What started as a backyard pastime has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America — and Santa Clarita is no exception. In recognition of April as Pickleball Month, the City of Santa Clarita continues to embrace the sport’s rapid rise with new courts, expanded programs, and tournaments for all ages.
“Pickleball is a fun, beginner-friendly racket sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong,” explained Justin Santos, recreation supervisor for the City of Santa Clarita. “It’s played on a smaller court with a lower net, using a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. You can play singles or doubles, and because points are scored only by the serving team, the matches stay close and engaging.”
Easy to Learn — and Love
Part of the sport’s momentum lies in its simplicity. The smaller court, underhand serve, and slow-moving ball remove many of the barriers that make traditional racket sports intimidating for newcomers.
“Pickleball is generally easier for complete beginners to pick up than tennis,” Santos said. “The gear is lighter and cheaper, the court is smaller, and the ball moves more slowly, which lowers the learning curve and allows players to start rallying almost immediately.”
Santos added that the sport’s low-impact nature makes it accessible to all fitness levels. “It prioritizes placement, timing, and consistency rather than raw speed or power, so even people without strong athletic backgrounds can play comfortably,” he said.
From Backyard Game to Cultural Phenomenon
The U.S. Pickleball Association reports exponential growth in participation across the country, and Santa Clarita has mirrored that trend. In just a few years, the sport has transformed from a niche pastime into a full-fledged community favorite.
“Pickleball has grown in the City of Santa Clarita at a rapid pace,” Santos said. “It has evolved from casual play to a citywide, multi-site activity.” The city’s Recreation and Community Services Department has responded to local demand by expanding court capacity and adding dedicated pickleball hours at parks and community centers.
Two of the most popular destinations for open play are the Santa Clarita Sports Complex and Central Park, where players of all ages gather for drop-in sessions, clinics, and tournaments.
A full list of city-offered pickleball opportunities can be found at santaclarita.gov/adult-sports/pickleball.
Bridging Generations
While many of the sport’s early adopters were older adults drawn to its social atmosphere and gentle pace, younger players are increasingly picking up paddles.
“Younger players are definitely getting involved,” Santos said. “We’ve offered tournaments with youth and adult mixed divisions, and we’re seeing more school-age players participating each season.”
The game’s quick volleys and doubles format keep players of all ages engaged. “Pickleball resonates across generations because it’s easy to learn, low-impact, and highly social,” Santos added. “The smaller court means less running, but it still delivers a good workout.”
The Community Connection
Beyond health and recreation, many fans of the sport say it’s the camaraderie that keeps them coming back. Pickleball gatherings often feel more like neighborhood block parties than athletic competitions.
“The great thing about pickleball is that it brings people together,” Santos said. “You can meet a mix of skill levels and ages on any given day — families, retirees, teens — all playing side by side and cheering for each other.”
The City plans to expand its programming to include league play in the near future. In addition to official City offerings, residents can find numerous informal groups, private clubs, and online meetups dedicated to organizing games, sharing equipment, and welcoming new players.
Get in the Game
For curious beginners, getting started couldn’t be easier. All a new player needs is access to a court, a paddle, and a ball. “There are clinics offered by contract instructors through the City of Santa Clarita,” Santos said. “Those are great ways for first-time players to learn the rules and basics, including how to rotate on and off the court.”
Santos recommends that first-time players start with cooperative rallies rather than competitive scoring. “Focusing on the basics — serving, bouncing, and positioning — sets the foundation for rapid improvement,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As the sport continues its meteoric rise, Santos predicts its future looks bright. “Pickleball has the potential to become even more mainstream in the community,” he said. “As it grows globally, we could see more opportunities at the high school or collegiate level.”
The City’s ongoing support — combined with National Pickleball Month’s spotlight each April — is helping more residents discover the game’s lasting appeal.
“Pickleball Month is significant because it concentrates national and local efforts to grow participation,” Santos said. “It’s about getting everyone, regardless of age or background, out on the court and connected through something fun.”
The Basics
The Basics
Court & Layout
A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 in the center. Each side has a 7-foot non-volley zone (“the Kitchen”), adding strategy and placement to play.
Equipment
Players use a paddle made of rigid, non-compressible material, and a plastic ball with 26–40 circular holes. Both paddles and balls must meet official USA Pickleball specifications to be approved for tournament play. Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, with slightly different ball designs for each surface.
Gameplay Essentials
Each rally starts with an underhand serve below the waist, hit diagonally. The Two-Bounce Rule requires the ball to bounce once per side before volleys. Only servers can score, games go to 11 (win by 2), and the non-volley zone promotes longer, more strategic rallies.
Serving & Scoring
Only the serving side can score points. The server continues serving until a fault is made, at which point the serve passes to the other team. Most games are played to 11 points, win by 2, though tournament formats may extend to 15 or 21 points.
The Two-Bounce Rule
A defining feature of pickleball is the Two-Bounce Rule: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before volleys are allowed. This simple rule reduces the advantage of powerful serves and encourages longer, more exciting rallies for players of all levels. ©USA Pickleball
