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Looking to play pickleball but struggling to find courts near you? Finding a convenient spot to play can be challenging, but with some helpful tips and the right resources, it’s easier than ever to locate courts and meet other players in your area. Whether you’re searching for an indoor pickleball facility or an outdoor court, we've got you covered.

Here are the top ways to find local pickleball courts, meet players, and take your game to the next level. Let's dive in!

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1. Use Pickleball Apps and Directories

Apps and online directories are among the easiest ways to find nearby pickleball courts. They not only provide detailed court information but also often include community features to connect with other players and join local events.

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DUPR – Your Pickleball Play Partner

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is a free app that helps you connect with other players, join local events and leagues and track your progress. Simply download the DUPR app on iOS and Android devices, create a free account, and discover courts nearby.

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Pickleball Play Solutions

Pickleballtournaments.com is another excellent resource, offering comprehensive court information, local club listings, and upcoming pickleball events. It’s a go-to for finding high-quality courts and organizing games with other enthusiasts.

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2. Leverage Social Media

Social platforms like Facebook and Meetup are great for finding nearby pickleball communities and learning about courts that may not appear in formal directories.

• Facebook Groups: Search for “pickleball” along with your city’s name on Facebook. Many areas have dedicated pickleball groups that provide information about local events, casual games, and court availability. Some of the biggest pickleball groups are Pickleball Forum, The Kitchen Pickleball, and Official Minor League Pickleball.
• Meetup: Meetup is perfect for organizing games and finding like-minded players. You can join local pickleball meetups to attend scheduled games or tournaments.
• Reddit: r/pickleball always has interesting discussions and hot tips!

Joining these online communities is a fantastic way to meet players, exchange tips, and get the latest updates on new courts in your area.

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3. Explore Local Pickleball Clubs and Leagues

Many cities have local pickleball clubs and leagues that organize regular games, events, and clinics. Participating in club events not only improves your skills but also introduces you to a network of players who share your passion.

You can search for playing opportunities on pickleball.com by creating a free user account and connecting your DUPR rating to your pickleball.com account. Many clubs are affiliated with DUPR and provide access to leagues and organized events, which often cater to players of various skill levels.

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4. Community Centers and Sports Facilities

Community centers, YMCA branches, and sports facilities are popular spots for pickleball. Many now feature indoor and outdoor courts and host pickleball events regularly.

• Community Centers: Call your local center or check their website to see if they offer pickleball. Many centers offer public court access and sometimes hold lessons, leagues, and social games.
• YMCA Locations: Many YMCA facilities have dedicated pickleball courts and organize weekly games. They also offer clinics and other pickleball events, making them a fantastic choice for beginner and advanced players alike.

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5. Schools and Universities

Some schools and universities open their courts to the public during non-school hours. These locations may have both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and access can often be arranged through the school’s athletic department or community outreach office.

Contacting these institutions can provide access to well-maintained facilities and additional playing opportunities, especially during off-peak hours or summer months.

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6. Set Up Your Own Pickleball Court

If you’re still having trouble finding a court nearby, consider creating your own at home. With some basic equipment like a portable net and paddles, you can set up a temporary court in a driveway or backyard. DUPR offers guidelines for setting up regulation-size courts if you’re looking to create a space that meets official standards.

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With resources like the DUPR app and Pickleball Play Solutions, finding “pickleball near me” has never been easier. Download the DUPR app today on iOS and Android devices to discover nearby courts and events, connect with other players, and start enjoying all the benefits of this fast-growing sport!

Pickleball players know that the right equipment can make a huge difference on the court. The type of pickleball you choose can impact your game, whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors. These pickleballs are designed for different conditions, and understanding their characteristics can enhance your performance.

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Pickleballs are specialized plastic balls with a lightweight construction and perforated design that help control flight and bounce, making them suitable for various play environments. Let’s explore what sets these two types of pickleballs apart and how they impact your performance.

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Pickleballs guidelines

These parameters ensure consistency and quality:

• Must be 2.87-2.97 inches in diameter
• Must weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces 
• Must have a bounce of 30-34 inches when dropped from a height of 78 inches
• A minimum of 26 and a maximum of 40 holes
• Uniform color and untextured surface

Based on these guidelines, pickleball companies have made specific design adjustments for both indoor and outdoor play.

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Indoor Pickleballs

The softer material and reduced bounce of indoor pickleballs make them ideal for controlled environments. Players can expect more predictable bounces and slower speeds, which allow for longer rallies and strategic play.

Features:

• Material: Made from a softer plastic, providing a different feel during play
• Weight: Typically around 0.8 ounces (22.7 grams)
• Holes: Usually have 26 holes, allowing for better airflow and reduced wind interference
• Bounce: Lower bounce compared to outdoor versions, promoting more controlled gameplay 

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Outdoor Pickleballs

The durability and speed of outdoor pickleballs make them suitable for use on various surfaces, including concrete and asphalt. Players often experience a faster game, which encourages aggressive play and quick reflexes.

Features:

• Material: Made from harder plastic, ensuring durability and resistance to wear from harsh conditions
• Weight: Like indoor balls, they weigh around 0.8 ounces (22.7 grams), but their construction affects performance
• Holes: Typically, have around 40 holes, minimizing wind impact and allowing for greater speed and trajectory
• Bounce: Generally, have a higher bounce, leading to faster-paced games

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Foam Pickleballs

Foam pickleballs are a great option for beginners and casual play, offering a softer alternative to standard plastic balls. While they are not typically used in official competitions, they serve as training tools and help introduce new players to the game.

• Material: Made from soft, lightweight foam that is less likely to cause injury risk, making them suitable for younger players and recreational use
• Weight: Typically, lighter than standard balls, weighing about 0.5 to 0.6 ounces
• Holes: Often have fewer or no holes, affecting flight and handling.
• Bounce: Foam balls have a lower bounce, making them easier to control for beginners
• Noise reduction: Designed to be quieter during play, ideal for indoor environments or residential areas.

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Whether you’re playing on an indoor or outdoor court, choosing the right type of pickleball is crucial for enhancing your experience. Understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs can help you select the right ball for your game.

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The next time you step onto the court, consider which pickleball suits your environment best, and enjoy the game!

Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced sport that is easy to learn, but understanding the rules is essential to playing successfully. Knowing the official pickleball rules will help you enjoy the game and compete at your best, whether you're playing singles or doubles, indoors or outdoors. In this post, we'll cover the basic pickleball rules, the differences between singles and doubles play, and highlight important concepts like pickleball scoring rules and pickleball kitchen rules.

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Basic Pickleball Rules

Pickleball is played on a 20x44-foot court with a net in the middle. The game begins with a serve, where the server hits the ball underhand and diagonally across the net to the opponent’s service area. The ball must clear the non-volley zone (commonly called the kitchen) and land in the opponent’s diagonal service box.

• Serving: The serve must be underhand, and the ball must be struck below the waist. The server must be positioned behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally. Only one serve attempt is allowed.
• Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before either team can begin volleying (hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce). This ensures a more controlled start to each rally.
• Faults: A fault occurs when a player fails to return the ball, hits the ball out of bounds, or violates other key rules like stepping into the kitchen while volleying (more on that later).

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Official Pickleball Rules for Singles and Doubles

While the pickleball rules singles and pickleball rules doubles share many similarities, there are some key differences:

• Singles Play: In singles pickleball, each player is responsible for covering the entire court. The serving player switches sides after every point. For example, if you serve from the right side and win the point, your next serve will come from the left side. Scoring in singles is simpler, as there is no need to alternate service between partners.
• Doubles Play: In doubles pickleball, each player has a partner, and only the serving team can score points. After the first serve of the game, both partners have a chance to serve before the serve is turned over to the opponents (this is called "side-out"). The server starts on the right side of the court and alternates between sides after each point.

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Pickleball Scoring Rules

Pickleball uses a rally scoring system. In pickleball doubles, only the serving team can score a point, while in pickleball singles, the server scores when they win the rally. A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points. Tournaments may sometimes require games to be played to 15 or 21 points, with the same win-by-two rule.

In doubles, each partner gets a chance to serve before the serve goes to the opposing team. The exception is at the start of the game when only one partner on the initial serving team serves before the serve changes sides.

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Pickleball Kitchen Rules

The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Pickleball kitchen rules are crucial to understand, as they prevent players from dominating at the net by volleying (hitting the ball in the air) too close to the net.

• Players cannot volley the ball while standing in or making contact with the kitchen.
• It’s also a fault if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after volleying.
• However, players are allowed to enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced, provided they exit before the next volley.

These kitchen rules help keep the game fair and balanced, encouraging strategy and finesse over power and domination at the net.

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Conclusion

Understanding official pickleball rules is key to playing well and enjoying the game, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. From pickleball rules singles and doubles to the nuances of the pickleball kitchen rules, knowing the ins and outs of this sport ensures a fair and fun experience for everyone involved. With clear pickleball scoring rules, anyone can quickly pick up the game and compete in no time. So, grab a paddle, head to the court, and start playing pickleball!

Pickleball is a dynamic sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and it has quickly become one of the most popular activities across the U.S. Played on a court with a low net, players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball back and forth. The game can be played as singles or doubles, making it versatile and suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s easy to learn, which makes it accessible for newcomers, yet competitive enough for seasoned athletes.

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Pickleball Explained

Pickleball’s simplicity is part of its charm. The smaller court size and slower ball speed make it less physically demanding than tennis, while still providing enough challenge to engage players. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the game’s pace can be adjusted to match the setting, adding to its flexibility. Indoor pickleball is typically played on gym floors, while outdoor pickleball is usually on tennis or pickleball courts, where players contend with weather elements, adding to the fun.

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The Role of DUPR

An exciting aspect of the pickleball sport is the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system. DUPR helps players assess their skill levels by analyzing match results and performance, offering an accurate rating that ensures fair competition. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, DUPR makes it easy to find suitable opponents, fueling the competitive aspect of the game.

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Why Is Pickleball Called Pickleball?

A common question many have is, "Why is pickleball called pickleball?" The origin story is fun and fitting for such a playful sport. Legend has it that the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who used to chase after the ball during games. Another theory suggests the name came from “pickle boat,” a rowing term referring to a crew made up of leftover rowers from different teams, which reflects pickleball’s mix of various sports.

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Celebrity Appeal and Global Expansion

Pickleball’s reach extends beyond casual backyard games, with celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal and Barack Obama picking up paddles, adding to its widespread appeal. As the sport grows, so does its player base, with millions now playing worldwide. The sport is also gaining traction globally, from Canada to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

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A Sport for Everyone

Pickleball’s blend of fun, fitness, and social engagement makes it appealing to a wide audience. Whether you’re playing indoors to escape the elements or enjoying outdoor pickleball under the sun, this versatile sport offers something for everyone. Thanks to DUPR and its global rise, pickleball is not just a game—it’s a community.

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To start your own pickleball journey and track your progress, explore more about DUPR and pickleball events at www.dupr.com.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, drawing players of all ages to its courts. But where did this fast-growing sport come from, and how did it get its unique name? Let’s take a journey through the history of pickleball, exploring its origin, the pickleball name origin, and the story behind who invented pickleball.

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The Origin of Pickleball

The origin of pickleball dates back to the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—came together to create a game to entertain their families. On a lazy afternoon, the group wanted to play badminton, but they couldn’t find a full set of equipment. Rather than giving up, they improvised. Using a wiffle ball, some ping-pong paddles, and a badminton net set lower to the ground, they unknowingly created what would soon become the sport of pickleball.

What started as a simple backyard game for family fun quickly became something more. As the rules evolved, Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum realized they had created a new game that blended elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, offering a unique combination of strategy and athleticism that appealed to players of all skill levels.

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Who Invented Pickleball?

So, who invented pickleball? While Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were the driving forces behind the creation of the game, it’s often Pritchard, a U.S. Congressman, who gets the most recognition for the invention. The three friends continued to refine the game, establishing the first official rules and spreading the word to their friends and neighbors.

The collaborative effort of these three men led to pickleball’s rapid growth, and by the late 1960s, pickleball had moved beyond Bainbridge Island, becoming popular in schools, parks, and community centers across the United States.

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The Pickleball Name Origin

One of the most frequently asked questions about the sport is: How did pickleball get its name? The pickleball name origin has two main stories. According to Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, the game reminded her of a “pickle boat,” a term in crew racing for a boat made up of leftover rowers from different teams. Since pickleball is a mix of different sports, the name seemed fitting.

However, another story claims that the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who enjoyed chasing after the ball during their games. While both stories are charming, the name “pickleball” stuck and has been embraced by players around the world, adding to the sport’s playful and accessible image.

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The Growth of Pickleball

From its humble beginnings in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, pickleball has grown into a global phenomenon. It’s now played by millions of people across the United States and beyond. With its easy-to-learn rules, fast-paced action, and welcoming community, pickleball attracts players of all ages, from young kids to active retirees.

In recent years, the sport has seen exponential growth, with dedicated courts popping up in communities and schools, professional tournaments being televised, and major brands investing in pickleball gear. What began as a way to pass the time on a summer day has turned into one of the most accessible and beloved sports around.

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A Game That Connects Us All

What began as a fun backyard game invented by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum has evolved into a sport that brings people together worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, take a moment to appreciate the rich story behind this growing game the next time you step onto the court.

79 players battled it out in triple digit temperatures at the 2nd Nevada Super Regional this past weekend! The heat didn’t prevent any of the nation’s top pickleball talent from showing up, as there were seventeen players with a 5.0+ DUPR in attendance - counting for 22% of the players! The four bids given out at this event will get schools into the Team Bracket at the DUPR Collegiate National Championship on November 1st-3rd, more details linked here. 

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Utah Tech added another Regional championship to their resume, putting them at five total, three more than any other program. Their only games dropped were to the newcomer USC team, who took a game off them in both group play and in the semifinals. The other semifinal matchup was between Utah State and the Utah Tech 2nd team, which went down to a thrilling dreambreaker. It’s the first time that the Utah Tech 1st or 2nd team has played a dreambreaker against another school, and they’re now 0-1 as Utah State pushed past them to the finals. 

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From this event, USC, ASU, and the University of Utah gained their bids by making it to the quarterfinals thanks to their group stage play. Fresno State earned the last bid by winning the consolation bracket over the GCU 3rd team. We’ll see many of these schools again at the Arizona Super Regional on October 19th-20th, where the last 4 bids to Nationals will be given out. 

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A special thanks goes to our DUPR Collegiate Pickleball partners: JOOLA, HEAD, GAMMA, Rally Republic, Osaka, No Apologies Hydration, Erne, Pickleball Superstore, and Total Pickleball. Another thanks goes to Life Time Green Valley in Henderson, NV for hosting this tournament!

Catch all the Collegiate action from the Nevada Super Regional on our YouTube Channel.

The Major League format has made its way across continents, all the way to Australia, and it's in full swing this 2024!

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The past September 19th, Major League Australia (MLPA) celebrated their Championship Event. This attracted record crowds and has been praised as the most thrilling showcase of pickleball ever seen in the country. Bringing together top teams from across Asia, the team South East Asia Surge made history, claiming victory in Event One of Season Two of the MLP Australia on the Gold Coast.

Team Surge delivered an unforgettable performance, ultimately triumphing over the highly-rated Fast Fours in a nail-biting championship final. The journey to the teams championship title was not without challenges.where the team South East Asia Surge made history, claiming victory in Event One of Season Two of the MLP Australia on the Gold Coast.

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In the semifinals, the Surge faced the formidable Western Vipers, a team filled with talent and featuring international star Shelby Bates and Australian rising star Emilia Schmidt. The Vipers, known for their strategic gameplay and relentless energy, put up a fierce resistance. Bates impressed with her powerful attack and precise shots, while Schmidt dazzled with her quick reflexes and court coverage, joined by the strong play of Ryan ‘Ryno’ Henry and Andy Horridge. It was the Vipers' first appearance in the semifinals, but ultimately, the Surge’s teamwork and resilience prevailed, resulting in a hard-fought 3-1 victory.

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The final score stood at 3-1 in favor of the Surge.

• Game one: Surge (Hsieh/Kao) 21 def 14 Fours (Wei/Truluck)
• Game two: Fours (Wall/Pascoe) 25 def 23 Surge (Chan/Lazaro)
• Game three: Surge (Lazaro/Kao) 21 def 14 Fours (Wei/Wall)
• Game four: Surge (Chan/Hsieh) 21 def 15 Fours (Pascoe/Truluck)
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Kao celebrated her team’s determination and focus, stating,

“We knew it would be a tough match against Liz and Jamie (Ting Chieh Wei), who had been in great form leading up to the final. But our team believed in each other and played with heart. This win means everything to us.”

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Continue reading the article on MLPA's Official Website.
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More about MLP Australia

Major League Pickleball (MLPA), is Australia's official professional pickleball league! With a commitment to showcasing elite talent and promoting the sport, MLPA operates in partnership with the Pickleball Australia Association, the governing body for pickleball in the country. Together, they shine a spotlight on top players, teams, and exhilarating events.

The excitement is ramping up for 2024 as MLPA and PPA Tour Australia (PPAA) announced a thrilling calendar of six events featuring a staggering prize purse of $700,000. This season promises to be a landmark year for professional pickleball across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

But that’s just the beginning! In 2025, Major League Pickleball is set to level up even further. Get ready for a season packed with six major events categorized into three tiers: Premier, Challenger, and Masters. With an impressive total of over $1 million in prize money — with MLPA contributing more than $640,000 and the PPA Tour Australia adding another $400,000 — the stakes have never been higher!

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Check out the current team rankings and standings for MLPA HERE.

Watch MLP Australia on MLPA's official YouTube Channel!

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The DUPR Collegiate Florida Super Regional was celebrated this past weekend of September 21-22 at The Pickleball Club in Port St. Lucie. Being the first Super Regional of the season, it included lots of new players, nerves, and a high dose of excitement!

This event was the 4th largest Super Regional, hosting 22 teams competing for a bid, including 88 student athletes participating, along with 11 teams and 22 players in the challenger bracket division (110 students in total). Check out the results below:

‍Florida Atlantic University (FAU) vs University of Miami (UMiami)

Womens: FAU-21/UMiami-16

Men's: FAU-21/UMiami -18

Mixed 1: FAU-21/UMiami-11

Semi final #2: University of Florida (UF) vs Florida State University (FSU)

Women's: UF-21/FSU-17

Men's: UF-21/FSU-17

Mixed 1: UF-21/FSU-11

With UF and FAU advancing to the final, the level of excitement kept on rising!
Final Result

Florida Atlantic University vs University of Florida

Women's: FAU-21/UF-12

Men's: FAU-21/UF-14

Mixed: FAU-21/UF 17

With their win on Sunday, FAU became the first school to be a repeat winner of a collegiate tournament, as they won the Florida Regional in 2023. What’s even more impressive is they lost fewer doubles games on the way to the championship, going from 1 loss in 2023, to 0 losses in 2024. They have more Championship wins than doubles losses at the DUPR Florida events, a stat that shows why they’re one of the best teams in the country. If you’re an opposing school, what should be even more concerning is that their team of four players are all teenagers. What is an imposing force now, could turn into an absolute juggernaut by 2026 with two years of playing together and building chemistry. It will be exciting to see how FAU stacks up against the other titans of collegiate pickleball when they all face off at the Collegiate National Championship on November 1-3 in Dallas, Texas.

FAU will see some familiar faces in Dallas, as FSU, UMiami, and Kennesaw State all gained a bid to Nationals thanks to their performance at the Florida Super Regional. Broward College made a splash by winning the challenger bracket in their first tournament showing. In the Round of 16, the #14 seeded UGA team pulled off the biggest Regionals upset ever by beating #3 seeded UF 2 in a dreambreaker. UF will be able to get their revenge against UGA, as they both have bids to Nationals from previous tournaments. 

A special thanks goes to our DUPR Collegiate Pickleball partners: JOOLA, HEAD, GAMMA, Rally Republic, Osaka, No Apologies Hydration, Erne, Pickleball Superstore, and Total Pickleball. Another thanks goes to The Pickleball Club in Port St. Lucie, FL for hosting the 2nd annual Florida Super Regional!
---> In case you missed it, watch the FL Super Regionals and get caught up here!

What to expect for the Virginia Beach Super Regional this weekend

The 5 consecutive weeks of DUPR Collegiate Super Regionals continue, as Viriginia Beach Super Regional starts this Saturday, 28th of September. This DUPR tournament features 17 schools and 35 teams, with the University of Virginia (UVA) leading with five teams. This event is the 2nd largest Super Regional event in collegiate DUPR history, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the Collegiate competition.

Of all the participating teams only North Carolina State, Duke, UNC Charlotte, High Point University, Liberty University, and UNC Chapel Hill are eligible to earn a bid as the rest of the teams either already have one or fall outside the top 16 teams (only top 16 can earn a bid). With just three more Super Regionals left to secure national bids (Nevada, Houston, and Arizona), the pressure is on.

Additionally, there are 11 wild card bids available for teams that don't qualify for a bid, giving them a chance later in the season. This weekend promises thrilling matchups and high stakes for players, coaches, and fans alike!

---> Don't miss any of the action this weekend - watch the semis and finals on our live stream HERE!

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