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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Parks and Recreation Department is now offering pickleball clinics geared toward those seeking to pick up the fastest growing sport in America this summer.

The clinics will be held on Saturday, July 20, at the Pelham Recreation Center—located at 2020 Pelham Park Boulevard—and will be split into two classes representing the various skill levels and sports knowledge of those seeking to get acquainted with pickleball.

The indoor clinics are open to individuals who are age 16 and older and will utilize the Pelham Recreation Center’s Gymnasium for the event. The schedule will begin with the class intended for advanced beginners from 9-10:30 a.m. This first class is intended for individuals who are still new to the sport, but have a general understanding of the rules and playstyle of pickleball.

Specifically, this class will seek to advance the skills of these players and will help participants to hone in next-level techniques such as a number of dinking patterns and volleys. Instructors will also help to introduce players on how to identify the times to use certain techniques, along with refining their serving and shot-return abilities.

That class will be followed by two sessions of beginner clinics. The first of these classes will take place from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and another from 12:30-2 p.m.

Participants in the beginner clinic will receive instruction tailored to those who have never played before or are just starting out. They will learn the mechanics of the four basic shots essential for building their game, as well as the fundamentals of strategy, court coverage and playing patterns.

The cost to participate in either level of the clinics is $18 per person, and those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible due to space being limited. Advance registration is required to take part in the clinics.

Those who would like to join the clinic can register online at the Pelham Parks and Recreation Department’s website at Pelhamrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=2.

For more information, please contact Will Mayhall at 205-620-6426 or via email at wmayhall@pelhamalabama.gov.