Celebrate National Pickleball Month with these tips from Palmetto Dunes

Picture this: Three friends in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, armed with ping-pong paddles and a whiffle ball. Their mission? To create the ultimate backyard game. Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum dubbed their creation "pickleball" after their beloved dog Pickles. What started as a fun backyard experiment soon became a nationwide craze. By the '80s, official rules were in place, and pickleball was bouncing its way into hearts everywhere. Today, it's not just a game—it's a lifestyle. From casual matches to fierce competitions, pickleball boasts a diverse player base spanning all ages and skill levels.

Because of its popularity, April has been designated National Pickleball Month! Sarah Ansboury, Director of Pickleball Instruction at Palmetto Dunes, has provided two fun video tips to help you improve your game from anywhere.

Follow through straight with your paddle not down

• Keep your paddle above the net and out in front of you

• Finish with your paddle above the net and inline with your target.

• Swing with your shoulder not your elbow and wrist to prevent hitting the ball into the net.

Grip your paddle lower on the handle

• Don’t choke up your paddle, this will help you maintain paddle speed.

• Think of the paddle as an extension of your hand.

• Look for the ball over the paddle so your paddle is always above the net and in front of you.

Pickleball is a sport for all ages and levels. Come experience the community and positive atmosphere this sport creates! Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, located on Hilton Head Island, has 24 pickleball courts with a knowledgeable staff that hosts clinics, lessons and round robins year round. To schedule your next Hilton Head pickleball lesson, call the Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center at 888-926-8784.