PICKLEBALL

JOIN THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT

Why Choose Pickleball at the Y?

All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, our courts are welcoming for everyone.
Instructional Sessions: Sharpen your skills with our USA Pickleball Ambassador.
Open-Play & Leagues: Enjoy daily Pickleball pick-up games or join our leagues tailored for all expertise levels.
Berkeley Heights YMCA First: Proudly the first indoor location in New Jersey with specialized Pickleball court linings!
Convenient Schedule: We offer Pickleball almost every day. Check out our daily schedules online.
Equipment Provided: Feel free to use ours or bring your own gear.

What is Pickleball?

Originating 50 years ago, Pickleball is a delightful combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Designed for every age and skill level, it ensures fun, fitness, and easy-to-follow rules in a social setting.

Interested in diving deeper into rules or the sport’s history? Explore more at www.usapa.org.

Join the movement and be part of the 2.5 million Pickleball players in the US right here at Summit Area YMCA!

Program Guidelines

To ensure fair access and a smooth experience for all members, please note the following policies:

Age Requirement: 13+ for all beginner classes and any advanced or intermediate classes is ages 16+
Reservations Required: Players must reserve a spot in advance. Walk-ins are only permitted if there are unfilled spots.
Eligibility: Only Summit Area YMCA members may register. Reciprocal YMCA members and guests are not permitted.
Registration Window: Members can sign up up to one week in advance.
Back-to-Back Play: Players may not sign up for consecutive sessions unless space is available in the second session.
Waitlist Policy: If you are already scheduled to play that day, you will be removed from the waitlist to give all interested members an opportunity to participate.
Attendance & Fees: A $10 no-show fee will be charged if you reserve a spot but do not attend. Sessions start promptly, and late arrivals will not be admitted.

Pickleball Open Play Schedule

Ages 18+. Free for members. Open to guests with a $20 guest pass as per the Summit Area YMCA Guest Pass Policy.

Berkeley Heights YMCA

Monday

8:00–9:00 AM | Intermediate
10:20–11:20 AM | Advanced Beginner
12:00–1:00 PM | Beginner
7:10–8:10 PM | Intermediate
8:20–9:20 PM | Intermediate

Tuesday

8:00–9:00 AM | Intermediate
9:10–10:10 AM | Advanced Beginner
11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Competitive Play

Wednesday

10:40–11:40 AM | Advanced Beginner
11:50 AM–12:50 PM | Intermediate
1:00–2:00 PM | Beginner
7:10–8:10 PM | Intermediate
8:20–9:20 PM | Intermediate

Thursday

8:00–9:00 AM | Intermediate
9:10–10:10 AM | Advanced Beginner
11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Competitive Play
12:40–1:40 PM | Advanced Beginner

Friday

8:00–9:00 AM | Competitive Play
9:10–10:10 AM | Advanced Beginner
11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Advanced Beginner
12:40–1:40 PM | Intermediate
1:50–2:50 PM | Intermediate

Sunday

12:00–1:00 PM | Beginner
1:10–2:10 PM | Intermediate
2:20–3:20 PM | Advanced Beginner

Summit YMCA

Monday

12:00–1:00 PM | Open Play
1:10–2:10 PM | Open Play

Friday

12:00–1:00 PM | Open Play
6:30–7:30 PM | Open Play

Pickleball Instruction

Lessons provide a foundation and introduction to Pickleball that is rooted in fun, fitness, and fundamentals. Participants will learn the basic rules of the game, how to serve, net play, teamwork, and court positioning.

View Options

Pickleball Division Definitions

Beginner

Brand new to the game.

Advanced Beginner

Moves around the court in a balanced and safe manner.
Gets some serves “in” and understands basic court positioning.
Familiar with the basic strokes: forehand, backhand, and volley.

Intermediate

Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the game’s rules and strategies.
Communicates effectively with partners and demonstrates a range of shots like lobs, ground strokes, and drop shots.
Plays with consistency, minimizes unforced errors, and mixes soft and power shots.

Five Fun Facts About Pickleball

Pickleball was invented over 50 years ago in 1965 by three dads in Washington State.
It has nothing to do with pickles! The name came from a cocker spaniel named Pickles who chased the ball while its owner played.
It’s a sport for all ages and abilities, with even wheelchair rules available.
To be “pickled” means you scored no points in the game (e.g., losing 11-0).
The “kitchen” refers to the non-volley zone — not a place for food!

QUESTIONS?

Muadh "Mo" Abdus-Salaam

Sports Director

muadh.abdus-salaam@thesay.org