THE TENNIS AND FITNESS CENTRE

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Laurie Berggren, fitness director of The Tennis and Fitness Centre of Oak Park & River Forest, said lessons, league play and open play is available for pickleball at the TFC. "Learn to play" level 1 at TFC introduces players to basic shots and technical aspects of the game, Laurie said, while level 2 teaches the tactical side of pickleball and allows players to gain experience. "Skills & Drills" classes are for advanced beginners or intermediate players. Certified pickleball pros also offer group and private classes through the TFC. Pickleball leagues, which track standings and are slightly more competitive, at the TFC are typically nine weeks long and meet weekly. The tournaments usually have seasonally festive prizes and goodie bags, Laurie said, and are more for fun. While pickleball is available year-round at the TFC, people tend to play outside more in warmer weather, Laurie said. "The Oak Park area is a hub with a lot of strong players," Laurie said. Laurie and her husband, Steve, said one of their goals is to have pickleball appeal to adults with varying intellectual and physical needs. They'd like to partner with Special Olympics someday, she said. "It [pickleball] is catching on like wildfire, we can't offer enough," Laurie said. "People want more, they are begging for more."