Building Confidence & Character Through Pickleball in Tucson
Our Mission
At Ready Set Pickle, we’re on a mission to empower Tucson’s next generation through a program that’s equal parts movement, mentorship, and meaningful connection. Designed for kids in grades K–8, our afterschool initiative uses the sport of pickleball as a dynamic platform for character development, teamwork, conflict resolution, and personal discipline. We believe that kids grow best when they’re engaged in structured activities that teach real-world skills—and have a blast while doing it.
Our goal is simple: to help children become more confident, resilient, and respectful individuals by creating a space where fun meets purpose. Ready Set Pickle is not just about learning how to play a sport. It’s about learning how to show up—for yourself, your team, and your community.
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball is exploding in popularity for a reason—it’s inclusive, easy to learn, and genuinely fun. The sport’s low barrier to entry makes it ideal for young players: the paddles are light, the court is small, and the rules are simple. But beyond accessibility, pickleball is uniquely social. It demands communication, strategic thinking, and the kind of teamwork that easily translates into life outside of the game.
Unlike traditional team sports that can be intimidating for beginners, pickleball offers an encouraging environment where every child can participate, learn, and improve at their own pace. For kids, this means more opportunities to build confidence, work collaboratively, and stay active in a low-pressure, high-enjoyment setting.
How the Program Works
Ready Set Pickle is carefully designed with parents and schools in mind. It’s a high-impact, low-friction program that directly enriches places families already trust.
Weekly Sessions:
Each child participates in a one-hour session per week. These sessions run throughout the full school year, offering consistency and structure from fall through spring.
On-Site Locations:
We host our programs at select schools and community centers across Tucson, making it easy for kids to join right after class or from their neighborhood.
All-Inclusive Setup:
Parents don’t need to purchase or prepare anything—every session includes all the necessary pickleball equipment and materials.
Skill-Driven Curriculum:
Our curriculum isn’t just about athletic development. Each session blends physical activity with social-emotional learning through drills, partner games, and real-world team challenges.
Our coaches follow a consistent session structure that starts with warm-ups, progresses through age-appropriate skill development, and ends with friendly scrimmages and group reflections that tie the day’s lessons back to broader life skills.
Program Details
Locations: Hosted at participating elementary and middle schools, as well as trusted community centers throughout Tucson.
Age Groups: Open to all students in grades K–8, with groupings designed to ensure age-appropriate instruction and interaction.
Schedule: Programs are held once per week during afterschool hours and follow the local school calendar year.
Cost: We offer competitive and affordable pricing, with financial aid and scholarships available. Our goal is to ensure no family is turned away due to cost.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re a parent looking for a meaningful afterschool option, an educator aiming to enrich your school offerings, or a local resident ready to make a difference—we’d love to hear from you.