Pickleball: A smash hit in Rye as new club sessions launched

The Rye Sports Centre now offers an exciting addition to its activities – pickleball.

The combination of simple, easy-to-learn rules with strategic play makes it ideal for all ages and skill levels, from beginners and seasoned athletes.

New Pickleball sessions

An introductory session on 17 November surpassed expectations, with 19 players taking part in the racket sport often described as “table tennis on a badminton court”.

Rye Pickleball Club will now meet every Sunday between 10am to noon at the Rye Sports Centre. Sessions cost £4 per person.

Players can drop in anytime to play and socialise. Free parking (a receipt from reception must be to displayed in your car window) is available during the session.

For more information or to check on availability (20 players per session maximum), please call Rye Sports Centre on 01797 224747.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball brings people together who have previously played different sports. So, whether you’re a retired tennis player, a complete beginner, or simply looking for a fun way to stay active, Rye Pickleball Club is an ideal place to play the rapidly growing sport.

Pickleball’s appeal lies in it being less physically demanding – especially on joints – than other racket sports, such as squash or tennis. This makes it accessible to older adults and individuals with varying fitness levels.

The sport is good for fitness, improving flexibility, coordination and balance. It also helps with wellbeing, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

The sport can be  pickleball’s most appealing aspects is how quickly beginners can develop their skills – but has also attracted fans such as tennis players Maria Sharapova, John McEnroe, Steffi Graf, and Andre Agassi.

First session success and community support

The success of the first session was made possible through community collaboration, led by Dena Smith Ellis, the founder and organiser of the Rye Pickleball Club. Dena is a board-certified health and wellness coach, instructor, mentor, and consultant.

Rachel Mackriell, a qualified pickleball coach from Bexhill, offered expert instruction, seamlessly integrating six newcomers into the group on Sunday.

Lee Cornelius, centre manager at Rye Sports Centre, said: “It is so exciting to see another new activity being offered at Rye Sports Centre! Great to see such a good turnout on the first session! I’m looking forward to seeing the sessions grow!”