LTC de Klinkaert will host a free pickleball introductory tournament on Saturday, November 28, at its facility in Drunen, offering local residents a chance to experience the rapidly growing racquet sport.
The event, which is open to both members and non-members of the club, aims to introduce adults with little to no prior experience to the game. According to the club, the afternoon is designed to emphasize social interaction and movement rather than competitive performance.
Pickleball, which originated in the United States in 1965, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court than a standard tennis match using a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. Because the court dimensions are smaller and the equipment is relatively lightweight, the sport is often cited for its accessibility to a wide range of skill levels.
“Pickleball is a sport that you can learn surprisingly quickly,” said Coen van Gils, a municipal sports coach and pickleball ambassador at LTC de Klinkaert, according to reporting by heusden.nieuws.nl. “Within a short time, you are on the court together, playing fun rallies, and meeting new people.”
Tournament schedule at Steegerf
The event on November 28 is scheduled to begin at 14:45 local time with the arrival of participants. A 30-minute clinic will follow at 15:00, covering the fundamental rules and basic techniques of the sport. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice these skills on the club’s four outdoor courts before the tournament begins at 15:30.
The competition format will consist of doubles matches where participants rotate partners each round. This structure is intended to allow players to interact with different people throughout the afternoon. The event is limited to a maximum of 32 participants, and the club requires that all interested individuals register in advance by email.
Integration at the Drunen facility
LTC de Klinkaert, located at Steegerf 6, has expanded its offerings to include pickleball alongside its existing tennis and padel programs. By utilizing its four outdoor courts, the association aims to provide a dedicated space for new players to engage with the game.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude at 17:30. Participants are encouraged to arrive with a sporting mindset, as the club has said that no prior experience or professional equipment is required to take part in the session.
Worth a look
