Pickleball Open Play
This is a casual, drop-in style format where players come together to enjoy matches without the constraints of formal tournaments or pre-arranged games. It’s a great opportunity for players to meet new opponents, practice their skills, and enjoy the social aspect of the game. Typically sessions are organized by local clubs, recreation centers, or community groups and are open to anyone who wants to participate.
If you know how to play pickleball but have always played with an organized group, this can be really fun to try. It is usually operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Games are short to ensure everyone has a chance to play. Players can rotate in and out of games, with winners staying on the court with new players cycling in, or just rotate after a game has finished with a new 4 moving in and the last 4 rotating out. This dynamic format keeps the action moving and ensures inclusivity for players of all levels.
Why we love open play for pickleball
Inclusive Format welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. This inclusivity creates a diverse and engaging environment.
Flexible Scheduling because it is often held multiple times a week, making it easy for players to fit games into their schedules. Some venues may even offer morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
Rotational System used where players form teams and take turns on the court. Matches are generally played to 11 points, and games are quick to allow for frequent rotations.
Casual Atmosphere, unlike tournaments, this is informal and relaxed. This allows players to focus on enjoyment rather than competition, though friendly rivalries and competitive spirit are always welcome.
Community Building where it fosters a sense of community among pickleball enthusiasts. It’s a place to connect with others, share tips, and build friendships. Especially with women playing pickleball (who work from home or are home with kids) it is a great way to meet friends with similar interests.
At the beginning of my playing journey this was how I played for quite some time to gain a bit of experience. My daughters and I weren’t any good but understood how the game worked and even though we were paired with players that were quite a bit better than us, they provided guidance and encouragement knowing we wanted to improve.
Benefits of Open Play
Skill Development: Playing with a variety of opponents exposes you to different playing styles, helping you improve your strategy, reflexes, and adaptability.
Increased Playtime: ensures more opportunities to get on the court compared to waiting for scheduled matches or tournaments.
Social Interaction: The social nature allows players to network, make friends, and enjoy the camaraderie of the pickleball community.
Health Benefits: Regular participation sessions promotes cardiovascular health, improves coordination, and enhances overall fitness.
Low Pressure: With no rankings or trophies on the line, players can experiment with new techniques and strategies in a stress-free environment. Yes you have to follow pickleball rules of course but you can relax a bit more.
Without the pressure of winning is helpful to try new things like a new serve you have been working on, skills like mastering the dink, having a better drive or smash. Most of the time it doesn’t matter who wins, everyone just rotates out when the game is done so you can have time without the fear of losing on the court.
How to Get Started
- Find a Venue: Search for local pickleball courts or clubs offering open play sessions. Websites like the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) or local social media groups can be excellent resources.
- Check the Schedule: Open play times vary by location. Make sure to verify the schedule and any specific rules or requirements.
- Bring the Right Gear: Wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes suitable for court sports. Bring your paddle and a few pickleballs, though some venues may provide equipment.
- Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with basic pickleball rules and etiquette to ensure smooth participation and enjoyable games.
- Introduce Yourself: Don’t be shy about meeting other players. Open play is designed to be welcoming, so introduce yourself and join in.
I met a lot of friends this way at the beginning. We exchanged numbers and then would text later and schedule games with one another to play, have fun and improve.
Tips
Arrive Early: Getting to the court early can help you secure a spot in the rotation and warm up before games begin.
Be Flexible: You may encounter players with varying skill levels. Embrace the challenge and use it as an opportunity to learn and adapt.
Communicate Clearly: Good communication with your partner is essential for successful gameplay. Call shots, discuss strategy, and encourage one another.
Follow the Rotation: Respect the rotational system to ensure fairness and equal playtime for everyone.
Practice Good Sportsmanship: Celebrate successes, stay positive, and be gracious in victory or defeat.
Ask for Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask more experienced players for tips or advice. Most pickleball enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge
Proper Etiquette
You should always Wait Your Turn: Respect the rotation and avoid skipping ahead. Keep Games Quick: Play to the agreed-upon point limit and avoid excessive delays. Be Inclusive: Encourage and welcome players of all skill levels. Share the Court: If there’s a high turnout, limit consecutive games to allow more people to participate. Clean Up: Leave the court clean and return any borrowed equipment.
Do you have to pay for open play?
That depends on where you are playing. If you show up to a public park then no there wouldn’t be a charge for that. At a gym you would need a membership or daily pass, and they may have organized times that they charge extra for but I haven’t experienced that. Typically there is no charge for this style of game play which is a nice time to try doubles, singles mixed, or finding new players at your same skill level to play with.
FAQ
If you want to organize your own open play session you can easily do so, you just need a court (or a few is better). Many parks are transitioning tennis courts to pickleball so you could use those, or your gym.
1. Find available times when courts are free
2. Advertise your event if desired, or reach out to a group of friends to invite to play on a date/time
3. Start with people filling in the available courts – 4 per for doubles
4. Have extra players wait at one end and hang their paddles, or stack in the order they arrive in
5. When one court has finished their game, pickleball players vacate that court and get in line allowing the first 4 waiting on the side with their paddles in a pile to fill that court and play
6. This rotation continues
You could except you would want to categorize courts by similar skills just to make things more fair. You could have a few for advanced players to show up and rotate in keeping track of who wins. They would stay and the only new players who rotate in would be new who are waiting. Once that game is over, the winning team would stay again until everyone has played one another and the winners would then be annoucned.
It is!! It’s a great way to make new friends and others who are at your level that you can then game play with later on too. Want to try mixed doubles but don’t have a partner? Show up to an open play session and try it this way. You typically can find low key games like this at parks with multiple courts available.
Typically in a gym they will designate a time frame and day that is open for anyone to come, but usually it is separated by levels. You will show up during the time appropriate to where you are (2.5-4.0 levels generally) and it is first come first serve. Courts will fill up with the players who show up first and extras will wait with their paddles hung in order they showed up. When a court is done playing those 4 will leave and the next 4 in line will take that court.
With its flexible format and emphasis on inclusivity, it’s no wonder that open play sessions have become a favorite among pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. So grab your paddle, head to the court, and experience the joy of open play for yourself!
