Exciting new sport, Pickleball, has arrived in Naas, Co. Kildare

Naas, a hive of sporting activities, is now being introduced to another racket sport in the form of Pickleball.

This sport, originating in USA in 1965, as three dads invented the sport to entertain their children during the summer.
It is a paddle sport blending tennis, badminton and table tennis, played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly lowered net.

One uses a solid faced paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The basic rules involve serving underarm and a ‘two bounce rule’ requiring the ball to bounce once after the serve and on the return.

Another key feature of the game includes the non-volley zone (The Kitchen), located near the net and only the serving team may record a score, with games played to 11 points, won by two. This is the basic overview of the game, but you can truly enjoy this action-packed game by coming along and experiencing this sport for oneself.

Cormac Nugent is solely responsible for the introduction of Pickleball, having enjoyed playing the sport in USA. He organised two sessions per week at the beginning of the summer; Thursdays and Saturdays 11am – 1 pm in Naas CBS Hall.

It became very popular and because of this great response. another session was added to accommodate the growing numbers.
The venue for this Pickleball session was the Rathmore Community Hall and it was scheduled on Monday evenings at 6pm -8 pm. During August, due to an increase in the number of players, a third venue was added to the schedule; Naas Sports Centre, Caragh Road.

These classes were classified as ‘Compete’ whereby players enjoyed a private game for one hour, playing the best of 3 sets.
The alternative session is ‘Open Play’, which features one match followed by a rest period, and then each player resumes play with a different partner.

Beginners and, players new to the sport, may attend ‘Learn’ sessions; coaching classes where players are coached and practise drills to improve and develop their skills.

Considering growing popularity and demand for match play, another venue was secured; namely Monread Community Centre.
It was decided to formally launch an official Club membership at the beginning of September and Naas Pickleball Club was formed.

A new club in Naas, providing facilities for men and women to exercise and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

Naas Pickleball hosted a Picklemania Tournament on Saturday, September 27 at Naas CBS Hall. The tournament committee invited entrants who were to participate in a Male and Female Beginners (1.5- 2.5) and the Intermediate Male and Female (2.5- 4.0). There were many Kildare and indeed Leinster-based clubs represented on the day, including the local club Naas, who were well represented, Ryston Club in Newbridge, Portarlington, Kilcullen, Balbriggan and Dunlavin.

The tournament featured many exciting contests, and it was an ideal opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and explore this new sport in the Naas community.

Naas Pickleball Club would like to acknowledge the generous sponsorship of Dinking Hub, Treehouse Sauna and Power Bites.
There were some fine prizes on offer in all the categories. A great day of sport enjoyed by all the competitors and the thorough organisation of the event by Cormac Nugent , ably assisted by Amy Nugent and Cian Lalor, greatly contributed to the tremendous success of this open tournament. Pickleball has certainly arrived on the sporting stage in Naas.

A new sport to explore and enjoy!

To join or acquire more information, contact Cormac Nugent via email naaspickleball@gmail.com or message Naas Pickleball on Facebook.

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