Pickleball at the Y

PLAY PICKLEBALL AT THE Y

Being a leader in health and fitness, we are proud to be a host for one of the fastest growing sports in America: pickleball! Combining elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong, pickleball is played with solid paddles and a perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball on a short solid court with a low net. 

Pickleball is a sport that works for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn. While it does have its own set of quirky rules, these unique rules favor players with less mobility and allow active adults to compete successfully with younger competitors. Build a little skill that can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game. 

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles with a shorter court and lightweight paddles. Doubles involve longer rallies, lower physical demands and more opportunities for court banter providing endless opportunity for individual improvement and learning subtle techniques. The game is also quick, making it a convenient way to get in some exercise. Games in a typical league run only 15 minutes each.  

Playing pickleball, like other forms of exercise, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and lead to a better, healthier you. But unlike walking on the treadmill or using other machines in the wellness center, this is a socially oriented game that keeps you engaged from beginning to end!

RULES OF PICKLEBALL

A pickleball game is 11 points, and players can only score points when they, or their team, has the serve. Matches must be won by two points - meaning if one team as 11 points and another has 10, play continues until the higher scoring team is 2 points ahead. 

Much like tennis or other racket sports, there are rules about serving and receiving a serve, places on the court that are out of play, etc. Visit USAPA and read a comprehensive list of rules.

WHO CAN PLAY

Pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities thanks to its ease of play, making it a great family sport. The game is being introduced to kids and teens in physical education classes, and its popularity is catching on with all age groups. Additionally, retirement communities have adopted pickleball as an activity for residents. It is a unique sport in that teens and seniors can play each other.

RESERVATION POLICIES

• 2 courts are available for reservations.
• One person may reserve one court at a time.  
• Court reservations are only allowed  
  • Tuesdays/Thursdays 6-9am (Reservations) 
  • Tuesdays/Thursdays 9-10am (Drop-in Play) 
  • Sundays 6-7am (Reservations) 
  • Sundays 7-8am (Drop-in Play) 
• Reservations can be made in person at the front desk or by calling the front desk at (413) 499-7650 x110. 
• Courts can be booked for 1 hour at a time.  
• Reservations may be made 7 days in advance.  
• Reserved courts are held 10 minutes past reservation time, after 10 minutes if there is a no-show, court/courts are open to anyone. 
• $5.00 per person/day or FREE with BFYMCA membership
• Non-members must check in at the front desk prior to playing and the fee must be paid prior to play.  
• Multiple courts can be reserved for special events with BFYMCA Branch Director authorization.  
• To check out equipment, please visit the Welcome Center.
• Failure to follow the rules could result in loss of court and/or membership privileges 

Reserve a Court

DROP-IN PLAY POLICIES

• Drop-in play is defined as any member/tenant arriving without reservation to play other drop-in players. When the courts are full, players will add their paddle to the rack and when it reaches the top, they will play on the next available court space.  

• Drop-in play is open to all members/guests.  
• Players that arrive during drop-in play and do not want to join drop-in, may only use a court if there is one available. Non-drop-in players cannot exclusively play when there are paddles in the rack and players are waiting for a drop-in court. 
• All players come off of the court after a game and place their paddles back in the paddle holders, unless no one is waiting to play.
• Drop-in games will be played to 11.
• Players may play up or down a skill level.
• We will not restrict who is on the court or bench. However, a person sitting on the bench shall not gain any priority as a player on that court. During Drop-In playing priority may ONLY be gained by the placement of a player’s paddle in the appropriate paddle holder. 
• No “organized” (no monopolization of courts by a group of players) will be allowed during Drop-In Play. If you find this is still occurring, please feel free to email kmcneice@bfymca.org.