Hannibal Pickleball Club, Hannibal Parks and Recreation team up to offer youth camp July 8-10

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Pickleball Club, in conjunction with Hannibal Parks and Recreation, is putting on a youth pickleball camp designed to teach the basics of pickleball, which will include fundamental techniques, rules of the game and strategy, all taught by experienced players. The camp will be held from 8:30-11 a.m. July 8-10 at the Huckleberry Park courts.

Bill Baker said he and other pickleball enthusiasts noticed that the Huckleberry Park pickleball courts had a lot of young people playing. “But often the kids didn’t know the rules, so we thought if kids want to get involved, they need proper instruction,” Baker said in a press release.

The camp will include drills, games and friendly competition. Baker predicted that high schools will have competitive pickleball teams in the future, following in the footsteps of colleges.

Camp registration fee is $35 which includes each camper receiving two paddles, four pickleballs and a case. Water and snacks will be provided during the camp.

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 youngsters ages 10-15 and can be completed online at www.hannibalparks.recdesk/programs.

“Everyone talks about pickleball being for senior citizens, I really see that changing. It’s for everyone,” Baker said.