Inmates are Playing Pickleball in Prison. Here’s how it Started.
Pickleball has found its way into an unexpected setting: correctional facilities. Behind prison walls, the game has become a beacon of hope, offering inmates an outlet for physical activity, mental well-being, and community connection.
At 11 PICKLES, we believe in exploring how pickleball transcends its status as a sport to create meaningful change—and in prisons, that change is profound.
The Beginning: How Pickleball Entered Prisons
It all started with Roger BelAir, a retired banker turned pickleball evangelist. After watching a 60 Minutes episode highlighting the mental and physical toll of incarceration, BelAir approached correctional facilities with a simple idea: introduce pickleball as a tool for rehabilitation.
His first pilot program took place in Chicago’s Cook County Jail, where inmates immediately took to the game.
I saw how quickly they learned to collaborate and how it changed the atmosphere in the yard, said BelAir.
Today, his initiative has inspired programs in prisons across the country, making pickleball a staple activity in many facilities. Here’s how it’s helped:
- Building Teamwork and Communication: The doubles format requires players to work together, fostering skills like conflict resolution and collaboration. Inmates build trust through their shared goal of winning, encouraging teamwork and enhancing their interpersonal skills.
- Stress Relief and Mental Health: Physical activity has long been known to improve mental health, and pickleball is no exception. Inmates describe the game as a mental escape from the harsh realities of prison life. One participant at Connecticut’s MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution shared, “Pickleball helps me forget where I am, even if just for a little while.”
- Physical Fitness: The fast-paced yet accessible nature of pickleball makes it suitable for people of all fitness levels. Inmates can stay physically active, which not only improves their health but also keeps them engaged and energized. Even those dealing with injuries might wonder, can I play pickleball with a torn meniscus? The answer is often yes—with the right precautions and modifications, pickleball can still be an inclusive activity. Proper footwear can make a big difference when playing through injuries. Check out our guide on the best sneakers for pickleball to ensure you’re wearing shoes that offer support, stability, and injury prevention on the court.
- Reduction in Violence: Wardens have reported a decrease in violence and improved morale in facilities where pickleball programs have been introduced. The game provides a structured environment where inmates can focus their energy, helping to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts.
Why Pickleball Works as a Rehabilitation Activity in Prisons
The simplicity of pickleball makes it an ideal activity for correctional facilities. Here’s why:
- Accessibility: Pickleball doesn’t require expensive equipment or a massive space, which makes it feasible to implement in prison yards or gyms.
- Inclusivity: People of all ages and fitness levels can participate, leveling the playing field and creating opportunities for connection.
- Structure and Discipline: The sport teaches respect, patience, and strategic thinking—skills that are transferable to life outside prison walls.
However, like any outdoor sport, pickleball can be affected by weather conditions, especially rain. This raises the question: Can you play pickleball in the rain? If you’re wondering about the risks and best practices for playing in wet conditions, check out our guide on how rain impacts gameplay, safety precautions, and how different surfaces react to moisture.
Programs Bringing Pickleball to Prisons
Several initiatives are actively introducing pickleball to correctional facilities, aiming to enhance inmates’ physical and mental well-being while fostering a sense of community. These programs provide equipment, training, and guidance to integrate pickleball into prison systems, often with the help of volunteers, coaches, and even former inmates. Here's a look at some leading efforts:
Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities League (PICL)
PICL is a pioneering organization dedicated to bringing pickleball into prisons and jails nationwide. The league offers training, resources, and equipment to correctional facilities, emphasizing the sport's rehabilitative potential. Their programs are tailored to foster a sense of community, reduce tension among inmates, and promote physical fitness. By partnering with local volunteers, PICL ensures the sustainable integration of pickleball into correctional environments.
Roger BelAir's Programs
Roger BelAir has been a trailblazer in promoting pickleball as a rehabilitative activity within prisons. Inspired by its simplicity and team-building nature, BelAir’s programs aim to bridge divides among inmates and encourage respect and cooperation. His efforts have been credited with reducing conflicts and improving social dynamics in participating facilities, showcasing how pickleball can transform even the most challenging environments.
Connecticut's Pickleball Initiative
Connecticut has become a model for integrating pickleball into prison recreation programs. Since 2017, the initiative has expanded to more than half of the state’s correctional facilities. The program is celebrated for its success in improving inmates' mental health and physical fitness, while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It highlights how state-level adoption can bring structured recreational activities to scale.
Last Prisoner Project Collaboration
The Last Prisoner Project collaborates with PICL to amplify the impact of pickleball in correctional settings. This partnership focuses on ensuring that inmates have access to the necessary resources and support to benefit from the sport. By emphasizing physical and mental health benefits, they aim to make pickleball a meaningful part of rehabilitation, helping inmates build skills and confidence that extend beyond prison walls.
These initiatives showcase how pickleball is far more than just a game—it’s a tool for personal transformation. Looking for the perfect gift for a pickleball enthusiast in your life? Check out our list of the best gifts for pickleball players to find gear, accessories, and thoughtful items for anyone who loves the game—whether they play recreationally or as part of a rehabilitation program. Through programs like these, inmates are given a chance to build discipline, foster community, and prepare for life after incarceration, proving that even behind bars, a little bit of pickleball can go a long way.
More Pickleball = Less Crime
Filmmaker Daniel Ostroff is currently producing Pickleball in Prison, a documentary exploring the sport’s impact on inmates. Ostroff’s tagline, "More Pickleball = Less Crime", encapsulates how the sport fosters not only personal growth but also societal benefits, particularly in reducing recidivism.
Ostroff credits Roger BelAir’s efforts, noting, "Pickleball helps bridge the gap between serving time and preparing for life outside." For many, the sport is more than a pastime—it’s a stepping stone to reintegration into society, helping inmates develop skills that extend far beyond the court.
Pickleball as a Game of Second Chances
From fostering discipline to promoting mental health, pickleball is proving to be much more than just a sport—it’s a tool for transformation. For inmates, it represents a chance to escape the confines of their circumstances, even if just for a moment, and envision a better future.
At 11 PICKLES, we’re inspired by these stories of resilience and change. Whether it’s in your local park or a prison yard, pickleball continues to show its power to connect and uplift, providing individuals with a fresh start and a brighter future.
