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.

Best Pickleball Programs for Kids in Montgomery County, MD

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and Montgomery County, MD is one of the best places for kids to learn. With dedicated indoor courts, structured youth academies, and a thriving community, there's never been a better time to get your child on the court.

Why Pickleball Is Perfect for Kids

Unlike tennis, which requires significant strength and a steep learning curve, pickleball is designed to be accessible. The smaller court, lightweight paddle, and underhand serve make it easy for kids as young as five to rally, score, and have fun from day one.

For kids in Montgomery County, the benefits go beyond fitness:

Social skills — playing doubles teaches communication and teamwork
Confidence — measurable improvement keeps kids motivated
Family bonding — parents and kids can play together at any skill level
Low barrier to entry — no expensive equipment or country club membership required

Structured Youth Programs in Montgomery County

The best way for kids to learn isn't drop-in play — it's structured coaching with age-appropriate progressions. That's what the Next Gen Pickleball Academy was built for.

The Four-Level Pathway

Next Gen Academy uses a color-coded system that gives kids clear goals and a sense of progress:

Red Level (Beginner) — Grip, stance, basic serves, court awareness. For first-time players ages 5-16.
Orange Level (Advanced Beginner) — Rally consistency, dinking, return of serve, positioning fundamentals.
Green Level (Intermediate) — Strategy and shot selection. Third-shot drops, stacking, competitive point play.
Yellow Level (Coach-Curated Advanced) — Invitation-only. Tournament preparation, advanced tactics, mental game.

Every new player starts with a free 30-minute evaluation so they're placed at exactly the right level — challenged enough to grow, supported enough to succeed.

Where Kids Play Pickleball in Montgomery County

Montgomery County has excellent indoor and outdoor options:

Dill Dinkers Rockville — Indoor facility with dedicated courts for lessons and youth programs
Dill Dinkers North Bethesda — Second indoor location, also offering structured programming
Montgomery Parks courts — Outdoor courts at locations like East Norbeck Local Park and many more across the county
Community recreation centers — Rockville, Gaithersburg, and other cities offer seasonal programs

For year-round, weather-proof training, indoor facilities at Rockville and North Bethesda are the most reliable option for consistent development.

What to Look For in a Youth Pickleball Coach

Not all coaching is created equal. Here's what matters for kids:

Credentials — Look for PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) or RPO certification
Teaching background — Experience with youth athletes specifically, not just adult players
Structured curriculum — Clear levels with defined skills at each stage
Small group sizes — More touches on the ball, more personalized feedback
Fun-first philosophy — Kids who enjoy the sport stick with it

Getting Started

The hardest part is showing up. Here's the simplest path to getting your child started with pickleball in Montgomery County:

Book a free evaluation at sammorrispb.com/contact — we'll assess your child's skill level in 30 minutes
Get placed in the right level — no guesswork, no frustration
Start training — structured sessions that build skills week over week

Pickleball is a sport your family can share for decades. The earlier kids start, the stronger the foundation — for their game and for the memories you'll build together.