OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Have you ever hit a dink? Well, if you have, then you’re familiar with the nation’s most popular sport: pickleball, a game that’s a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

The Ocala Pickleball Club, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, has seen in an explosion in their membership since its nascent stages in 2016, with the organization’s board, composed of nine members, coming together in 2018. The club has been active in making donations to charities within the community and has made improvements at the courts through their contributions.

Players from the club can be found daily on the John R. Hunt Pickleball Courts at Coehadjoe Park, that were built in 2018.  Some club members, however, started playing pickleball on the facility’s tennis courts as early as 2012.

Steve Hines, the club’s chairman, shared that, “John was instrumental in getting the courts made.”

Community interest has been high and continues to increase rapidly. Hines sent out 733 emails over the past week to notify players about an upcoming tournament.

“Not all of the players are active,” says Hines. “We have about 200 or 300 people who respond to the emails. We have an annual tournament called Big Sun, and it’s going to be this Saturday (Nov. 16). We’ll have about 136 people playing, from age 19 to players over 70 years old.”

The Ocala Pickleball Club has seen a significant increase in its number of active players. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Ocala Pickleball Club executive board member chairman Steve Hines returns a shot at the John R. Hunt Pickleball Courts at Coehadjoe Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Ocala Pickleball Club members Mike Netherclift returning the ball and Artie Alwine at Coehadjoe Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

The club also hosts tournaments every other month, including Ladders, Kings of the Court, Queens of the Court, and Rising Stars, Hines says.

“The sport’s great—it’s very social, people love it, and it’s easy to learn but difficult to master,” says Hines.

A lot of friendships have been made by people in the club through their time on the court.

“It’s surprising—the sport is 70 years old, and it still has tremendous growth,” says Mike Netherclift, club board member.

Ocala Pickleball member Mike Netherclift returns a shot at the John R. Hunt Pickleball Courts at Coehadjoe Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Ocala Pickleball Club member John Cline returns a shot with Steve Hines moves toward the kitchen line. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Coehadjoe Park is home to the John. R. Hunt Pickleball courts. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

The club welcomes new players and provides opportunities for those looking to improve their game or who wish to become involved with the sport.

“We do lessons here twice a week—Tuesday and Thursday mornings,” says Artie Alwine, a club board member and instructor. “The lessons are two hours long, or players can play as long as they want. The cost is $5 a lesson. We have a beginners’ group, and then there’s a more advanced group.”

The sport’s popularity is evident, with all eight courts at the park bustling with activity as early as 7:30 a.m. Players keep the games going until the heat becomes too intense, then return in large numbers around 4:30 p.m., continuing to play until about 8 p.m.

The courts don’t require reservations—players can simply show up and join games with others, says Hines.

Pickleball’s accessibility, social nature, and widespread appeal have contributed to its growing popularity in Ocala and beyond, attracting players of all ages and skill levels.