Have you heard the buzz about pickleball in Rome, GA? It’s making quite the impression in our community. We recently met with Stephen Drake, the USA Pickleball Ambassador for the Georgia Southeast Region, who is based right here in Rome. Stephen gave us a tour of the pickleball courts at the Rome Tennis Center in Downtown Rome and introduced us to the thriving Rome Pickleball Community.
We were surprised at how little we knew about this exciting sport! Stephen, a passionate pickleball ambassador, explained that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, making it accessible to people with backgrounds in racquetball and baseball as well. Played on a half-sized tennis court with solid paddles and a plastic ball, pickleball offers a fun and easy-to-learn activity for all ages and skill levels.
Don’t let the funny name fool you – pickleball is serious fun! Here in Rome, GA, it’s not just the fastest-growing sport, it’s also a strong community builder. The sport has seen incredible growth (158% in the past 3 years!), with the biggest surge coming from players aged 18 to 34. Nearly 5 million Americans now enjoy playing pickleball, and Stephen believes it’s more than just a program – it’s a movement.
Our visit to the Rome Tennis Center included introductions to some key figures in the local pickleball scene. Stephen introduced us to Alex Torok, the club pro and a highly skilled 5.0 pickleball player. Alex offers an impressive program of lessons for all ages and skill levels, from young children to adults. He also organizes tournaments and mixers, making pickleball accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Alex is a true asset to the Rome Pickleball community. We also met Judge Steven Bennet who is a former pickleball Ambassador and very instrumental in acquiring the beautiful 22 dedicated pickleball courts.
Why Pickleball In Rome, GA Is Booming
There are several reasons why pickleball is exploding in popularity in our lovely city:
- Easy to Learn, Fun to Play: Pickleball’s basic rules and equipment make it beginner-friendly, allowing you to pick it up quickly. Yet, it also offers enough depth and strategy to keep experienced players engaged for the long haul.
- Social and Inclusive: Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, pickleball fosters a strong sense of community. The close proximity of the court naturally encourages interaction and friendly competition, making it a great way to connect with others.
- Great Exercise: Pickleball provides a low-impact workout that keeps your body moving and improves reflexes, coordination, and overall fitness. It’s a fun way to stay active!
Building a Community, One Volley at a Time
Local pickleball groups and organizations provide opportunities for players to find matches, participate in tournaments, and simply enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the sport.
Ready to Pickleball In Rome, GA?
Pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a thriving community right here in Rome, GA. Grab a paddle, head to Rome Tennis Center in Downtown Rome, GA, and get ready to experience the joy of pickleball for yourself! You might just find yourself hooked on this dynamic and friendly sport.
Keep the Pickleball Fun Rolling!
Looking for more information? Head to the Rome Tennis Center website for a list of local pickleball courts and resources, or connect with local pickleball groups. We can’t wait to see the future of pickleball in Rome, GA!
For videos of Pickleball in Rome, GA check out YouTube Channel @TonyDPickleball
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