Courtesy of Village Glen Tennis and Pickleball

According to Youth Sports Psychology, pickleball’s popularity is growing quickly, with many schools and programs making it part of their offerings. The website play-pkl.com says pickleball is an excellent choice for kids of all ages, noting that it is an accessible sport that offers many significant benefits including physical fitness, social interaction, and mental development.

Play-pkl.com cites some important benefits of pickleball for kids.

  1. Pickleball is simple, so it is easy for kids to learn and play. The rules are straightforward, and there aren’t many of them. Scaled down paddles now available for younger players, help children enjoy the basics quickly.
  2. Pickleball keeps kids physically active, providing a full-body workout, engaging muscles, improving cardiovascular health, and promoting endurance. The game is fast paced, which keeps kids moving, burning calories and getting stronger.
  3. A social sport, pickleball is great for social interaction and teamwork. The game is designed so that kids can play either singles or doubles to enhance collaboration and communication, while engaging in friendly competition and team-based activities. All of this helps increase social skills, sportsmanship, fair play, and cooperation.
  4. Since pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, individuals with varying levels of skill or physical limitations can play at their own pace. Pickleball fosters inclusion and a sense of belonging regardless of ability.
  5. Pickleball requires focus and strategy. Players must make quick decisions, which increases their concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  6. Kids who learn pickleball come away with a lifelong skill which promotes health improvements, social engagement, and fun.
  7. Hand-eye coordination is important when playing pickleball, which is a skill required for many activities, such as writing, throwing, overall motor skills, and academics.
  8. All sports present learning opportunities from experiencing triumphs and defeats. Developing resilience and determination when things don’t turn out perfectly are always important skills.
  9. Pickleball is a great way to spend quality time as a family, since it is a sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Take a break from technology and social media and have fun together.

Here in Buffalo, Village Glen Tennis & Pickleball’s Junior Development Pickleball Program is designed to spark enthusiasm and skill in young players. With a strong emphasis on fun, Village Glen expert pickleball instructors help guide juniors through training sessions that cover the fundamentals of pickleball, strategy, and game improvement. Tracy Irving, Village Glen’s General Manager, says, “Pickleball is especially good for kids who view themselves as not being very athletic.” Andrea Toczek, Office Supervisor of Village Glen’s “sister club” South Towns Tennis & Pickleball Club, says, “I love seeing kids eyes light up when they play pickleball.”

 

Call to learn more about Village Glen’s Junior Pickleball Program available in Williamsville (716-633-1635) and Orchard Park (716-662-9396). Also, visit www.wnytennis.com for more details.