The Fall Pickleball League at the Milner Rec Center finished up a successful and active autumn season recently.  

Dale McDaniel, coach and organizer of the league, stresses the relaxed and fun aspect of pickleball. While competition is a natural offshoot of people coming together to play, “It’s really about having fun. You improve your skills, get a little exercise and meet people you otherwise would never play,” McDaniel said.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages, genders and ability levels. This simple but fast-paced game is played on a small net court somewhat like a combination of tennis and ping pong. The paddles are very large and flat. Partners play against each other, swapping sides after each match.

This year’s fall league started off with a basic clinic held in August open to all. The league was composed of those who went through the clinic, novices, and intermediate.

McDaniel hopes the winter league will start in January. She is planning a few clinics then. There is no fee for the clinics to Milner members, but others will need to pay an admission fee.