Where can I take pickleball lessons in Montgomery County, MD?

Sam Morris offers professional pickleball coaching at Dill Dinkers Rockville and Dill Dinkers North Bethesda. Private lessons, group clinics, and youth academy programs are available for all skill levels — from complete beginners to 5.0+ players. Visit sammorrispb.com/contact to book a free evaluation.

Is pickleball good for kids and families?

Pickleball is one of the best family sports — it's easy for beginners of all ages to learn, requires minimal equipment, and provides great exercise. The Next Gen Pickleball Academy in Montgomery County offers structured programs for kids ages 5-16 with four skill levels. Many families play together and it's a wonderful way to bond through sport.

What age can kids start learning pickleball?

Kids can start learning pickleball as young as age 5. The Next Gen Pickleball Academy's Red Level is designed specifically for first-time players, teaching grip, stance, basic serves, and court awareness in a fun, supportive environment.

How much do private pickleball lessons cost in Montgomery County?

Sam Morris offers private 1-on-1 pickleball lessons with video analysis and custom practice plans. Skill evaluations start at $15 per person (free for Dill Dinkers members). Contact Sam at 301-325-4731 or visit sammorrispb.com/contact for current lesson rates and availability.

Where can I play indoor pickleball in Montgomery County, MD?

Dill Dinkers operates indoor pickleball facilities in Rockville and North Bethesda, both in Montgomery County, MD. Sam Morris directs programming at both locations, which together offer 17 courts for lessons, open play, leagues, and tournaments year-round.

What is DUPR and why does it matter for pickleball?

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the global pickleball rating system used to match players of similar skill levels. Sam Morris is a DUPR Certified Coach who provides skill evaluations and helps players track their improvement over time through the Link & Dink community app.

Beginner's Guide to Pickleball for Adults in Montgomery County, MD

Thinking about trying pickleball? You're not alone. Montgomery County, MD has become one of the hottest pickleball markets in the country, with new courts opening, indoor facilities expanding, and a community that genuinely welcomes beginners.

Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Why Adults Love Pickleball

Pickleball isn't just a trend — it's a lifestyle shift for thousands of adults in Montgomery County. Here's why:

Low impact, high cardio — easier on joints than tennis or basketball, but still a serious workout
Social by design — doubles play means you're always meeting people
Quick to learn — most adults are rallying within their first session
Addictively competitive — the skill ceiling is high enough to keep you challenged for years
All ages play together — one of the few sports where a 30-year-old and a 65-year-old can have a competitive match

Where to Play Pickleball in Montgomery County

Indoor Courts (Year-Round)

Dill Dinkers Rockville — Dedicated indoor pickleball facility with open play, leagues, and lessons
Dill Dinkers North Bethesda — Second indoor location with full programming

Outdoor Courts

East Norbeck Local Park — 6 dedicated pickleball courts (Montgomery Parks)
Olney Manor Recreational Park — Popular with local players
Rockville public courts — 2 designated courts plus shared tennis/pickleball lines
Gaithersburg recreation — Drop-in programs Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Montgomery Parks now has 18 dedicated pickleball courts and over 50 shared tennis/pickleball courts across the county.

What Equipment Do You Need?

Good news — you need very little to start:

Paddle — Borrow one at open play sessions or buy a beginner-friendly paddle ($30–$80 range)
Balls — Provided at all facilities and open play sessions
Court shoes — Any athletic shoe with lateral support works (avoid running shoes)
Comfortable athletic wear — That's it

Don't invest in expensive equipment until you know what style of play you prefer. A coach can help you choose the right paddle for your game once you've developed some fundamentals.

The Fastest Way to Improve

Drop-in play is fun, but it's not the fastest way to get better. Here's the progression that works:

1. Get a Skill Evaluation

Before anything else, understand where you are. A 30-minute skill evaluation with a certified coach gives you a baseline DUPR rating and identifies exactly what to work on first. At Dill Dinkers Rockville and North Bethesda, evaluations are free for members.

2. Take a Few Private Lessons

Even 2-3 private lessons can accelerate your development by months compared to self-teaching. A good coach will fix mechanical issues early — before they become habits — and give you a structured practice plan.

3. Play Organized Games

Once you have fundamentals, join organized play at your skill level. Playing against opponents who are slightly better than you is the sweet spot for growth.

4. Track Your Progress

Use the DUPR rating system to measure improvement over time. The Link & Dink community app connects Montgomery County players of comparable skill levels, so your matches are always competitive and fun.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

After coaching hundreds of adult beginners in Montgomery County, here are the patterns I see most often:

Hitting too hard — Placement beats power every time at the beginner level
Ignoring the kitchen — The non-volley zone is where points are won and lost
Playing only with friends — You improve fastest playing against different styles
Skipping fundamentals — Grip, ready position, and footwork matter more than any trick shot
Not warming up — Pickleball is athletic. Treat your body accordingly.

Ready to Start?

Montgomery County has everything you need — courts, community, and coaching. The only thing missing is you on the court.

Book a free evaluation at sammorrispb.com/contact or call 301-325-4731 to get started. Whether you've never held a paddle or you're looking to break through to the next level, there's a clear path forward.