Fannin County, Texas -- The pickleball craze is sweeping the U.S. and here in Fannin County courts can be found at Roy Floyd Community Center (Armory) and Family Life Center in Bonham, Savoy Elementary gym, Savoy City Park, old Windom High School, the Church of God in Lannius and there is even a private court in Windom.

Courts are set up Monday and Thursday evenings, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons.

There are two outdoor courts at the Savoy City Park that are available seven days a week. The city has nets, but the city offices are closed after 5:00 p.m. during the week and on weekends. Some players bring their own nets. The courts are not lighted so play is only during daylight.

You can often find two dozen players at Savoy and Lannuis in the evenings, and more than 40 have showed up at Savoy at times. Mornings usually have 12-15 players, although Saturdays at the Roy Floyd Community Center are busier.

Newer players are encouraged to build their confidence at the Family Life Center in Bonham, located at 200 W. 8th Street, before advancing to play at Roy Floyd Community Center. For information about Beginner Classes, contact Deana Taylor at Pbdkt@outlook.com

According to Wikipedia, advocates of the sport's growth say that pickleball is an activity that can provide exercise and social connections for players of all ages and skill levels. The regulation size of the court is 20 feet by 44 feet for both doubles and singles, the same size as a doubles badminton court. A line seven feet (2.1m) from the net is the non-volley line. Twenty-two feet (6.7 m) from the net, the baseline marks the outer boundary of the playing area. The area bounded by the non-volley line, the sidelines, and the net, including the lines, is known as the non-volley zone or "kitchen". The area between the non-volley line and the baseline is the service court. A center line divides the service court into left and right sides.

Fannin County Pickleball recently held a New Year Tournament. Last year, the group hosted tournaments in February, March, June, and October. For information about upcoming tournaments, contact Danny Henderson (Savoy Elementary principal), 903-814-8381, dannyhenderson1010@gmail.com.

Please visit the Fannin County Pickleball Facebook page for updates on open play, upcoming activities, and information.