrounding Plymouth area, you are always welcomed to join us in the fun! Subscribe and follow us on Facebook to stay up to day with Plymouth Pickleball.