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Farmers Branch is serving up something just a little bit zesty – pickleball! If you haven’t noticed, this fast-growing sport has made its way into the heart of the community, and it’s not just for retirees. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who just wants to give it a try, Farmers Branch has plenty of places to get in on the action. From indoor courts to outdoor greens, it’s safe to say that pickleball is becoming a big dill around here.
From dad fun to community craze
You might be wondering, "How did this strange sport with the funny name come to be?" The answer is honestly quite simple: three dads looking to keep their kids entertained. Like many parents midway through summer when the kids say they're bored they tend to get creative. So in 1965 three fathers named Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum aka the brains of pickleball found a new way to entertain their families on Bainbridge Island, located just outside Seattle. Thus voilà, the sport with the wacky name of pickleball was born. What started as a fun summer activity has now turned into a national obsession, and Farmers Branch is right in the middle of it.
What started as a fun summer activity has turned into a national obsession, and Farmers Branch is right in the middle of it.
Where to play: From courts to classes
In Farmers Branch, the opportunities to play pickleball are as plentiful as pickle chips in a jar! For those looking for variety, At Fault is the go-to spot. With both indoor and outdoor courts, they cater to all levels, from newbies to seasoned pros. Don’t worry about equipment – you can rent or purchase paddles and balls on site. Plus, At Fault offers classes several days a week, all taught by professional instructors in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re just getting into the game or want to fine-tune your skills, there's a class for you. No membership required – just show up, paddle up and get ready to play!
Not far from the action is Manske Library, which features a single outdoor court. While it’s a bit more low-key, it’s a great place to work on your pickleball skills. Bring your own equipment and be mindful of the library’s other patrons and local wildlife – a stray squirrel just might challenge you to a match!
For those who prefer playing indoors, DFW Indoor Pickleball is a fantastic option. With nine indoor courts and a variety of clinics for all ages, it’s the place to be, especially if you’re new to the sport. Saturday mornings feature a children’s clinic, and Saturday afternoons are reserved for Pickleball 101 – the perfect way to get your game on. Again, no membership is required, so it’s all about the fun, not the paperwork.
Competitive spirit and community vibes
If you’re into competition, Farmers Branch has you covered, too. The area recently hosted the Major League Pickleball and United Pickleball Association (UPA) World Championships, the world’s largest pickleball tournament, for the last two years, which also has included the annual celebrity pickleball tournament, at Brookhaven Country Club. The championships were a smashing hit for the last two years, bringing thousands of people to the city each year.
Looking ahead, At Fault is launching a new women’s 50+ pickleball league called the Round Robin Ladies. Players will compete in a ladder format, where their ranking moves up or down based on their winning percentage. There’s no penalty for missing a game, so it’s all about fun and friendly competition. The winners will snag some pretty cool prizes – custom swag and even top-tier lessons from one of At Fault’s expert instructors.
So whether you’re just looking to have some fun with friends, aiming for a gold medal or maybe just a nice paddle lesson, Farmers Branch is serving up the perfect pickleball scene. Come for the sport, stay for the community and remember: Pickleball is never a “dill” deal!
(Editor's Note: We didn't count the pickle puns. Did you?)
