In 1965, a congressperson from Washington State, Joel Pritchard, and his friend and successful businessperson, Bill Bell, returned to Pritchard’s home after a game of golf to find their families sitting around with nothing to do. The pair looked around and produced some Ping-Pong paddles and a Wiffle ball and set out to improvise a game on the property’s old badminton court. By 2023, with a host of changes to the game, the USA Pickleball Association membership boasts more than 70,000 members playing in all 50 states. The sports and fitness industry has named pickleball the fastest growing sport in America.
My search for Who’s Who in the Berks County pickleball community led me to the two premier locations where individuals flock to play and to two people who have played a key role in cultivating a thriving community of pickleball enthusiasts. They provided me with a wealth of information for anyone wanting to know more about the game and how to get started.
The Game
Pickleball is played in doubles (two per team) or singles. The most common game involves doubles. The game is played on a standard pickleball court, which measures about 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, including lines. The same rules apply to both singles and doubles teams.
Basic Rules of the Game
A serve is made diagonally across the court and must land within the opposite diagonal court, with only one serve allowed per player. The server’s arm must move in an upward motion when the ball is struck. Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist. Both players on the serving double's team can serve and score points until they commit a fault. If a point is scored, the server then switches sides and proceeds to make the next serve from the opposite court. As additional points are scored, the server continues to switch back and forth until a fault is committed. Points are scored by the serving team, and the games are usually played to 11 points, winning by two. Ryan Knarr, Director of Racquet Sports for the YMCA, explains, “Due to the fact that the game is still in its infancy, the rules are being revised, adapted and changed more than any other racquet sport. The game provides a variety of opportunities to play, depending on the number of players.”
Equipment and Attire
Players can wear any type of athletic clothing, which allows for flexibility and movement on the court. Knarr notes that a pair of tennis/pickleball shoes is essential, rather than running shoes, which are not meant for lateral movement. “We are lucky that we have the largest wholesale supplier in the country right here in West Lawn. They are the one and only suggestion I have for purchasing shoes, and they also have the best selection.”
That being said, Pat Shields, owner of Fromuth Racquet Sports, weighs in on the equipment needed for the sport. “Paddles, Wiffle balls, court shoes and comfortable attire are all that is needed to jump in the game,” says Pat. “There is no special type of clothing, gym clothing or court clothing. Players wear all types. At Fromuth, we allow customers to borrow paddles for two-day demos to try them out before purchasing.”
Where to Play Outdoors
With the advent of pickleball making its way around the county, Pat seized the opportunity to establish a program with the Borough of West Reading. Shields explains how the West Reading program got its start: “I would describe it as part of our business; we supply racquet clubs across the country with racquets, balls, gloves, etc. We knew all about the sport, and we knew about the tennis courts in West Reading. Following negotiations with Wyomissing Borough to allow West Reading residents to use their tennis courts, we hired a contractor to begin work to transition the existing tennis courts located in West Reading to pickleball courts. It has taken the community by storm. The West Reading Park is open and welcoming, and people come from the likes of Allentown, York, Douglassville and Fleetwood to play. It is a public facility, and this year we have had about 4,000 visitors to the program. It is the premier place to play outdoors. However, the courts are not under a roof. We have established the West Reading Pickleball Association as the programming and fundraising body to raise funds, which will go directly back to the facility because it is used so heavily. We are going to start allowing people to reserve courts, conducting corporate clinics and corporate team building.”
Where to Play Indoors
The YMCA of Berks County has taken the lead in providing facilities for pickleball enthusiasts year-round, particularly during the harsh winter months. Knarr at the YMCA recalls, “The Y purchased the facility at 4920 Penn Avenue in Sinking Spring in 2011, and a tennis program was started from scratch in 2012. The pickleball boom started in 2019 right before the pandemic. Since that time, we’ve expanded the facility twice, and we have six indoor pickleball courts. This year we added a court to the Fleetwood facility. The Sinking Spring facility has a 7-days-a-week pickleball court, which is an acrylic court, the same court that players use during warmer weather in West Reading. We really have become the place to play in November, December, January, February and early March. We can own the indoor space for Berks County in providing a comfortable and inviting, first-class atmosphere during our season.”
The Benefits of Pickleball
Shields says several aspects of the game have helped make it so popular.
“The game is like any other racquet sport like Ping-Pong and racquetball, and it is easy to learn. When you play two against two, you must always have a partner, and this is how you meet people; it is very social. In one day, you could possibly meet three new people, which is great for someone new to the area. The demographics have changed for the game,” Pat adds. “At one time, pickleball was considered a sport for retired people, and now the place is jammed with college kids as well. It is a simple game which requires moderate eye-hand coordination and the ability to move around. It’s great for the body and gets people out moving.”
Mimi Wolfe is an IPTPA-Certified Pickleball Instructor. She teaches beginner group clinics, supervised round-robins and private lessons at West Reading Pickleball and Hillcrest Racquet Club, Exeter Township. She also plays pickleball at the Sinking Spring YMCA and at at the Naples Pickleball Center in Florida.
For her, she says, “The minute I stepped on a pickleball court, I became a member of a friendly, fun-loving, supportive community. Pickleball has given me the opportunity to make great friends, exercise and enjoy a vibrant social scene. As a pickleball instructor I enjoy seeing players make progress quickly while having a great time!” Look for Mimi at one of these facilities. She’ll be the one smiling — oh wait, that’s everyone!
Make a Pickleball Plan
West Reading Pickleball
The West Reading Pickleball Association is a volunteer organization that facilitates programming for lessons, clinics and tournaments at the pickleball courts in West Reading. West Reading pickleball courts are open to the public daily, 8am to 9pm unless otherwise noted. Follow on Facebook for updates at facebook.com/WestReadingPickleball.
915 Old Wyomissing Rd., West Reading
Sinking Spring Family YMCA
The Sinking Spring Family YMCA offers pickleball classes for all ages, including instructional play and clinics for beginners. Chris Ripertella, master pickleball pro, teaches intermediate and advanced players. Semi-private and private lessons are also available. Competitive indoor league from December to March. Follow on Facebook for updates at facebook.com/sinkingspringfamilyymca.
4920 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.678.0484 | ymcarbc.org/branch/sinking-spring/
Fromuth Racquet Sports
The premier destination for racquet Sports, running and fitness. Fromuth offers high-quality racquet sports equipment and gear from the brands you trust.
1100 Rocky Dr., West Lawn
800.523.8414 | fromuthtennis.com
More Pickleball Locations in Berks
Albright College, Reading
All week days except Tuesday. Cost is $10.
1-2 courts designated for beginners
Bern Township
Courts open at 8am.
069 Old Bernville Rd., Reading
Body Zone Sports & Wellness Center
3 courts for rent. 2 hours for $50. You do not need to be a member to rent the courts.
3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100 | bodyzonesports.com/pickleball
Boyertown Community Park
3 outdoor courts. Play is free.
417 Madison St., Boyertown
610.369.3028 | boyertownborough.org
Boyertown YMCA
3 indoor courts. A membership is required to play.
301 W. Spring St., Boyertown
Kenhorst Park
Four outdoor courts. Play is free.
1101 Broadway Blvd., Reading
610.777.7327 | kenhorstborough.com
Kutztown Park
Open play.
439 E. Main St., Kutztown (near the Brick Pavilion)
Locust Street Park
Open play.
600 Locust St., Fleetwood
Maidencreek Community Park (starting in April)
753 Park Rd., Blandon
Oakbrook Recreational Park
Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Cost is $5
1001 Scott St., Reading
Olivets Boys and Girls Club
Pendora Park
Tuesdays and Thursdays
1805 Forrest St., Reading
Sinking Spring Family YMCA
Sessions dedicated to specific levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
4920 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.678.0484 | ymcarbc.org/branch/sinking-spring
Strausstown Lions Park
For those age 50 and older, run by Berks Encore. Wednesday and Friday mornings.
10 Wilson Avenue, Strausstown
For more info call 610.488.5770
Temple Playground
Play is free.
Euclid Avenue, Temple
610.929.4727 | temple-playground.poi.place
3rd & Spruce Recreation Center (in partnership with Reading Recreation Commission)
Monday-Friday, 9am-Noon. Open for adult players of all levels. Cost: $5.
610.655.6068 | readingrec.org/pickleball.htm
Tri Valley YMCA
Monday nights from 5:30-8:30pm (a second night of play to be announced soon)
Must be a member or pay the day pass rate of $10.
607 Crisscross Rd., Fleetwood
610.944.6515 | ymcarbc.org/branch/tri-valley/
West Reading Pickleball
Courts open at 8am
915 Old Wyomissing Rd., West Reading
Know of another Pickleball court in Berks? Email us the details and we will add it to the list! Email BCLEditor@BerksCountyLiving.com.
