Discover the Pickleball Phenomenon Sweeping France!
Imagine wooden paddles bigger than ping-pong ones, hollow plastic balls, matches played on a tennis court the size of a badminton court – welcome to the unique world of pickleball! Born in the United States in 1965, this sport is gaining popularity and spreading rapidly. In France, it has almost become a fashion trend since the French Tennis Federation added it to its roster last November, alongside paddle and beach tennis. Many clubs are offering introductory sessions or creating new sections, including Marcigny. The US Tennis Club will host a free discovery day on Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 4pm.
Dedicated Court
In collaboration with Michel Popelin, Jean-Yves Julien, who took over the club in 2024, recently completed a level 1 instructor training course offered by the Bourgogne/Franche-Comté Tennis League. “For a year, we had the idea of launching a new activity to continue developing the club,” he explains. “It’s part of our 2027 project, which also includes court renovations. We discovered pickleball and thought, why not try to introduce it? People are much more demanding now, and our goal is to give them options.” With a basic investment of only 1,500 euros for equipment, the association is now ready to launch. Court number 3 will be dedicated to this new practice, with four created courts that can also be used for tennis if needed.
Lighthearted Spirit
Now they just need to find players. In addition to tennis training, instructors are offering introductory sessions to young members. “I find it fun and amusing,” said Elliot, who came to try it out. In June, 3rd graders from Jean-Moulin College will have reserved slots. In the summer, a court reservation system will be implemented through the Ten’Up app, providing rackets and balls for everyone to discover this sport. “Seniors are very fond of it because it doesn’t require a lot of technique or physical effort since the courts are small,” concludes co-president Jean-Yves Julien. “However, you still need to move but more in a lighthearted spirit. Initially, our goal is not to focus on competition but to set up a slot in the halls for an introduction starting in September.”
Contact: 07 60 77 57 48 or 06 85 17 63 92.
