Learn Pickleball from

Michele Zoerb and the E-Town Pickleball Club!

“I was instantly hooked on the game and began taking lessons and even joining leagues,” Michele explains. “Over the next year, I organized a group and coordinated regular play and activities. It quickly became a very close social circle.”

So, what is pickleball? USAPickleball.org compares the sport to a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball over a modified tennis net. Pickleball is both an indoor and outdoor activity and is played on a badminton-sized court. Michele Zoerb notes that the learning curve for pickleball is quick and athletes of any age or skill can play.

“But what I love most about the game is the fun and community spirit that is part of it,” says Michele. “It is an activity that can bring families together. In my club, we have had 7-year-olds playing with their 84-year-old grandmother.”

Athletes in our region have certainly embraced the easy to learn game. When Michele first moved to Elizabethton to be closer to family, there wasn’t an easily accessible pickleball program. So, when the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation expressed an interest, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Modeling from many of the experts I had met in Arizona, I put a plan together, taped some temporary courts, and began teaching Pickleball 101 sessions twice a month. Our first classes filled up quickly, and to date we have had over 150 students in our free introductory sessions.”

Michele says she isn’t really surprised with how quickly pickleball caught on, but she’s definitely excited. “Pickleball has such a positive impact on health, wellness, and enjoyment that it really brings people together. I have had many people tell me that pickleball has changed their lives. Watching the group grow, improve their skills, and just enjoy the game gives me the opportunity give back to the community in a positive way.”

Since she started nearly two years ago, Michele and other pickleball-loving members of our community have created the group “E-Town Pickleball,” hosted tournaments and coed leagues, and started their first women’s only league. The group also hosts exciting events including monthly Round Robins, glow in the dark pickleball, and king and queen of the court nights.

When asked about her hopes for the future of pickleball in the region, Michele has big plans in the works. “We are looking to add both fun and more competitive pickleball events. I’m looking forward to themed play events in addition to our planned tournaments, leagues, and monthly activities.”

What Michele is most excited for, however, is the possibility of an indoor facility with additional courts, which the group hopes to open sometime this year.

In this multi-generational sport, there is always room for more players to join the community. Michele encourages interested newcomers to attend one of her group’s monthly Pickleball 101 sessions. “We offer free introductory lessons that last about 90 minutes and give you all the basics. We end the session with a mock game or two, and then let anyone blend in with some of our regular players to get some more experience.”

Players wanting to join the E-Town Pickleball Club can contact the group via email (pickleballetown@ gmail.com) or by phone (423-440-6899) to be added to the club’s GroupMe where Michele and other members share times and locations of upcoming pickleball games. (Photographs