Potomac, MD · Ages 6–16
Youth pickleball in Potomac, MD — Next Gen Academy.
For Potomac families, the 2026 fall season at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda is for Green Ball and Yellow Ball. Registration covers the full season, paid up front. New players or families looking for Red or Orange Ball can start with a free 30-minute evaluation or a private lesson; each program lists its ages and levels.
Where We Play
For families in Potomac and across MoCo.
Walter Johnson High School (6400 Rock Spring Dr, Bethesda) hosts the September 20 – November 8, 2026 season. Earlier Earle B. Wood Middle School sessions and Gaithersburg summer camps are past programs. Check the fall listing for current availability and the schedule for separately listed drop-ins. Coach Sam confirms the court for evaluations and private lessons.
Fall season detailsEach program listing names its venue, ages, levels and registration details. Seasons and partner classes have their own terms. Check the schedule for the current week, or book a free evaluation and we’ll confirm the venue when we schedule.
Interested in a Mid-County Cluster program?
Join the interest list for a proposed Mid-County program. Courts, dates, ages and levels will be confirmed before registration opens.
Explore the Mid-County Cluster interest list →The Pathway
The Red → Yellow Ball pathway.
Your child progresses through NGA’s Red, Orange, Green and Yellow Ball pathway as their skills develop. A free evaluation helps us recommend a next step within the program’s age requirements. Check each listing for its available levels, group size and current dates. Private lessons are available at any level.
Red Ball · Ages 6+
New to the court? Start here.
Foam-ball group sessions that build the rally, footwork, and consistency from day one — your own court at your level. Private lessons are available to fast-track kids who want extra 1:1 reps.
Orange Ball · Ages 6+
Rallying and ready to grow.
Group sessions on rules mastery, sustained rallying, and full-court movement — the bridge to Green Ball. Private lessons available anytime a child wants extra 1:1 time.
Green Ball · Ages 10+
Strategy meets competition. Partnerships form.
Shot selection, court positioning, doubles teamwork.
Yellow Ball · Ages 12+
Coach-curated competitive groups. The pathway to tournament play.
Small groups of 3–5 athletes, custom scheduling, focused prep.
Parent FAQ
Potomac parent FAQ.
Where can Potomac families join a season?
The 2026 fall season at Walter Johnson High School is in Bethesda, for Green Ball and Yellow Ball, September 20 – November 8, 2026. It is a full season, paid up front, rather than weekly drop-in registration. Check /fall for current availability and terms. Coach Sam confirms the time and court for evaluations or private lessons.
What ages do you accept?
We coach kids ages 6–16 across the Red, Orange, Green and Yellow Ball pathway. Each program listing gives its ages and levels; partner classes can have a narrower age range. Your child's skills help us find the right fit within that program's eligibility. Private lessons are available at any level for extra 1:1 coaching.
How much do youth pickleball lessons cost at Next Gen?
Start with a free 30-minute evaluation to find your child's level and a program that fits. Drop-in sessions are single bookings when listed, with the rate shown at checkout before you pay. Six-week season blocks are $225 per player, paid up front, and summer camp is $50 a morning or $150 for the full week. The Pickl Park sets and shows the price for the Saturday league we coach in Frederick, and MVF classes are priced on MVF's own registration portal. Private lessons are $75 for the hour, and semi-private and small-group lessons are $40 per player for the hour. Request a lesson time first; Coach Sam confirms before sending an invoice. Check each program's cancellation terms before you register.
Is pickleball safe for kids?
Your child's session should fit their age and skill level. NGA coaches use youth-appropriate drills, warm-ups and game formats. Check the program listing for its group size and equipment details. If you're unsure which starting point fits, ask Coach Sam about your child's program options.
Which Montgomery County towns do you serve?
Families across Montgomery County can explore our programs, including Bethesda seasons and MVF classes in Montgomery Village. Your home town may be different from the program's venue: check each listing for dates, ages, levels and registration details. For evaluations or private lessons, share the area and days that work for you; Coach Sam confirms the time and court. Our county guide links to local information for Bethesda, North Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring and Olney. Frederick families can see the separate guide to The Pickl Park.
Questions? Call or text Sam at 301-325-4731.
Free 30-min Evaluation
Arrange your free evaluation.
Text Coach Sam to find a time and court for your family.
Let’s find a time to play.
Text Coach Sam to arrange your child’s free 30-minute evaluation. Share the days that work for your family and your preferred area. We’ll agree on the time and court by text.
Text to schedule a free evaluation301-325-4731
Ages 6–16. All equipment provided. No cost, no commitment.