Walter Johnson youth pickleball: your fall season guide

Your player's Fall 2026 Bethesda program is a 6-Sunday season at Walter Johnson High School Tennis Courts, 6400 Rock Spring Dr, Bethesda, MD 20814. Each Green or Yellow Ball group gets 90 minutes of coached practice, then rotating-partner games. It is a season commitment, not a one-hour drop-in.

This guide explains the season plan. Use the current Bethesda season page linked below for cancellations, makeup dates, group availability and registration terms before heading to the court or paying.

Choose a group that fits your player

Green Ball: 1:00–2:30 PM ET; listed age 10+. Green develops shot selection, court positioning and doubles teamwork.

Yellow Ball: 2:30–4:00 PM ET; listed age 12+. Yellow is coach-curated and invite-only.

NGA serves ages 6–16 through Red, Orange, Green and Yellow Ball. That academy-wide pathway does not make every group open to every age or level. This season lists Green and Yellow; ask Coach Sam to confirm placement rather than choosing a group only for its time. An evaluation or private lesson can help a newer player find an appropriate starting point.

Season dates and payment

The original schedule was six Sundays, September 20 – October 25, 2026. These are not six remaining Sundays. Held makeup dates are Sun, Nov 1 and Sun, Nov 8, 2026; they replace cancelled sessions rather than add two extra paid sessions. Check the current season record for cancellations and makeup assignments.

The $225 full-season commitment is paid up front. This is the full-season price, not a late-start quote. If you are joining after the season starts, confirm the current group, remaining sessions, space and late-start payment terms with Coach Sam before paying.

Joining the substitute list is not a confirmed spot. Separate drop-ins and substitute opportunities have their own availability. Text Coach Sam at 301-325-4731 if you need help choosing the next step.

What your player practices

The season plan moves from coached practice into games with changing partners. Green builds fundamentals and teamwork; Yellow works on patterns for competitive play. You do not need to bring a fixed doubles partner.

On the ride home, ask one small question: What felt easier today? What did you try with a new partner? Recognizing a specific effort helps your player see progress alongside the score. Better than yesterday—together.

Before leaving home

Park in the school lot on the east side, by the tennis courts. Check the program email for meeting and pickup instructions; agree on the handoff with your coach.

Pack court shoes and water, plus your player's paddle if they have one. If you need to borrow equipment, confirm availability with Coach Sam beforehand.

Weather calls are made 2 hours before each group's start. Check the current season record, your group WhatsApp and cancellation email before travelling. Review the current season's weather, makeup and refund terms on the Bethesda season page.

Quick answers for parents

Can a new player join this group? Start with an evaluation or placement conversation. This season lists Green and Yellow; Red and Orange have their own appropriate program options.

Is every Sunday a drop-in? No. This listing is a season commitment. Check separately listed drop-ins or substitute opportunities for their own availability.

Is a makeup date an extra paid session? No. It is held to replace a cancelled date. The current season record shows which date it replaces.