What is Pickleball Anyway?
Pickleball, a mash-up of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is played on a court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. A net 34 (middle) to 36 (sides) inches high is suspended midway between the ends of the court. Players use a paddle, somewhat larger than a ping-pong paddle to hit a whiffle ball. The same size court is used to play both singles and doubles. Pickleball and its rules are easy to learn. Becoming expert, as with all sports, takes time and practice.
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Upcoming Events
Memorial Scramble Tournament, TBD
Scheduled Open Outdoor Play: M-W-F, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (weather dependent) Note that at all other times, the courts are available to all for play.
Who Are We?
The Riderwood Pickleball Club–with around 100 members–includes players in their 60s, players in their 90s, and many in between. They possess a wide range of skills and abilities, from beginners through advanced players. Above all, they are enthusiastic and welcoming. For the most part, the emphasis is on fun and player improvement.
The Club supports a variety of activities:
- Classes for beginners
- Specialized practice time for players of differing levels of expertise
- Seated (chair or other) pickleball for those with reduced mobility (with ball helpers to corral errant shots)
- Competitive ladder play
- Intramural and extramural tournaments
- Social opportunities concurrent with social and/or competitive play opportunities
Schedule
Riderwood has 2 indoor pickleball courts (Wellness Center) and 6 dedicated outdoor courts (with a backboard for practice). In good weather, the outdoor courts are available most daylight hours for pickup games. Indoor courts are available for pickup play on a more limited basis. Not only is the space used for other wellness activities, but it also is used for regularly scheduled chair pickleball, pickleball instruction, and competitive ladder play.
When the indoor play schedule is open, players are welcome to take to the courts occasionally with family and friends. However, scheduled court time takes precedence over such informal play.
Step Up Your Play
Practice makes perfect, or, at least, makes better. That’s why the Club has created opportunities for lessons as well as for open play. The latter includes the opportunity for regularly-scheduled pickup games for novice, moderate, and advanced players to play at the level they find most comfortable.
Pick your days and times; decide on your level; rotate partners and opponents; move among levels, studios, and hours. The choice is yours. Attend as often as you want; play with whom you want. And remember, it’s a game that makes for good exercise and friendships!
History of Pickleball at Riderwood
Stay tuned. A history of the Club’s early years is in the works. But remember, like pickleball itself, the Club is a dynamic process that continues to change and grow.
Tournaments and Competition
While opportunities are always available for casual play, the Club offers the option of more formal competition in two forms. A competitive, year-round, intramural ‘”ladder,” available to both men and women, gives players a weekly chance to play 3 competitive games and to advance up the ladder. Moreover, the Club sponsors two in-house tournaments and a third competition pitting Club members against other local Erickson communities’ pickleball teams. Riderwood has held up the Mid-Atlantic Erickson trophy in both 2022 and 2023.
Join the Pickleball Club
Currently, dues for the Club are $15 annually. For more information about getting involved, contact us at pickleball@riderwoodlife.com or contact the Club treasurer using MyErickson.
Officers
- Cynnie Hood, President
- Tim Twomey, Vice President
- Edie Walters, Secretary
- Jim Walters, Treasurer
Videos
2025 Riderwood/Erickson Tournament
All About Riderwood Pickleball (August 2025)!
Additional Information
Visit the USA Pickleball Association to find out more about the game including beginners tutorials, playing tips, rules etc.
Update 11/17/2025-rtt