Riderwood Pickleball Club

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.

Who We Are

The Riderwood Pickleball Club–with over 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 opportunitie

Upcoming Events

Riderwood Spring Scramble: April 25 (Rain dates: May 2 or May 9)
Riderwood Fall Tournament: September 12 (Rain date: September 19)
Erickson Tournament: September 26 (Rain date: October 3)

Play 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.

Indoor Pickleball Schedule

Wellness Studio Schedule

Open 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. Open Play is the the opportunity for regularly-scheduled pickup games for all level players.

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 good griends!

Ladder Play

Participating in the “Ladder” is a unique way to have a guaranteed time to play (and have fun) competivley for an hour each week (3 games) with players of a similar level. The more you can win, the higher you advance up the ladder. Contact Jack Hessler to get more information and join.

Tournaments

The Club sponsors two in-house tournaments and a third competition pitting Club members against other local Erickson communities’ pickleball teams. Riderwood won the Mid-Atlantic Erickson trophy in both 2022 and 2023. We hope to win it back this year! Information on tournaments will be announced through the club members email list.