In 2025, a cooperation between AHS Theodor Kramer and the Pickleball Federation Austria (PFA) was launched. With the support of PFA partner ProKennex, nets, paddles (pickleball rackets) and balls were provided to AHS Theodor Kramer in Vienna’s 22nd district in order to integrate pickleball into regular physical education classes.
Permanent pickleball court markings are planned for both the indoor sports hall and the school’s outdoor facilities as early as 2026. PFA President Peter Robic and Media Officer Alexander Rieck introduced the physical education teachers on site to the fundamentals of pickleball and demonstrated practical game formats adapted for school sports.
The Pickleball Federation Austria is strongly committed to school sports, aiming to promote physical activity, create new access points to sport, and introduce children and young people to a modern, easy-to-learn racket sport. Following the initiative of certified pickleball instructor (Übungsleiter) Robert Steinböck, pickleball has also been successfully integrated into physical education at the Sports Middle School Schwanenstadt in Upper Austria.
Schools interested in introducing pickleball are invited to contact the Pickleball Federation Austria via email: we@playpickleball.at.
Why Pickleball Is Ideal for Schools
Pickleball is an extremely accessible sport and offers exactly the characteristics that make it particularly attractive for use in schools:
- Low entry barrier: First rallies are possible within 5–10 minutes
- High fun factor: Quick success motivates even less sport-oriented students
- Safe sport: Lightweight paddles, slower ball speed and a compact court
- Inclusive and age-independent: Suitable for children, teenagers and adults of all ages
- Low space requirements: Ideal for gyms and outdoor facilities – especially where badminton courts already exist
- Development of key skills: Reaction, coordination, teamwork and game intelligence
Added Value for Schools
- Pickleball stations at sports festivals, project days or school events
- Afternoon programs offered by clubs with courses tailored for students
- Positioning the school as a pioneer in modern school sports
Basic Pickleball Rules
- Serve diagonally and below the waist
- Double Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before volleys are allowed
- No volleys in the Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone, extending approximately 2 meters from the net)
Driving Forces
This cooperation was initiated by senior national team player Helmut Hübsch, who established the initial contact with Wolfgang Moser. The Pickleball Federation Austria would like to sincerely thank Wolfgang Moser for his strong commitment and support in bringing this project to life. Thanks to the strong partnership between the Pickleball Federation Austria and ProKennex, numerous children and young people have already been introduced to the sport. In 2025, ProKennex also supported the 3rd Austrian Pickleball Youth Championships in Schwechat (read more here).
Peter Robic, President of the Pickleball Federation Austria, summarizes the initiative: “Our goal is to establish pickleball sustainably in schools – as a modern, motivating and easily accessible sport for all students. This cooperation has the potential to become a true success story.”
