After-SchoolPickleballThatKidsActuallyLove
A safe, coach-led program that builds real skills, lasting confidence, and a whole lot of fun -- for kids ages 7-13 across Bergen County.
What Every After-School Session Looks Like
Our proven four-step format keeps your child engaged, learning, and having a blast from start to finish.
Fun Warm-Up
Every session kicks off with high-energy, age-appropriate warm-ups that get your child moving, laughing, and ready to learn.
Skill of the Day
Our coaches introduce one focused technique per session -- from grip and ready position to dinks, volleys, and serve mechanics.
Practice Drills
Kids build confidence through engaging partner and group drills designed to turn new skills into muscle memory.
Game Play
Every session ends with real games so your child can apply what they learned in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Two Groups, One Goal: Fun + Growth
We keep ages 7-9 and 10-13 separate so every child gets the right level of challenge, encouragement, and instruction.
Junior Picklers
Shorter paddles, lower nets, and plenty of encouragement. This group focuses on building fundamental coordination, learning the basic rules, and -- most importantly -- falling in love with the sport. Activities are game-based so your child stays engaged the entire time.
- Foam and lightweight balls for safety
- Focus on hand-eye coordination and movement
- Positive reinforcement at every step
- Short, high-energy activity rotations
Rising Picklers
Ready for more challenge? This group digs into strategy, shot selection, court positioning, and real match play. Your child will develop the skills and competitive mindset to keep improving -- while still having a blast with their friends.
- Standard paddles and regulation balls
- Rally building, placement, and shot variety
- Introduction to doubles strategy and teamwork
- Mini-tournaments and friendly competition
Sample 60-Minute Session Breakdown
Here is what a typical after-school pickleball session looks like with Little Picklers.
Session times and duration may vary by school. We tailor every program to fit your school's after-school schedule.
All Equipment Provided -- Just Show Up and Play
Your child does not need to bring anything except sneakers and a smile. We handle the rest.
Maximum 8:1 Kid-to-Coach Ratio
Every session is led by certified, background-checked coaches with over 10 years of combined teaching experience and 3+ years specializing in youth pickleball. With a strict 8:1 ratio, your child gets the individual attention, encouragement, and supervision they deserve.
Background-Checked
Every coach passes a full background check before ever working with your child.
Certified Coaches
Our team holds coaching certifications and youth sports first-aid training.
100+ Kids Served
Trusted by families across Fort Lee, Tenafly, Englewood, and beyond in Bergen County.
What Your Child Takes Away
Pickleball is the vehicle. The real wins are the life skills your child builds along the way.
Pickleball Skills
Grip, stance, serves, returns, volleys, dinks, and court positioning -- your child builds real, transferable athletic ability session after session.
Focus & Discipline
Tracking the ball, reading opponents, and following game rules all sharpen your child's concentration and self-discipline in ways that carry into the classroom.
Teamwork & Sportsmanship
Doubles play, partner drills, and group challenges teach your child how to communicate, cooperate, and win (and lose) with grace.
Confidence & Resilience
Every rally won, every new skill mastered, and every encouraging high-five builds the kind of self-belief your child carries everywhere they go.
Program FAQs
Everything parents ask before their child joins Little Picklers.
Ready to Bring Pickleball to Your School?
Whether you are a parent, PTA member, or school administrator, we make it easy to launch an after-school pickleball program your kids will love.