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Pickleball: Where to Play and How to Improve Your Game

Dill Dinkers is the first indoor facility in the area dedicated to the sport

 

Collin Johns, one of the top-ranked pickleball pros, stopped by Dill Dinkers on November 26 to answer questions and offer tips. He's center in the blue hat.

 

By Carl Wiser

Staff Writer

  

It started a few summers ago at Mills Pond in Canton. One of the four tennis courts was haphazardly painted with pickleball lines, the net pulled down against its will. One by one, each court was defiled, the satisfying whoomp of a tennis ball replaced with the hard plastic clank of a pickleball. The invasion had begun.

 

Back then, these pickleball nomads had to either convert a tennis court or set up a net, maybe find a YMCA or rec center with a makeshift court. West Hartford led the way in dedicated outdoor pickleball facilities, setting up six public courts at Wolcott Park, then another six at Buena Vista (pickleball courts take up about half the space of a tennis court).


There are still no outdoor courts specifically for pickleball in Farmington, Avon, Simsbury or Canton, but on Sept. 6, Dill Dinkers opened in Simsbury Commons where the HomeGoods store used to be, and it's now the pickleball hub of the Valley. They're open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak times at night, when their seven indoor courts are usually full.

 

"We were the first facility to open in the Greater Hartford area that was a dedicated pickleball facility, meaning we have permanent courts, permanent lines, permanent nets," says Ben Kochanski, director of pickleball at Dill Dinkers. "Nothing else happens on our courts other than pickleball."

  

Ben Kochanski at Dill Dinkers on a Friday morning. The 24,000-square-foot facility has seven courts exclusively for pickleball.

Open Play

 

Most towns offer pickleball classes through their parks and rec programs, and Dill Dinkers has a "newbie" program for beginners. Once you learn the basics, you'll need to find opponents, which you can do at an "open play."

 

"It's relatively easy to get started in pickleball because part of the culture is that it's a social community-type sport, and one of the main staples of that is called 'open play,'" Kochanski explains. "It's like pick-up basketball - people just show up and they play. You don't need to be with other people, you don't need to know anyone, you just have to show up. All of the parks have open play, and most of them have some sort of schedule. In Wolcott, people are always there."

 

Not everyone has the chutzpah to show up at a park and call next. Many players have formed tribes through word-of-mouth and Facebook groups, and they'll use apps like TeamReach to organize games at places like Simsbury Farms, where there are pickleball lines on their four tennis courts. Dill Dinkers sets up games for their newbies as they advance, but you can also register for a session and they'll put you on a court with players at a similar skill level.

 

Recreational pickleball is mostly doubles; at Dill Dinkers, they'll assign six players to a court and rotate them in. It's very social.

 

"What helps pickleball be inclusive is, you're very close together," says Kochanski. "Tennis you spend most of the match on the opposite ends of a larger court. Here, if you know how to play winning pickleball, you spend the match mostly 14 feet across from your opponents. The games are very short - you play a whole game, it might only take 10 minutes and then you rotate, so you end up talking to different people. So there's a built-in social aspect to it."

 

Like the 19th hole in golf, players often hang out after their match is over. Dill Dinkers is BYOB, and many do.

 

Dill Dinkers in Simsbury is co-owned by Scott Johnson and supports Honor Connor, a suicide awareness organization dedicated to the memory of his son Connor, who died by suicide in 2016.

Pickleball Demographics

 

Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America for three years running. Once the domain of seniors, the average age is now 38, according to USA Pickleball, the sport's governing body.

 

"There's a huge influx of youth," Kochanski says. "There are high schools that have it as a varsity sport. There are colleges that have clubs that play against other colleges. A lot of young tennis players have converted to pickleball."

 

Those tennis converts are called "switchovers." Kochanski is one of them, as are most of the players on the pro pickleball tour (yes, there is professional pickleball). But now young people who have never played tennis are picking up a paddle instead of a racquet; the Dill Dinkers youth program starts at age seven. This results in a lot of intergenerational play.

 

"You'll see a 25-year-old and an 85-year-old on the same court," Kochanski says. "The games are so short, you don't need a lot of stamina, so many people can play it. You can play it when you're overweight, when you have limited mobility. You can play it when you're slow."

 

 

Injuries and How to Avoid Them

 

Injuries are common in pickleball. There are a lot of rolled ankles and plenty of knee injuries because of all the lateral movement and quick reactions. The ball doesn't bounce very high, so there's a lot of bending over, which can cause back problems. And it's easy to fall and hurt your wrist when backpedaling.

 

"We joke that pickleball is saving the orthopedics industry," Kochanski says. "The reason so many people get injured is because they don't properly prepare their bodies to play. People are not warming up. During a lesson I will make the students do a dynamic warm-up to get their muscles going, their body ready. However, a lot of people aren't doing that."

 

Please don't run backwards on the court. If you need to chase a ball over your head, turn and run sideways. That's true for tennis as well.

 

 

Pickleball Benefits

 

There are tremendous physical and emotional benefits to playing pickleball. Moving is good for you, and so is socializing.

 

"It's dependent upon the level of play, but you can absolutely improve your health," Kochanski says. "Even though it's not a big court and you're not doing as much long-term aerobic activity, you still burn a lot of calories. You're taking a lot of steps, you're moving, your heart is beating. I lost about 40 pounds within two months just from playing pickleball."

 

"Also, the peer group cannot be understated, the community aspect," he adds. "I'm relatively new to the area. When I came, I didn't know a single person here, but I knew pickleball and I found my way to an open play and got into the pickleball community. The social connection is one of the very big benefits of pickleball. You see it all the time, people who are maybe divorced, or maybe they lost a spouse or something like that, and they need connection. Pickleball connects people in a really great way and a fun way."

 

Dill Dinkers has about 250 members but you don't have to join to play, just sign up for a time at dilldinkers.com. Since they launched, these indoor pickleball facilities have opened in the area:

 

  

Ben's Three Tips To Improve Your Play

 

1. Set the Tone with Deep Serves and Returns

Focus on consistently placing deep serves and returns rather than trying to score outright with pace or spin. The goal isn't to win points immediately but to control the court. Success in pickleball is determined at the kitchen line, so use deep serves and returns to position yourself or your partner for the opportunity to attack effectively.

 

2. Prioritize Getting to the Kitchen Line

After returning a serve, move quickly and directly to the kitchen line to establish an advantageous position. When serving, work your way forward strategically by mixing drop shots and drives. The objective is to close the distance and gain control at the net, where most points are won.

 

3. Utilize Dink Shots to Gain the Advantage

Dinking is a powerful tool to neutralize your opponent's attack and create openings. Aim to move your opponent around the court, forcing them into off-balance or awkward shots. These missteps can result in a high ball that enters your attack zone. When that opportunity arises, seize it by executing a decisive attack to secure the point.

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Valley Happenings

Fit for a Lifetime races

Fit for a Lifetime Choose Your Race to benefit a sports program for individuals with a disability. March 29, starting at 8 a.m. Farmington River Trail, 350 Collinsville Road, Unionville. Several races, fees vary. https://fitforalifetime.itsyourrace.com/

Earth Day celebration

Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Road, is having their annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 5 p.m. (rain date April 27) with discounted admission of $5 per person (under 2 is free). 860-658-5070 or www.Flamingfarm.com

Tunxis Senior Citizens meeting

Tunxis Senior Citizens Association’s monthly meeting, featuring Bunny Bingo. Monday April 8. Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. Meeting at 1:30 with introduction, followed by six games of Bingo and then refreshments. $1 for admission and $3 per pack of papers. $20 gift certificates to local grocery stores will be awarded to bingo winners. Call the  860-675-4770 to learn about membership.

April at Hill-Stead Museum

• Art of Shearing, Sunday, April 6-10 a.m., Sheep Shearing, fiber artists, vendors, free hayrides. $20 carload.

• On view through April 27, visit The Arethusa Collection From Italian Renaissance to Contemporary British Art to see the private collection of Tony Yurgaitis, owner of Arethusa Farm.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

Garden club event

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a presentation on “Floral Mechanics:  Past, Present, Future for Eco-Friendly Floral Designs.” Tuesday, April 8, 11 a.m. at 40 Dyer Avenue. Open to the public. $5 guest fee for non-club members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

The SpongeBob Musical

Favarh Players presents The SpongeBob Musical, April 4, 5 at 7 pm; April 6 at 1 p.m. at Northwest Catholic School, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets: favarh.org/theater

2025 Walker’s Cup: Honoring Women in International Showjumping

The Ethel Walker School invites the community to the Second Walker’s Cup on Sunday, April 13, a day of friendly equestrian competition and celebration. This year’s event highlights the achievements of U.S. women in international showjumping and honors the female athletes who have paved the way. Opening ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a warm-up round and two rounds of competition. A closing ceremony and victory gallop conclude the day at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Whelihan at kwhelihan@ethelwalker.org.

Community Breakfast w/Easter Bunnny

AVON – Community Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road. Details, times at avonmumc.org, 860-673-2111.

Author Luncheon in Avon
AVON – The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library present New York Times honored author, J. Courtney Sullivan, on Friday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Farmington Polo Club located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. Tickets are $50 per person. Download an Author Luncheon Reservation form at  https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/new-Author-Luncheon-2025-Reservation-form-2-9-25-1.pdf.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the main library, 6 Monteith Drive. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Cake Candle Decorating! Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. 12 and up Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• History of Beauty & Cosmetics - Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Paths to Autistic Empowerment. Presenter Jeremy Farrell encourages attendees to think critically about the benefits of open communication and self-advocacy for their lives and the lives of those around them. Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

 

Canton Community Health Fund

CANTON – Canton Community Health Fund, Inc.Community Partner grants/ Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship and Pay It Forward Scholarships for graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety. www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.

Word Art at Gallery on the Green

CANTON  – Gallery on the Green’s Word Art, plus Solo Shows by Renée and Patrick Hughes and Peggy Stosz, takes place through Saturday, April 19. In “Word Art” visual artists create a work of art that is inspired by prose or poetry, while writers create new work in response to visual art. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. authors will read aloud. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. http://www.galleryonthegreen.org or call  860-693-4102

Easter Bunny at Westfarms

FARMINGTON – At Westfarms the Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville – a three-dimensional town for kids to explore through April 19. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in the Center Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit. For more information or to make a reservation at https://shopwestfarms.com/

Welcoming Hummingbirds

AVON – The Garden Club of Avon presents Welcoming Hummingbirds to your Yard and Garden with Catie Resor on Monday, April 21 at the Church of St. Ann, Father Bennett Hall, 289 Arch Road. Guests are welcome for a light lunch at 12 p.m. with the presentation starting at 1 p.m.  Reservations are required, the guest fee is $15 payable at the door with cash or check. Spots must be reserved by April 15 by emailing thegardenclubofavon@gmail.com.

All For Girls Summer Academy

Providing a summer of academic discovery, The Ethel Walker School’s All For Girls Summer Academy is where curiosity meets exploration and fun. Our vibrant in-person program for grades 5-8 is an immersive learning experience on campus, while grades 9 and 10 connect and collaborate in online spaces. Learn more, register at www.ethelwalker.org/summer.

Program on Stress and Disease

SIMSBURY – Stress and Disease with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz takes place Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. To register, call 860-658-7663 or visit: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/rescheduled-stress-disease-w-dr-wendy-hurwitz-54826

Friends of the Simsbury Public
Library Spring Author Luncheon

SIMSBURY – The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library will hold it 2025 Annual Author Luncheon on Tuesday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. This year’s featured author is critically-acclaimed author Claire Messud, who will discuss her latest award-winning historical novel, This Strange Eventful History. Cost is $38 per person.  Please RSVP by April 8. Seating cannot be guaranteed. Sorry no refunds. Register on-line at www.simsburylibrary.info or pick up a reservation form at the library’s reference desk, or call 860-658-7663.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Road, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

National Day of Prayer event

AVON – There will be a National Day of Prayer Event held at Carmon Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, Thursday, May 1 from 8 to 9 a.m. The theme this year is “Pour out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” from Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Tag, Bake sale

CANTON – The North Canton United Methodist Church, 3 Case St. North Canton, will hold a tag and bake sale April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Early birds 8 a.m., $10 entry. Free after 9 a.m.

Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League

FARMINGTON – Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League. Thursday mornings at Tunxis County Club starting in May. Visit https://www.tunxisgolf.com/ or call 860- 202-0957 or email jco13142@gmail.com

Old school house open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Those interested being a Sunday: info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

Send May listings to
jfitts@turleyct.com by April 7

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