Whitstable Lawn Tennis Club

Background

The game was invented in the USA in 1965 and is now the fastest growing sport in America enjoyed by over 5.1 million people with an 85% retention rate, with a very low 2.2 injuries per 1,000 hours game time. Across the world, the game is growing exponentially, with approximately 10,000 people currently playing regularly in the UK.

Three great benefits

1. You can improve your health and your fitness.

The multi-directional movement in Pickleball improves strength, balance, and agility. Quick bursts of play provide interval-like training to boost your cardio fitness. Additionally, Pickleball since it is not as hard on those muscles, joints and achy parts compared to many other sports, is more accessible to people with physical limitations.

2. It can improve social skills and boost confidence.

Pickleball, in essence, is a competitive yet friendly sport where beginners are warmly welcomed onto the court to play. WLTC already boasts a flourishing Walking Tennis section with over thirty regular players.  Similarly, Pickleball can like all sports foster friendships leading to greater social inclusion, whilst helping to alleviate depression, low self-esteem and consequently improve mental health holistically. It is a prime example of a game for all ages, attracting youngsters picking up a ‘racket’ for the first time to experienced ‘racket’ players with the opportunity to try a different, highly exciting variation. The rules have been determined to ensure the game is as inclusive as possible. Pickleball is truly a game for all the family.

3. It is easier to start playing than most sports.

Pickleball is predominantly ‘fun’. It is a sport that can be serious or as laid back as you like. It can be highly competitive and strategic or relaxed and social. It is not as expensive as many racket sports and therefore potentially a more inclusive activity than some others, able to be played outside and on existing playing surfaces. It is easier to play than tennis in respect of a smaller playing surface, slower ball speed and a compulsory underhand serve.  No specific clothing is required, just a court, a paddle, a pickleball and a positive attitude enables you to start playing.

Pickleball at WLTC

• WLTC initially selected a single court as its Pickleball venue with two Pickleball courts marked out on a single tennis court. It’s popularity over the past twelve months has resulted in two further pickleball courts being added in the spring 2025
• Through the inclusion of Pickleball, it is hoped that local people of all ages, who are not currently tennis players, will be attracted to play and become multi skilled players able to enjoy a range of racket sports.  Pickleball now sits sit alongside initiatives such as competitive Team Tennis, Walking Tennis, Social Tennis and Disability Tennis, encouraging local residents to enjoy a lifelong relationship with WLTC.
• WLTC provide regular introductory Pickleball sessions with paddles and balls for everyone interested in trying out the game.
• Three social sessions are organised each week for members, Monday and Friday 2pm-4pm and Wednesday 10-12 noon
• In addition to running annual competitions, we have three teams who play regularly in the East Kent Pickleball League and we arrange matches against local Pickleball Clubs, which are both great fun and competitive.