Bibb County teachers learned a new fun and exciting lesson to take back to their students. Students will soon be learning how to play the world’s fastest growing sport, pickleball. 

On Wednesday, February 23, Physical Education (P.E.) teachers gathered at Tattnall Square Park Pickleball Center to learn the sport from our community’s experts and athletes. The goal is to have middle and high school students learn the basics of the game and use those skills to play on any court, at any level. Elementary school children will learn how to hold a paddle, get exercise, and work as a team. 

This game was created for younger people, and as its grown, we’ve seen a lot of older people coming to it and taking part. For us to help these coaches and teachers learn it, for them to pass it on to our young community members, this is really exciting for the future of the game here in Macon.” 

“As I realized how popular the sport is growing, it piqued my interest. Then I had some P.E. teachers ask and wanted to learn how to play pickleball to teach their students,” said Jena Derzi, Health & Physical Education Coordinator with the Bibb County School District. “We hope to receive equipment for students to start playing in their gym classes right away, or at least by the start of the school year in the fall.” 

“Pickleball is exploding as far as popularity and growth in our community, and Macon is on the leading edge of this pickleball wave that’s happening,” said Macon Pickleball Association President, Paul Midkiff. “Between the indoor courts coming to the Macon Mall, our fabulous courts at Tattnall Square Park, and the other outdoor places, we have facilities that can’t be rivaled anywhere in the U.S. or maybe even the world.” 

To learn more about pickleball and how you can get started, contact Macon Pickleball Association here.