In the landscape of recreational sports, pickleball has carved out its own spot across America, including Fishers. One national chain, Chicken N Pickle, plans to open pickleball facilities at Fishers District in the next year. The unique indoor-outdoor entertainment complex includes a restaurant and sports bar that boasts pickleball courts and yard games.
Leaders of another company are keeping things closer to home, opening a new business in the community where they already live and work.
Enter Screwball Paddles, a Fishers-based company that emerged in 2023 from the shared passion of three dedicated pickleball enthusiasts, Lilia Hutchinson, Paul Armstrong and Steve Gillig. Screwball’s tagline, “Quality pickleball paddles at an affordable price,” appeals to the increasing number of casual players of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are all Fishers residents who run our own businesses in marketing, manufacturing and sales,” Hutchinson says. “We wanted to have a ton of fun building a business that provides a great paddle at a reasonable price.”
The paddles can be bought on shopscrewball.com, and range from $70 for a single paddle to $200 for a set of high-level paddles that includes two balls and a padded bag. Customers can also buy pickleball-themed shirts that show off the humorous personality of Hutchinson, Armstrong and Gillig.
As pickleball continues to gain momentum globally, the team at Screwball is expanding its local growth by partnering with local pickleball clubs and negotiating with soon-to-open facilities to carry the Screwball brand. Fueling the driving force behind pickleball’s surge and growth is the social aspect.
“Anyone, no matter their age or talent level, can enjoy pickleball,” Hutchinson says. “We think pickleball is here to stay. The largest age group of players are ages 18 to 34, which is the demographic that Screwball is targeting.”
Hutchinson notes the paddles are for all ages, with grandparents getting out and competing against their grandchildren while having a great time.
“It’s such a great sport and the courts are separated into different levels of play,” Hutchinson says. “You can show up by yourself or with a friend and you’ll meet some new people. There are some great public parks in Fishers that have courts to get out and play on.”
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, grab a paddle, head to the nearest court and join the pickleball craze.
“It’s here to stay,” Hutchinson says.
Customers can shop for paddles at shopscrewball.com, and follow the store on Facebook and Instagram.
