JEAN SHEPHERD CENTER
DROP IN PLAY
2025 RATES
Drop-In sessions are the perfect opportunity to enjoy pickleball without the need for a long-term commitment. Open to players of all skill levels, drop-in sessions provide a flexible way to play, meet other enthusiasts, and improve your game. Simply come to our facility during designated times, join a court, and start playing. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, our welcoming environment and friendly community make it easy to jump in and enjoy the action. No registration is required—just show up, rent a paddle, and let the games begin!
WHEN
MONDAY-FRIDAY
12:00PM - 5:00PM
COST
$5
Hammond residents
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$15
Nonresidents
RULES
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Must have a signed waiver on file
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Eye protection recommended
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No drinks allowed on playing courts
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All players must have dry shoes
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Treat others with courtesy and respect
OFFICIAL HOME OF
219Pickleball is an organization dedicated to providing quality pickleball events that include competition at all levels! From leagues, tournaments, Friday night scrambles, clinics, and more; we are grateful to be contributing to the growth of the fastest growing sport in the world! Pickleball is for all people and ages; creating new friendships, community bonding, and promoting positive physical and mental health!
Courts - Availability
Open Play (selected times)
Allows participants to enter the facility and play pickleball with others who are using the courts.
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 12:00pm
5:00pm - 9:00pm
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​Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am 3:00pm
Cost: $10 entrance fee
Court Rental
Allows participants and groups to reserve a court for a specified time (per hour).
Cost: $40/hr.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is fun, social and friendly! It is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.
Players use paddles made of wood, graphite, or composites to hit a plastic ball with holes over a net. The ball is similar in size to a baseball, but denser and more durable.
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​Pickleball is a great way to exercise, meet new people, and have fun with friends and family. It's suitable for all ages and skill levels, and can be played indoors or outdoors.
The Pickleball Court
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen”).
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What is pickleball?Pickleball is a racquet sport played on a court with paddles and a ball. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, but is played on a court about 1/3 the size of a tennis court.
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What's so great about pickleball?Pickleball is a fun, low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is easy to learn and has only a few rules, but also offers room for improvement and strategy. This enjoyable and social sport is great for players of all abilities. It is also a fantastic way to exercise while truly having fun.
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How is pickleball different from tennis?Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis and with a lower net. The ball used in pickleball is made of lightweight plastic and has holes punched through it, making it slower and easier to control than a tennis ball. Pickleball is also played with solid paddles instead of strung rackets. In pickleball, the ball is served underhand, whereas tennis requires an overhand serve.
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How do you play pickleball?To play pickleball, two or four players hit a perforated ball over a net using paddles. The ball is served diagonally across the court and players try to rally the ball back and forth over the net, similar to tennis. Points are scored by the serving team when a player on the opposing team is unable to return the ball or hits it out of bounds, or commit another fault (like hitting it out of the air in the kitchen).
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What is the double bounce rule in pickleball?After the ball is served, it must bounce once on the receiving side and one on the return. This is why it's called the "double bounce rule," as it must bounce twice. After the return, players may hit the ball out of the air before it bounces on their side, as long as they are not standing in the kitchen (also called the non-volley zone).
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What is the ball used in pickleball?The ball used in pickleball is made of durable plastic and has holes punched through it. It is similar in size to a wiffle ball, but is slightly heavier. The ball is designed to fly slower and have less bounce than a tennis ball, making it easier for players to hit and control.
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How do you win at pickleball?The goal of pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and within the boundaries of the court, and to prevent your opponent from doing the same. The first player or team to reach 11 points and have a lead of at least two points wins the game.
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What do you need to start playing pickleball?To start playing pickleball, you will need a pickleball court, pickleball paddles, and a pickleball. You can play doubles pickleball (with two players per side) or singles pickleball (one player per side). Some players may also choose to wear athletic shoes and clothing, but there's nothing specific required.