Pickleball in Schools

a game of doubles for children taking place on a blue pickleball surface marked with white lines and a white net.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world — a dynamic blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played with paddles and a lightweight plastic ball on a badminton-sized court with a central net, it’s quick to learn, safe to play, and seriously fun!

Why Pickleball is Perfect for Schools:

  • Gets Everyone Moving – Encourages physical activity in a fun, low-impact way.
  • Builds Confidence – Easy-to-learn rules mean students experience success quickly. 
  • Promotes Social Skills – Great for teamwork, communication and inclusive play.
  • Perfect for All Abilities – Adaptable for different age groups, fitness levels and learning needs.
  • Flexible Spaces – Can be played indoors or outdoors, in sports halls, playgrounds, or courts.
  • Supports Curriculum Goals – Develops co-ordination, agility, strategic thinking and resilience.

Train your Staff with PickleballENGLAND

PickleballENGLAND offer practical CPD sessions to equip school staff with the skills and confidence to teach pickleball effectively. No prior experience needed!

Find out more

It's easy to get started

  1. Identify suitable space to play

    • Badminton court (add a non volley zone)

    • MUGA area (get lines painted)

    • Tennis Court (chalk lines if temporary, tape lines or get lines painted)

    • Car Park (chalk lines if temporary, tape lines or get lines painted)

    2. How many courts can you have?

    Indoor or outdoor balls needed?

    3. Great use of Sports Premium Funding

    CPD and introducing a new sport is an approved way to spend the sports premium funding in your school. 

    4. Sign up for PbE CPD session (more info to follow)

    5. Access PbE schools curriculum

Fun. Inclusive. Active.

Whether it’s part of your PE curriculum, lunchtime clubs, or after-school activities, pickleball is a fantastic way to inspire movement, encourage friendships, and build confidence in every student.

PickleballENGLAND appoints Director of Schools Development

PickleballENGLAND is delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Tift as our new Director of Schools Development joining Sam Basford and Rob Williams our Directors of Coach Education.

Scott brings with him over 18 years of experience working in Primary and Secondary Schools across Kent, leading and delivering Physical Education and School Sport. Most recently, he founded the Pickleball Complete Academy, a not for profit organisation, providing playing and coaching opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.

Scott’s passion for both pickleball and school sport makes this a perfect opportunity to inspire and develop the next generation of players and coaches.

As part of his new role, Scott has created a dedicated school’s curriculum and will work closely with Pickleball England to design and deliver a national rollout plan. This will include:

  • Teacher training programmes to give staff the skills and confidence to introduce pickleball in schools.
  • A Schools Games plan to support structured competition and pathways for young players.
  • Opportunities to ensure pickleball becomes an inclusive and engaging part of PE and school sport provision across the country.

We are excited to welcome Scott to the team and look forward to working with him to expand the reach of pickleball into schools nationwide.