If you are looking to begin playing pickleball, especially if you do not have a sports background, you may wonder what steps you need to get started. There are a number of ways to get started in pickleball, here are some tips:
Watch pickleball videos
Before you start looking for actual pickleball to play, you should attempt to watch at least a few videos. In the very beginning, you should watch videos about:
After you have become acquainted with the game, you can start to research how to find pickleball near you, including courts, league, open play, other players, and coaches.
As a beginner pickleball player, it can be very intimidating to show up to what seems like an established league, court, or open play, but by having the basic knowledge of pickleball, it will help you feel more comfortable.
Pickleball courts near you
Pickleball has seen dramatic growth in the last few years, and so there is a good chance you have some pickleball courts near you. These can be indoors, outdoors, publicly owned, or privately owned.
Privately-owned and publicly-owned courts will usually have a number of different types of pickleball play, including:
- Private court rentals.
- Pickleball leagues.
- Pickleball open play.
- Pickleball lessons.
Most courts use some sort of software where you can sign up for your leagues, but when you’re brand new, do not be afraid to reach out to the court manager. They can guide you through their facility, your skill level, and the best ways to get started.
Find all the pickleball courts near you.
Local pickleball leagues
Both public and private courts will usually do local pickleball leagues, but they may do it in different ways. Private court leagues will be run by the court owner, while public court leagues will usually be organized by your local parks & recreation department.
The best way to find local pickleball leagues is to find local courts and search their leagues. Many pickleball venues will have leagues ranging from beginner to expert. When you join a beginner pickleball league, most of the other players will be in the same pickleball boat as you, which should make you feel more comfortable. You will receive some instruction before you start, but there will also be people there to continually guide you.
Pickleball open play near you
Pickleball open play is probably the most common form of pickleball you can join. Open play happens at both public and private courts, and oftentimes is done by skill level (beginner open play vs. intermediate open play vs. advanced open play).
Open play can be done with many different play types (how the players rotate), including King of the Court, Round Robin, etc.). If you want to show up to open play, there are a number of different apps to help organize your players. Check out the PlayMore app for guidance.
Find a pickleball coach
A great way to begin playing pickleball, learning the rules, and meeting new people, is to sign up for pickleball lessons. So many towns now have at least a few pickleball coaches, and there are also places you can travel specifically for pickleball lessons or clinics.
Finding a pickleball coach near you can also help you learn everything about your local pickleball community and can introduce you to people you need to know to get invited to leagues and open play.
Pickleball lessons and drilling are going to be one of the best ways to get better at pickleball, so finding a coach — even as a beginner — is going to help you move up more quickly.
Find a pickleball coach near you.
Watch more pickleball videos
Now that you have a grasp on the basics of pickleball — as well as pickleball courts, leagues, open play, and coaches near you — you should continue your journey off the pickleball court as well.
YouTube has thousands (if not millions) of videos teaching every aspect of pickleball. You can find lessons to get better at pickleball, court etiquette, and how to improve your skill level (from 3.0 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4.0, etc.). There is a good chance you will become as obsessed with pickleball as other players are, and watching videos is a great way to improve your skills when you are not at practice or a game.
Watch our pickleball lesson & drill videos here.
Schedule your own pickleball
If you have no organized pickleball near you, you can always schedule your own pickleball play. To do this, you will either need a public court or a reservable private court.
Apps like PlayMore can help you schedule your own pickleball play, invite friends, and set up a play schedule.