Have y’all heard about pickleball? If you haven’t, it’s kind of a big dill. Pickleball shares similarities with tennis, table tennis + badminton (as well as other paddle ball sports). It has official rules, regulations, and its own organization — the USA Pickleball Association. Here’s the lowdown on the game so you don’t find yourself in a pickle:
- It can be played indoors or outdoors.
- The court is badminton-sized (20’ x 44’) with a modified tennis net.
- The pickleball itself is made of plastic + has holes, like a wiffleball. The paddle is a little smaller than a tennis racket.
It can be played as doubles or singles — that means 2-4 people, for those of us who are racket sports-challenged.
Where can you play in the Midlands?
🏓 Barr Road Sports Complex | 213 Barr Rd., Lexington | Courts are available Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Court rentals are $1 and six indoor courts are available.
🏓 Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center | 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce | $1 per person + $1 paddle rental
🏓 Harbison Community Center | 106 Hillpine Rd. | Open play Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Free for Residents and $2 for non-residents
🏓 Lexington County Tennis Complex | 425 Oaks Dr., Lexington | Courts are available to rent 24 hours in advance and cost $2 before 5 p.m. and $3 after 5 p.m. + weekends. A paddle and ball can be rented for $1.
🏓 Southeast Park and Tennis Center | 951 Hazelwood Rd. | Four new courts were added this year.
🏓 Tri-City Leisure Center | 485 Brooks Ave., West Columbia | $1 per visit or $20 per year
🏓 Woodland Park | 6500 Olde Knight Pkwy | Two new courts are now available.
Join an online community
Pickleball Group of the Midlands, SC — Connect with fellow Midlands Pickleball players and support its “more tournaments in Columbia” initiative.
Lexington SC Pickleball Group — This friendly and welcoming group for all skill levels boasts 800+ members and is a great place to connect with other Pickleball players.