Pickleball
Welcome to Community Ed Pickleball!
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or building on your skills, pickleball is a wonderful way to move, learn, laugh, and connect with others.
Meet Your Instructor: Shannon Paul, M.Ed.
Instructor Shannon Paul, M.Ed. (center, in pink visor) poses with players at the Friendly House.
I love helping people discover pickleball and build confidence on the court!
We take an “I’m Learning,” judgment-free approach to pickleball in my classes. You don’t have to be a natural athlete or have previous racquet sport experience.
Our goal? Keep trying. Keep learning. Keep smiling.
All of Shannon’s classes are taught at Friendly House in NW Portland. Free on-street parking is available near Friendly House, come early to find a spot. Two accessible parking spaces are available near the front entrance.
What a student had to say:
“…I want to give a shout out to [instructor Shannon Paul] for teaching an exceptional class. I have more knowledge and confidence to go out and join a group pickleball open-play session. From the first few minutes, I really appreciate the happy, fun environment to learning the game and connecting a group of strangers through the process. She knows how to teach and bring people together.”
– Anne, PCC Community Ed Pickleball Student
Teaching Credentials:
- IPTPA Certified Level 1 Pickleball Instructor.
- Teaching pickleball in Portland since 2022, after establishing her private company with help from PCC SBDC.
- Helped establish PCC’s Community Ed pickleball program.
Which Class Is Right for Me?
Beginning/Introduction to Pickleball
- For new players or anyone wanting a refresher.
- Learn safety, rules, court positioning, etiquette, and basic strokes.
- Build confidence through instruction, practice, and gameplay.
- My specialty! I provide a solid foundation to explore the world of pickleball.
Intermediate/Advanced Pickleball
- For players comfortable with the basics and ready for more.
- Develop skills, strategy, and confidence through drills and gameplay.
- Recommended skill level: 2.5 or above as defined by USA Pickleball® rating guidelines.
You’re welcome to repeat either level. There’s always more to learn!
What Should I Bring?
- Paddle: Lightweight, non-wooden, non-aluminum.
- Balls: Bring three USAPickleball® approved indoor pickleballs (26 holes) on the first day of class, any color is fine.
- Shoes: Supportive indoor court shoes designed for side-to-side movement.
- Clothing: Comfortable athletic wear.
- Water: Stay hydrated!
Good court shoes are more important than an expensive paddle!
Good to Know
- These are instructional classes, not drop-in play sessions.
- Beginners should attend the first class to learn essential safety and foundational skills.
- If you have health, injury, or balance concerns, consult your healthcare provider before participating.
- PCC does not offer class waitlists. Check the schedule for registration openings.
A Little Pickleball Trivia!
- Is a pickleball faster or slower than a tennis ball?
- Which state made pickleball its official state sport in 2022?
- Does the name “pickleball” come from a dog named “Pickles?”
Scroll down for the answers!
Trivia Answers
- Slower! Pickleballs generally travel more slowly than tennis balls.
- Washington, where pickleball was invented in 1965.
- Joan Pritchard, wife of Joel Pritchard, a U.S. Congressman and co-inventor of pickleball, suggested the game be named after the “pickle boats” in crew, which is a ragtag crew made of leftover rowers.
Ready to Play?
Explore the PCC Community Ed pickleball schedule under “Racquet Sports” in the sports section of the current catalog.
See you on the court!
Shannon 🌼