How to be a Good Guest at Open Play
When Joyce and I visit our daughter at college, we’ll drop in to open play at the local indoor facility near her school. It seems like it never gets easier. Dropping into open play on unfamiliar courts while traveling can be one of the most fun, and nerve‑wracking, parts of a pickleball trip.
Do it well and you’ll meet new partners, get quality matches, and maybe score a future court invite. Do it poorly and you’ll learn local etiquette the hard way. Here’s a practical, friendly playbook to make a smooth entrance.
Do your homework first
Search ahead: local clubs, community centers, and Meetup groups often post open‑play times. Look for reservation systems (CourtReserve, PlayTime) or Facebook groups.
Read the room: recent photos and posts tell you whether the vibe skews casual, competitive, or league‑level.
Arrive early and observe
Get there 15–20 minutes before start time. Watch how rotations work, how warmups look, and whether players use timers or a winners‑stay format.
Note house rules: footwear, warmup limits, court fees, or rules/policy signs.
Warm up quietly and smart
Warm up on an empty court if available, or off to the side. Keep warmups short and court‑friendly, nobody wants an extended solo rally on the next‑in court.
Use your paddle, or write your name to mark your spot in line if that’s normal there.
Introduce yourself and ask the system
When a lull occurs, step up and say hi: “Hey, I’m Eric, visiting from New York? What’s the rotation?” That line shows respect and gets you the rules quickly.
If they run a list/queue, add your name; if they use rotation, confirm the format (winners‑stay, timed games, etc.).
Be modest, be ready
Don’t push to play #1 if you’re clearly outmatched. Offer to rotate in as sub/next‑on so you earn your spot.
Be ready to play when it’s your turn, quick warmups on open courts prevent slow starts. And don’t assume anything. One time Joyce and I walked on the court to play against a woman in her 70’s with two knee braces, a long skirt and a wide sun hat. We thought we’d be nice and “take it easy on her”. She destroyed us!
Mind the etiquette
Call lines clearly only if you’re confident; if unsure, give the benefit of the doubt or call “let’s replay” for honest disputes.Pack out trash, return balls, and be courteous to court staff.
Communicate and adapt
Use subtle cues with partners (nods, brief line calls). If the group is noisy or fast, match the energy; if it’s social, tone it down.
Leave on good terms
Thank the group when you leave, offer to swap contact info if you’d like a future game, and consider posting a thank‑you in the club’s group. A polite departure seeds future invites.
Final tip: treat every drop‑in as a short lesson in local culture. Be respectful, be adaptable, and you’ll turn random courts into regular stops on future trips.
