Plaza Hotel & Casino hosting Nike Pickleball Camp, March 14-16

Offering 13 rooftop pickleball courts, the most of any Las Vegas resort, the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas will host a three-day Nike Pickleball Camp led by nationally-ranked professional pickleball player Rick Witsken, Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.

Open to players 18 years or older and at any skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), the weekend camp gives participants the option to attend one, two, or three days of pickleball lessons and play that are designed to address specific needs, increase knowledge of the game, and help improve play in a fun and friendly environment.

The Nike Pickleball Camp will be led by Rick Witsken, a top ranked senior pro and co-founder of the National Pickleball League (NPL). Previously world-ranked on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in both singles and doubles play and currently ranked #1 on the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Senior Pro Men’s standings, Witsken has won more than 100 senior and open pro medals and has served as director of over 50 camps. He currently hosts the “RipSken Pickleball” podcast and posts instructional videos online via the Midwest Pickleball club. He also founded the first public scholastic middle school pickleball team at Zionsville Middle School in Whitestown, Indiana.

The first day of the camp will focus on short and soft game skills, like dinks and drops. The second day highlights aggressive game skills, including drives, serves, returns, speed ups. The final day will culminate with strategy and positioning lessons.

All camp participants will receive a Nike Pickleball Camp t-shirt and prizes with their registration. They must bring their own pickleball paddle, athletic shoes, and water bottle. Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by camp staff so that their personal instructional needs can be addressed throughout the weekend. Participants are grouped by ability first then by age per the camp director’s discretion, and adjustments are made as needed during camp.