Pickleball at the CCBA
The CCBA’s active Pickleball community is warm, welcoming, and always growing! The new finish on our four indoor courts provides a smooth and forgiving surface, and our four outdoor courts (free and open to the public) are always in heavy use during the summer. For our regular members, this site will be updated frequently with schedules, information, and Pickleball news. For others who are interested in joining us, don’t hesitate to send me a message with questions or a chance to learn more about what’s going on at the CCBA!
Ned Harris
CCBA Program Director
ned.harris@joinccba.org
Pickleball Clinics
9:00 – 10:30 am – The Intermediate Clinic
The Intermediate Clinic is designed for players who have a grasp of the basic skills of the game and are familiar with court positioning. Drills will emphasize refining key paddle skills, learning the value of finesse vs. power, and developing teamwork with a partner. We will also spend at least 30 minutes playing and analyzing points. Take your game to the next level! Sign up online or at the Front Desk.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – The Beginner’s Clinic
This special Beginner’s Clinic teaches the fundamental skills of the game, the convoluted scoring system, and important rules, like the 2-Bounce Rule! Come dressed to work out – loose-fitting clothing and court shoes. We have all the rest of the equipment you’ll need. By the end of our session, you’ll be able to play on your own! Sign up online or at the Front Desk.
Prices shown below are the member rate.
If you’ve ever wondered about the Pickleball Rating System and what rating you deserve, you’re not alone! The criteria are pretty subjective, but various Pickleball organizations have tried to clarify things. Here’s a pretty good guide with ratings descriptions ranging from 1.0 to 5.5+
FAQ’s
- What kind of indoor Pickleball facility is there at the CCBA?
- We have five indoor Pickleball courts in our double gymnasium on the 3rd floor of the building. The surface of the gym floor is brand new, having been refinished in mid-August.
- We have five indoor Pickleball courts in our double gymnasium on the 3rd floor of the building. The surface of the gym floor is brand new, having been refinished in mid-August.
- How do I sign up to play?
- The courts are reserved every morning for Pickleball players and the Pickleball hours are posted each week on the website. CCBA members have unlimited access to the courts when the gym is reserved for Pickleball. Non-members can purchase a Day Pass to play and use any other parts of the facility.
- Can CCBA members reserve courts for their exclusive use?
- No. Courts are available on first-come, first-served basis. Our members rotate in and out in a friendly way, allowing those waiting to play to join when games conclude.
- No. Courts are available on first-come, first-served basis. Our members rotate in and out in a friendly way, allowing those waiting to play to join when games conclude.
- The courts are reserved at specific times for “Advanced” players and at other times for “Intermediate” or “All Levels”. How do I know whether I’m “Intermediate” or “Advanced”?
- The best way to decide is to join a game with the Advanced group and see how it goes! Another way is give yourself a rating, based on standards set by national Pickleball organizations. Most of the players at the CCBA Advanced level are rated as 3.0 or higher. Here are the basic characteristics of a 3.0 rated player:
- Has a consistent serve and returns medium-paced balls reliably.
- Able to make all basic strokes. Lacks some control when trying to place the ball.
- Can maintain a dink rally at the kitchen.
- Understand basic court positioning and scoring.
- The best way to decide is to join a game with the Advanced group and see how it goes! Another way is give yourself a rating, based on standards set by national Pickleball organizations. Most of the players at the CCBA Advanced level are rated as 3.0 or higher. Here are the basic characteristics of a 3.0 rated player:
- Does the CCBA offer Pickleball instruction?
- Yes. Ned Harris is our resident Pickleball Pro, and he conducts 90-minute Beginner and Intermediate-level clinics every Thursday morning. You can sign up online or contact Ned directly. Ned also gives private and semi-private lessons. Contact Ned to set this up.
- What kind of equipment/attire do I need in order to play Pickleball?
- All you need is a paddle, a ball, loose-fitting athletic clothing, and sneakers! We have plenty of extra paddles and balls on site. We also have some demo models to try out.
- If I want to buy my own paddle, where should go and what kind should I get?
- Pickleball paddles range in price from about $40 up to $450. For players new to the sport, a paddle in the range of $50-$70 is recommended. More advanced players, might want to try a higher performance paddle, but we recommend not spending more than $250 – there is a diminishing rate of return if you spend more than that. Ned has a dealer relationship with Selkirk, and we have a full line of excellent paddles available for purchase at our Welcome Desk. Or see Ned if you’re interested.