Even if you've never heard of pickleball, chances are you've played something like it – with one part tennis, one part paddleball and another part badminton, the game with a funny name, though 45 years old, is catching on again.

Supposedly named after the originator's dog, pickleball has become an institution in retirement communities in the last 15 years or so.

Janice Pauly, a former physical education teacher at East Ridge Middle School who incorporated the game in her classes, has joined with Ridgefield Parks and Recreation to host a number of classes and free clinics this winter.

A free clinic with all equipment included will be held Thursday, Jan. 6 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Center and two more at Yanity Gym, both on Friday 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.

Parks and Recreation will also offer adult classes from Jan. 13 to March 10 – either Thursdays 7 p.m. to 8:30 at the Recreation Center or Fridays 9 a.m. to 10:30 at Yanity Gym. The program costs $56 for members of Parks and Rec. and $76 for non-members.

For those already part of the pickleball craze, drop-in games are available at Yanity Gym Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drop-in games will also be played at the Rec. Center Gym Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays 2:30 p.m. to 5.

These games are free for members, $5 for adults and $4 for seniors – all are encouraged to bring their own paddles.