How to Plan the Best Pickleball Vacation in Southwest Michigan

If you are among the nearly 50 million pickleball players in the United States, you’re part of a phenomenon sweeping the nation. For three years running, pickleball has claimed the title of the fastest-growing sport in the country (a 223% surge overall!) — and now ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing sports globally! As a proud “picklehead,” you want to swing your paddle every chance you get — and you can in Southwest Michigan all four seasons.

We caught up with two of Southwest Michigan’s most passionate picklers, Mike Goodrich and Sonny Pusey, to bring you insider tips and advice on making pickleball the highlight of your visit. Here’s what they had to say.

About Mike and Sonny

Both men are avid tennis players and experienced coaches. Mike made Southwest Michigan his home in 2006, while Sonny followed in 2017. Mike caught pickleball fever eight years ago and didn’t just play for fun — he started competing in tournaments at age 75! Sonny picked up a paddle seven years ago and now it’s a family sport. 

In 2020, these two were among the six men to start the St. Joseph High School Pickleball Group. In just four years, the group has burgeoned to over 800 men, women, and youth, and it’s still growing!

What is pickleball?

For those not familiar with the sport, it combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Here’s a quick overview:

When did pickleball start?

In 1965, two Seattle-area businessmen invented a new racquet game on an asphalt badminton court, using ping-pong paddles, a perforated ball, and a net set at 60 inches. The following weekend, they invited Barney McCallum to play. They lowered the net to 36 inches and developed the rules that had one thing in mind — create a game kids, parents, and grandparents alike — could enjoy together. 

What are pickleball basics?

Court Size: 20 x 44 feet — about the size of a badminton court

Net Height: 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches at the middle

Equipment: Besides a net, each player uses a paddle larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racquet. You play the game using a plastic ball that has holes, similar to a wiffle ball. Players typically wear tennis shoes and comfortable activewear clothing.

Singles or Doubles: The game can be played one-on-one or in teams of two.

Game Length: Depending on the skill levels of the players, a casual game can last 15 to 30 minutes; more competitive games can go 45 minutes or longer!

Points to Win: Normally pickleball players play to 11 points, however, the leading team must win by 2 points. 

Why should people take up pickleball? 

Mike and Sonny: 

First, pickleball stays true to its original mission: it’s a sport for the whole family. Players of all ages, from 6 to 100, enjoy the game — and we’ve seen players well into their 90s slamming balls on our courts. Everyone’s welcome!

Second, there are health benefits. Staying physically active is a key to longevity and pickleball is a fun way to keep you moving. It is less strenuous than tennis, with less running, but still gives you a good workout. Beyond physical health, the game reduces stress and feelings of isolation. 

Third, this is a wonderfully social sport. Whether you play with men, women, or a mixed group, the focus is on fellowship. Typically, you are on a first-name basis, and conversations stay light — there’s no room for divisive topics like politics, religion, job title,s or economic status. You’ll gain a whole new social circle.

Unlike tennis, pickleball brings players closer together on the court, both physically and socially. There’s plenty of joking around, cheering, and good-natured banter. In all the years we’ve played, we can count on one hand the times someone got upset over a call or displayed poor sportsmanship. Pickleball lifts your spirits — you’ll feel great both during and after the game.

Fourth, it’s easy to learn. But a word of warning, once you start playing it’s hard to stop! 

What’s the best way to learn how to play pickleball?

Sonny: 

• The best way to learn is to watch people play. Head to our outdoor courts like those at St. Joseph High School or the indoor courts at South Shore Health and Racquet Club. It will help you understand how the game flows. 
• Another great resource is YouTube. Some videos cover the basics of pickleball, including rules, practice tips, and strategies to improve your game. 
• Once you start playing, you will find pickleball players are very friendly and many are willing to help beginners understand the rules. Bring a paddle, a ball and, if possible, a net. While many courts already have nets set up, it’s a good idea to have one with you just in case.

Mike:  

• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced players. 
• There is a myth that the best way to learn is by playing. But like most sports, the effective way to improve your skills is by doing drills and practice, practice, practice.
• Once a week, from April to October, we typically offer free skill-building drills for an hour on Tuesday mornings. Meet at the outdoor courts at St. Joseph High School, 2521 Stadium Drive. We also try to offer youth clinics. Before visiting, download the TeamReach app from the App Store to your mobile phone. Use the group code 2521 to see the St Joseph High School Pickleball schedule for drill sessions and open play. For more information, contact me at mjgoodr3@aol.com.
• South Shore Health and Racquet Club offers private sessions for members and guests. 

Where can I play pickleball in Southwest Michigan?

Mike and Sonny: 

Outdoor Courts

• Berrien Springs High School | 16 courts (2 lined on each of 8 tennis courts) | BYO net and equipment | no fee
• Carronde Park, St. Joseph Township |  4 courts.
• Coloma High School | 8 courts; permanent lines; portable nets available | No fee
• Lincoln Charter Township Community Center, Stevensville | 4 courts; permanent lines and nets | No fee
• New Buffalo High School | 6 courts; permanent lines and nets | No fee
• Plym Park, Niles | 10 courts; permanent lines and nets | No fee
• South Firemen’s Park, Niles Charter Township| 6 courts; permanent lines and nets | No fee
• Saint Joseph High School Pickleball Courts | 12 lined pickleball courts on 6 tennis courts; BYO nets and equipment | No fee

Indoor Courts

• Benton Harbor/St. Joseph YMCA, St. Joseph | 3 courts; permanent lines; portable nets available | membership or guest pass
• Golf View Rec Center, Niles | 4 wood courts; permanent lines; portable nets available | daily fee or multi-visit pass
• Niles/Buchanan YMCA, Niles | 2 courts; permanent lines; portable nets available | membership or guest pass
• Redbud Fitness & Lifestyle Center, Buchanan | 3 courts, permanent lines and nets | membership or guest pass
• Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, Berrien Springs | 2 lined courts | open play, 5 to 7 p.m. | nets available | no fee
• South Shore Health and Racquet Club, St. Joseph | 8 courts; permanent lines and nets | membership or guest pass 

Where can I rent, borrow, or buy pickleball equipment in Southwest Michigan?

Sonny: 

South Shore Health and Racquet Club and the YMCAs in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph and Niles/Buchanan have nets, paddles, and balls you can borrow on a first-come basis. However, they are used or demo-quality so there are advantages to bringing your own equipment. 

You can buy equipment directly from two renowned Southwest Michigan pickleball paddle manufacturers, Paddletek in Niles and TMPR in Buchanan. Or visit Dunham’s Sports in Benton Harbor. 

What is local pickleball etiquette? 

Sonny: At this time we are not limiting open play on the St. Joseph High School courts, but check at other community courts for posted time limits. Indoor sites have set days and times, many requiring reservations. 

Otherwise, across Southwest Michigan our local etiquette is simple: be nice, not yelling, and respect each other’s space. 

Are there pickleball tournaments or round-robin events in Southwest Michigan?

Mike and Sonny: South Shore Health and Racquet Club offers tournaments. Check their calendar for upcoming events to play in or watch.

The St. Joseph High School Pickleball Club hosts weekly round robins throughout the summer and a large round-robin event (51 players) each Labor Day Weekend. Visitors are always welcome to sign up to play or to watch this fun event. 

What is the future of pickleball in Southwest Michigan?

Mike: Pickleball is going to keep growing and we anticipate more communities to build new courts. Our BIG dream is to build a large complex with 24 courts in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area where we can play for fun, offer trainers, and host regional tournaments and round robins. We want to include on-site restaurants or food trucks, shops, and more to make it a year-round attraction. If we build it, picklers will come! Anyone interested in seeing this complex become a reality, contact me at mjgoodr3@aol.com.

Fun Facts 

• Year-over-year growth: 111%
• Highest participation: South Atlantic region
• Core participants: 59% male vs 41% female
• Average age: 46
• Average income $86,000
• Over 1 million children under 18 participated in 2023
• 2024 Facility Increase: 2,962 were added, up 25% from 2023
• Total U.S. facilities: 15,043
• Facility make-up: Outdoor= 59%, Indoor=36%, I/O=5%
• # of Courts in the U.S.: 63,899
• Court makeup: Outdoor=67%, Indoor=33%

A recent report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and Pickleheads 

Plan your pickleball vacation now

You can find a hotel with the rates and amenities you want within a short drive of Southwest Michigan’s pickleball courts. Rooms fill up fast in the summer, so if you plan to visit then, request your dates early. Then put together a list of fun off-the-court activities. Take a craft beverage tasting tour on our Makers Trail, find entertainment at our Creative Connections, or check out more free or affordable things to do in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Discover reasons to come back and play pickleball every season! 

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