pickelball in prison
pickelball in prison
PICKLEBALL IN PRISON™ is a feature-length documentary following Roger BelAir—a retired businessman who is quietly carrying a game and a set of rules into some of the hardest places in America. What started as a single letter to a Chicago prison warden has become a growing movement: Roger has brought pickleball to 24 prisons across six states and now mentors volunteers to take it further.
Inside maximum-security yards like San Quentin and Folsom, the effect is immediate—and surprising. Men who would never speak on the street become doubles partners. Wardens step onto the court with lifers. For a few hours, the noise drops, the walls recede, and something like normal life returns.
This is a film about how a simple sport—played by clear rules, shared space, and mutual respect—can open a rare doorway to rehabilitation, human connection, and hope. One game at a time.
“ 95% of the people behind bars today will eventually be released. What kind of neighbors do you want them to be when they get out? ”
- Roger BelAir
“ In prison I’ve steered away from sports due to potential for conflict. I’m somebody who doesn’t like conflict and I would not play sports, but pickleball is perfect for me because there’s not a potential for conflict.”
- Jessie Milo
“ Pickleball helps build the rapport and kind of brings down the tension in these places, and it just makes things better for the staff and inmates. ”
- Correctional Officer P. De La Torre, SATF
“ It may be difficult for a staff member to step in face to face and have a discussion with an incarcerated guy. But I can stand shoulder to shoulder and play pickleball and have a discussion. that's, that's beneficial.”
- Warden Oak Smith, San Quentin State Prison