Open Play FAQs

How Does Open Play Work? 

  • Each open play begins with 4 players on the court. Court Assignments are in the description of the session booking, usually 2-4 courts assigned to each session.
  • The center hallway side of the court serves first here at the Pickle House. 
  • In the first game of the session only, the losing team will rotate off and allow the players that have “paddled up” to rotate on the court.
  • For the rest of the open play session you will rotate as follows; winners stay on the court and split. Losers will rotate off and paddle up on the courts assigned to their sessions.

What Are Skill Levels?

Players should self-reflect their appropriate skill level of play.

Beginner Open Play: ~3.0: Players have a basic understanding of the game and its rules but are still working on consistency, control, and shot placement. Beginner players can rally and keep the ball in play but may struggle with more advanced techniques and strategies. Recommended DUPR: 2.5 – 3.24.

Advanced Beginner Open Play: ~3.25: Players have a solid grasp of the game and can maintain consistent rallies with moderate accuracy and control. They are developing more advanced skills such as placement, accuracy, and strategy but still may struggle with shot execution under pressure. Recommended DUPR 3.25 – 3.49.

Intermediate Open Play: ~3.5: Players have a good understanding of the game’s strategies and can consistently execute a variety of shots with moderate precision. They are improving their positioning, court awareness, and ability to control rallies, but may still make occasional errors under pressure or in fast-paced situations. Recommended DUPR 3.5-3.74.

Enthusiast Open Play: 3.75+: Players are passionate about pickleball and often play multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. They have a very good grasp of the game’s technical and strategic nuances, using advanced shot selection to their advantage. They understand their role in a wide range of on-court situations, and consistently communicate with their partner. Recommended DUPR 3.75 – 3.99.

4.0+ Verified Open Play: Advanced players are at the top of their game, often competing at the highest levels of the sport. They possess exceptional skills, strategy, and court awareness. Elite players frequently participate in high-level competition, actively working to improve their skills and often their ratings. You must have a verified DUPR or assessment rating from an instructor of 4.0+ to participate in this open play.

What are the rating types? 

  • Self-Rating: A player may self-rate based on their own assessment of their skills. 
  • DUPR: Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. Global pickleball rating system.