Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that is for all skill levels. It differs from tennis in several ways. Outside of the general rules, one of the more obvious differences is the equipment used to play. Pickleball uses lightweight paddles versus tennis where you use a large racket. Another difference is the type of balls that are used. Tennis uses rubber balls that travel a great distance whereas pickleball uses balls that are plastic and don’t bounce as high.
Another contrast to tennis is the court size. Tennis courts are typically 60’ wide and 120’ long, while pickleball courts are 20’ wide and 44’ long, similar to a badminton court. The size of the court does help make the sport more accessible to all ages since players don’t have to move further in the court to return a serve.
Some basic rules include that you must serve underhanded and the serve must land past The Kitchen which is the no-volley zone near the net. Once a player has served, it must bounce on both the serve and return. Only the serving team can earn points and you play until the first team scores 11 points. At first, the rules may seem confusing but once you get the swing of it you’ll be a pickleball pro in no time.
If you’re ready to pick up a paddle and play or want to start taking lessons, check out these places to play pickleball in Bossier Parish.
Cypress 3:16 Fieldhouse at Cypress Baptist Church
4703 Palmetto Rd, Benton, LA 71006
The 3:16 Fieldhouse at Cypress Baptist Church opened in March 2024 but people have been pickleballing since 2021. They have six courts in total. They are categorized as three for beginners and three for advanced. Players can bring their equipment or are welcome to borrow theirs. This is a free, recreational type play space where you can meet with several community members in the area.
“You play a game and sit a game so you can talk to people in between,” Brian Loe, Recreation Pastor at Cypress Baptist, said. “It’s a community sport. Anybody can play it. We have ladies that are 70 years old playing 16-year-olds.”
For those available to play during the day, their gym is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you are looking for a time in the evening, they are open Sunday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. All schedules are available at www.316fieldhouse.com.
Bellaire Pickleball at Bellaire Fitness Center
4330 Panther Dr, Bossier City, LA 71112
Bellaire Fitness Center is a great option for pickleballers in South Bossier. Bellaire Pickleball has four outdoor courts with shaded seating areas for resting between games or for any support you bring along.
Players do need to check in with their office before beginning play to reserve their court. They offer a variety of membership levels or individual reservation fees. You can pay at their desk or call ahead to reserve a court.
Their hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Shady Grove Community Center
3494 Wayne Ave, Bossier City, LA 71112
Shady Grove Community Center has one indoor wood court that is open for play from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. For more information about Shady Grove Community Center offerings, you can contact 318-741-8358.
Hooter Park in South Bossier
1519 Hooter St, Bossier City, LA 71112
Another great option for those playing pickleball in South Bossier is Hooter Park. They offer two indoor pickleball courts. There is no fee to play and players can play from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Barksdale Air Force Base
709 Langley Dr, Barksdale AFB, LA 71110
For those who have access to Barksdale Air Force Base, they have two outdoor courts that are free for guests to use. These courts are recreational style and open beginning at 4 p.m. You can contact Jack Varuso at 985-960-3944 for details. 
FB Sports at First Baptist Bossier
2810 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111
FB Sports at First Baptist Bossier has 4 outdoor courts. They are not currently available to the public but for those interested in playing, they can contact Mik Smith, Director of FB Sports Outreach, at 318-752-6130 for more details.
Grab a paddle and play pickleball in Bossier!