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.

Family Pickleball in Montgomery County — Why It's the Best Sport to Play Together

Finding a sport the whole family can play together — and actually enjoy — is harder than it sounds. Basketball favors height. Tennis has a brutal learning curve. Soccer needs a full team. But pickleball? Pickleball is the rare sport where a parent and a 10-year-old can step on the court together and have a real, competitive, fun match.

In Montgomery County, MD, families are discovering this in droves. Here's why — and how to make pickleball your family's new favorite activity.

What Makes Pickleball a Great Family Sport

Everyone Can Play Immediately

The smaller court (about one-third the size of a tennis court), the lightweight paddle, and the underhand serve eliminate most of the physical barriers that keep families from playing together. Kids as young as five can learn the basics in a single session.

Doubles Is Built for Families

Pickleball is primarily played as doubles — two vs. two. That means a parent-child team vs. another parent-child team. Or siblings vs. parents. The combinations are endless, and the format naturally encourages teamwork and communication.

It Scales With Skill

A family can start playing casually in the driveway or at a local park and, within months, progress to organized play at facilities like Dill Dinkers in Rockville or North Bethesda. The sport grows with you.

It's Genuinely Fun for All Ages

This isn't a sport where adults have to pretend to be challenged. The rallies are fast, the scoring is simple, and the competitive element keeps everyone engaged — whether you're 8 or 48.

Where Montgomery County Families Play Pickleball

Indoor (Weather-Proof)

Dill Dinkers Rockville — Indoor courts with family-friendly open play and youth programs
Dill Dinkers North Bethesda — Same great programming, convenient for families in Bethesda, Potomac, and Chevy Chase

Outdoor (Free and Accessible)

East Norbeck Local Park — 6 dedicated courts, great for family weekend play
Olney Manor Recreational Park — Popular community courts near Olney
Bauer Recreation Center — Outdoor courts in the Bethesda/Potomac area
Various Montgomery Parks locations — 18+ dedicated courts and 50+ shared courts across the county

How to Get Your Kids Started

The key to getting kids hooked on pickleball is making the first experience positive. Here's what works:

Start With Fun, Not Drills

Let kids hit the ball. Let them serve. Let them score. The technical stuff comes later — the first session should be about the smile on their face when they win a rally.

Match Skill Levels Appropriately

Nothing kills a kid's interest faster than playing against adults who smash every ball. Play cooperatively at first, then gradually increase the challenge as skills develop.

Consider Structured Coaching

The Next Gen Pickleball Academy offers a four-level youth pathway (Red, Orange, Green, Yellow) for kids ages 5-16. Each level has clear objectives, so kids always know what they're working toward. A free 30-minute evaluation determines the right starting point.

Make It a Family Routine

The families who stick with pickleball are the ones who make it a habit — Saturday morning court time, a weekly family doubles match, or a monthly family tournament at home. Consistency beats intensity.

Family Pickleball Tips from the Court

After coaching hundreds of families in Montgomery County, here's what I've learned:

Let the kids win sometimes — It builds confidence and keeps them coming back
Play mixed doubles — Parent + child teams create bonding moments you can't manufacture
Celebrate effort, not just points — The growth mindset matters more than the score
Invest in kid-sized paddles — A lighter paddle (under 7 oz) makes a huge difference for smaller hands
Join the community — Montgomery County's pickleball community is welcoming and family-friendly

Get Your Family on the Court

The best time to start a family sport tradition is now. Pickleball in Montgomery County offers year-round play, structured youth programs, and a community that makes every family feel welcome.

Book a free family evaluation at sammorrispb.com/contact — we'll get everyone assessed and matched to the right programs. Or just show up at a Dill Dinkers open play session and see what the excitement is all about.

Your family's next favorite sport is waiting.