Pickleball lesson Jan. 7 at Admiral Coontz Center in Hannibal to offer introduction to sport

HANNIBAL, Mo. — If your new year’s resolution is to learn about pickleball, a class will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 7. “Pickleball 101” will be meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center. The class is free but registration is required at www.hannibalparks.org

Hannibal pickleball enthusiasts Bill Baker and Tom Batenhorst are offering this class to teach people how to play what is often called America’s fastest-growing sport.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is a game that is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels. Rules for pickleball are simple, making it a great introductory sport.

Hannibal Parks and Recreation has been offering pickleball leagues for 10 years and recently updated the tennis courts at Huckleberry Park to be pickleball-specific courts.

Registration for the winter pickleball league is open now and ends at 5 p.m. Jan. 14. Games will be played at the Rec Center at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 21.