Mississauga embraces pickleball one point at a time

Looking to try a new activity that keeps you moving? Why not grab a paddle and try pickleball!

Pickleball is a sport that has been gaining popularity in Mississauga in recent years and for a good reason. It is a fun and low-impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It promotes physical, mental, and social well-being and can be played by people of all skill levels, making it a great family activity.

“Pickleball’s popularity in Mississauga continues to grow and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings. The sport has captured the hearts of our community and as a City, we’re committed to supporting the growth of the sport,” said Kristina Zietsma, Director of Recreation and Culture. “We recognize that pickleball has the potential to bring people together, promote physical activity, and enhance the quality of life for Mississauga residents.”

It is a great way for beginners to learn the basics of racquet sports and for more experienced players to refine their skills. It can be played at a leisurely pace or a more competitive level, depending on the players’ preferences.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball combines badminton, tennis, and ping pong, played with a paddle and a pickleball (perforated ball). It is easy to learn and can be played with two or four players (usually four). Pickleball is played on a court with similar dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is like a tennis net but is mounted two-inches lower.

How do you play?

Like tennis and badminton, the objective of the game is to hit the ball back and forth over the net until one team fails to return it properly. The first team to score 11 points, with a lead of at least two points, wins the game. Only the serving team can score points when they win the rally or the opposing side commits a fault. Players may choose to play doubles instead of singles to allow more people to play.

The serve is underhand and is served cross court. The server must keep both feet behind the baseline when serving. Pickleball is unique in many ways, however, two key features are the two-bounce rule before the ball can be volleyed and the Non Volley Zone (a seven-foot area on each side of the net). Rules are available at pickleballcanada.org.

Where to play?

Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors making it the perfect activity for all seasons. The City along with its community partners are pleased to offer both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.

Outdoors

Mississauga is currently home to 84 outdoor pickleball courts across our city parks. This includes 58 courts at public courts shared with tennis, 18 club courts and eight dedicated pickleball courts. Drop-in pickleball at any of the City’s outdoor public courts is free.

Indoors

Pickleball is offered within 10 of our local community centres in the city. We offer indoor drop in sessions, registered programs such as Hit Around and classes for beginners and intermediate level players. Registered programs such as hit around and lessons allow participants a chance to confirm their space in the class ahead of time.

Indoor drop-in programs are pay as you go unless you are an “all in” member. They are first come, first serve. Arrive early as they often reach capacity due to the popularity of the sport!

Etiquette

Waiting to play

If you head over to an outdoor pickleball court and notice it is full you may need to wait to play.

If courts are full and you are waiting:

• Place your paddle in the slots provided to hold your group’s spot.
• Please limit play to one game to 11 points.
• Call “court” when finished playing your game to 11 and rotate out. You must leave the court immediately after play—no socializing.
• Once you have finished your game and you want to play again, place your paddle in the slots at the end of the line.

Court etiquette

• Smile, introduce yourself, and welcome new players.
• Do not enter a court while a rally is in progress.
• If a ball rolls to your court, call out “ball,” stop play if necessary, and replay the point.
• Please leave your belongings outside the court.
• Please help keep the courts clean.

Why is pickleball so popular?

Pickleball is a sport that everyone should try. Its popularity is on the rise due to several reasons, but the main reason is because it’s a great way to stay active and healthy. Pickleball brings people together and promotes physical exercise. It has been especially beneficial for older adults, providing them with a means to socialize and connect with others.

Since it is a low-impact activity, it is easier on joints, making it ideal for older adults who want to stay active but might have mobility issues.

Pickleball can also have a positive impact on mental health. It is a fun and challenging game that requires focus and concentration. A game of pickleball can help reduce stress and anxiety while also improving your overall mood.

The City does have a Tennis and Pickleball policy that identifies the criteria and support the city provides to start a community tennis or pickleball club, and build, maintain or change tennis or pickleball courts. Please be sure to refer to the signage posted at tennis and pickleball court locations for rules, regulations, and behaviour guidelines.​

Webpage

Just as people are getting ready to hit the courts, the City has launched a new pickleball webpage which will be a central hub for everything related to pickleball in the city. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to play, trying to find suitable times that fit into your busy schedule, or simply curious about pickleball, users can expect to find detailed listings of all available pickleball locations, including public courts and private clubs on the new webpage. It can be found at mississauga.ca/pickleball.

Plans for additional pickleball location and play

At the City, we’re constantly working to improve and expand our programs.

Currently, there are a lot of exciting projects underway to help expand the available courts in the city. Over the next two years (2024-2025) there is expected to be seven additional sites throughout the city to play pickleball outdoors.

Through the City’s Future Directions Recreation and Parks plans, efforts are underway to broaden pickleball offerings, including improving and expanding programs and locations. Over the next two years (2024-2025), an additional nine shared pickleball courts and 11 new dedicated courts are expected to be constructed across parks in Mississauga; in addition to this, a site for tournament play is currently under review.

The City is committed to supporting the growing popularity of pickleball and recognizes its potential to bring people together, promote physical activity, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. With the warmer weather upon us, pick up a paddle and give pickleball a try at one of the many outdoor and indoor locations to see if it’s right for you.

For more information about City’s pickleball, visit, mississauga.ca/pickleball.

Tags

• Older Adults and Seniors
• Recreation and Sports