By Allison Lane, Recreation Marketing Coordinator
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (March 6, 2019) – The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department’s Pickleball Paddle Battle is slated to return for its second year Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14, at the Park West Recreation Complex Gymnasium. Registration for this popular tournament will open Thursday, March 7.
Pickleball, an indoor/outdoor sport, is an exciting game that blends elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Played on a badminton-sized court, the running distance required is much less than tennis. Players use a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball and solid paddles during this low impact sport.
After observing the enthusiasm for the sport at both the national and local level, the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department decided to host a pickleball tournament of its own last year.
“We see how fast pickleball is growing in our community and are excited to offer our residents another chance to play in a tournament-style setting,” said Tennis Coordinator Shelli Davis.
The Pickleball Paddle Battle will consist of two days of matches, with mixed doubles playing first on Saturday, April 13, and men’s and women’s doubles playing the following day, Sunday, April 14. Players may sign up for one event each day.
The tournament format will be determined by the number of participants, with draws posted online by Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. Games will be played to 11 points and teams must win by at least one point. USAPA rules will govern play.
In addition to hosting an annual pickleball tournament, MPRD also offers pickleball clinics, private pickleball lessons and free drop-in play at five MPRD facilities. A new pickleball league is currently in the works with more information expected to be announced later this month. Additional information about MPRD’s pickleball offerings may be found here.
Registration for the Mount Pleasant Pickleball Paddle Battle may be completed in person at the Mount Pleasant Tennis Center, R.L. Jones Center, G.M. Darby Building or Park West Recreation Complex. To register online, please go to MtPleasantRec.com/Register and enter activity code 318400. Entry is $40/team.
More information about the Mount Pleasant Pickleball Paddle Battle and other pickleball offerings may be found here. Questions may be directed to MPRD Tennis Coordinator Shelli Davis at 843-856-2162 or sdavis@tompsc.com.