Silver Spring, MD · Ages 6–16
Youth pickleball in Silver Spring, MD — Next Gen Academy.
Silver Spring families have trained with us at Odessa Shannon Middle School in past seasons. This season's group sessions for kids 6–16 run on weekend evenings at Earle B. Wood Middle School in Rockville — an easy ride up Layhill or Norbeck from north Silver Spring — and Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda. Start with a free 30-minute evaluation.
Where We Play
For families in Silver Spring and across MoCo.
From most of Silver Spring, Wood MS on Bauer Drive is the closer weekend venue; down-county families may find the Bethesda Sundays easier. We've run Silver Spring evenings before — if your family wants sessions back on this side of the county, the crew-interest form is how that happens.
Sessions run on reserved Montgomery County Public Schools courts and the venue lineup changes seasonally. Check the schedule for the current week, or book a free evaluation and we’ll confirm the venue when we schedule.
Silver Spring families train with the East-County Cluster.
East-County families training with intent — a clear pathway from first paddle touch through Fall school-team tryouts.
See what East-County Cluster families get →The Pathway
The Red → Yellow Ball pathway.
We follow USA Pickleball’s official youth progression — a proven system of color-coded balls with reduced bounce that meet a child where they are. Every child is placed by skill during a free evaluation, not age alone. Group sessions welcome all four levels — Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow — each on its own court, with private lessons available at any level for kids who want to fast-track with 1:1 coaching.
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.
What MoCo parents are saying.
My daughter went from never holding a paddle to asking to practice every day. The private lessons got her rallying, and now she's thriving in group sessions.
— Parent of a Next Gen player
We tried the free trial on a whim and now both our kids are in the program. Best decision we made this year.
— Parent of two Next Gen players
Parent FAQ
Silver Spring parent FAQ.
Have you run sessions in Silver Spring?
Yes — past seasons included weekly evenings at Odessa Shannon Middle School in Silver Spring. This season's group sessions run at Earle B. Wood MS in Rockville and Walter Johnson HS in Bethesda; check the schedule page for current slots, and use the crew-interest form if you'd like Silver Spring sessions back.
What ages do you accept?
We coach kids ages 6–16. Group sessions run at every ball color — Red Ball (pre-rally), Orange Ball (building), Green Ball (10+), and Yellow Ball (12+, tournament track) — each on its own court. Private lessons are available at any level for kids who want to fast-track with 1:1 coaching.
How much do youth pickleball lessons cost at Next Gen?
Group classes are $20 per 1-hour slot, drop-in. No subscription and no commitment — you pay for each slot you attend. Courts stay small on purpose, so every kid gets real reps and real feedback. Registrations are non-refundable unless we cancel — if we call off a session for weather or any other reason, you get an automatic full refund. The 30-minute evaluation is always free. Private lesson rates are quoted after the evaluation based on what your child needs.
Is pickleball safe for kids?
Yes. Pickleball is one of the safest racket sports for children: the court is smaller than tennis, the paddle is lightweight, and the ball moves at lower speeds than a tennis ball. USA Pickleball’s official youth progression uses color-coded balls (Red, Orange, Green, Yellow) with reduced bounce and compression so kids learn proper technique before the game speeds up. Our coaches are trained in youth-appropriate drills, warmups, and game formats.
Which Montgomery County towns do you serve?
We serve families across Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Derwood, Aspen Hill, and most of the DMV. Sessions rotate seasonally between Montgomery County courts — reach out for the current location.
Questions? Call or text Sam at 301-325-4731.
Free 30-min Evaluation
Book your free evaluation.
We’ll call or text within 24 hours to schedule.