What Is Open Play in Pickleball? [Or Should You Drop in?

Pickleball is taking over courts across the country, and if you’ve spent any time around the game, you’ve probably heard the term Open Play. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And how can you find Open Play sessions near you?

At 11 PICKLES, we’re all about making pickleball more accessible. Whether you're a beginner looking to meet new players or an advanced competitor wanting more court time, Open Play is one of the best ways to jump into a game.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What Open Play means in pickleball
• How it works and what to expect
• The difference between Open Play and Drop-In Play
• Where to find Open Play sessions near you
• Common formats and etiquette for the best experience

Let’s get into it.

Open Play in Pickleball

Open Play is a structured yet casual way to play pickleball. It allows players of all skill levels to drop in, rotate in and out of games, and play against different opponents throughout the session.

Unlike private court reservations or leagues, Open Play is all about community and accessibility. Games are typically short, and courts operate on a rotation system to keep things moving.

• Anyone can join – No partner needed, no pre-arranged matches.
• Games rotate quickly – Play to 11 points, win by 2, then rotate.
• Meet new players – You'll face different opponents each round.

You can find Open Play at local parks, recreation centers, and pickleball clubs. Some sessions organize players by skill level, while others mix everyone in.

How Does Open Play Work?

Open Play follows a rotation system that ensures fair play and keeps games moving efficiently. Here’s how it typically works:

Step-by-Step Open Play Process

1. Sign Up Upon Arrival – Some locations use a whiteboard, paddle rack, or digital sign-up system to track who’s next.
2. Find Your Group – Most Open Play games are doubles, so you’ll be paired with or against other players.
3. Play to 11 (or 15) Points – Standard Open Play games are usually first to 11, win by 2, but some locations extend games to 15 points.
4. Rotation System
   • Winners Stay, Losers Rotate: In some setups, the winning team remains on the court while two new challengers step in.
   • All Rotate Out: Other locations require all four players to rotate out after a game, ensuring equal playtime.
5. Repeat and Keep Playing – Players continue rotating in and out for as long as the session lasts.

Tip: Some Open Play sessions separate players by skill level to ensure fair matchups. If you're new, check local court rules.

Drop-In Pickleball vs. Open Play

Although Drop-In Pickleball and Open Play are similar, there are key differences.

Open Play

• More structured – Typically has designated start times, set courts, and rotation rules.
• Community-driven – Players rotate to ensure everyone gets fair court time.
• All skill levels welcome – Open Play encourages socialization and diverse matchups.

Drop-In Play

• More flexible and spontaneous – No strict start times or rotation rules.
• Casual format – Players often form their own games without an official structure.
• Matches may be more competitive – Players often match up with others at similar skill levels.

Both formats help players find games easily, but Open Play is ideal for those looking for a structured yet inclusive way to play.

Finding Open Play Pickleball Near You

Looking for Open Play sessions? you find the best places to play and improve your game. Here are the top ways to locate Open Play sessions:

Online Platforms

• Pickleheads – Search for pickleball courts and Open Play sessions in your area.
• USA Pickleball – Partners with Pickleheads to provide a comprehensive list of places to play across the U.S.

Local Recreation Centers and Parks

Many community centers and parks host Open Play sessions. Check their schedules for designated pickleball times.

Social Media & Online Forums

Join local pickleball local WhatsApp groups or Reddit communities to find Open Play times and meet players near you.

Pickleball Clubs and Dedicated Courts

Pickleball clubs like the Bay Club often organize Open Play sessions and may offer coaching opportunities.

City or Municipal Websites

Many cities list public pickleball courts and Open Play schedules on their websites. For example, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks lists Open Play locations across the city.

Different Open Play Formats

Not all Open Play sessions follow the same structure. Some locations offer variations to enhance the playing experience:

Round Robin Play

• Players rotate through different partners and opponents.
• Ensures balanced matchups and allows players to meet a variety of opponents.

Winner Stays Format

• Winning teams stay on the court to take on new challengers.
• Encourages competitive play, especially for experienced players.

Skill-Based Open Play

• Courts are divided by skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
• Ensures fair competition and better learning opportunities.

Open Play Etiquette: Keep the Game Fun & Fair

A great Open Play session isn’t just about showing up—it’s about respecting the flow of the game and making the experience enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, following basic etiquette keeps the courts running smoothly and ensures everyone has a great time.

Respect the Rotation System

Open Play works because of its fair rotation. Don’t skip ahead in line, stack teams unfairly, or try to stay on longer than allowed. Whether the system is a paddle rack, whiteboard, or sign-up sheet, follow it. The goal is to maximize playtime for everyone, not just a select few.

Be Welcoming to All Players

One of the best parts of Open Play is the chance to meet and play with different people. If you’re an advanced player, don’t just play with other top players—mix it up. Take a game or two with beginners, offer encouragement, and help grow the sport. The more inclusive the environment, the better the pickleball community becomes.

Keep the Games Moving

Everyone’s waiting for their turn, so don’t slow things down. Limit warm-ups to 2–3 minutes so games can start quickly. When your game is over, rotate off the court promptly, whether you won or lost. If the format is "winners stay on," be mindful—don’t extend your play beyond the allowed rounds.

Communicate Clearly

Pickleball thrives on good communication. Call out the score before every serve so there’s no confusion, and if there’s a close line call, check in with your opponents rather than arguing. Honesty and clear communication keep the game flowing smoothly and eliminate unnecessary disputes.

Show Good Sportsmanship

At the heart of Open Play is having fun and building a strong pickleball community. Celebrate great shots—whether they come from you, your partner, or your opponent. Avoid giving unsolicited coaching unless a player asks for advice. And above all, keep a positive attitude.

When everyone follows these simple but important rules, Open Play becomes what it’s meant to be—a fun, social, and competitive environment where everyone gets a chance to play, improve, and enjoy the game.

Next Steps: Find Your Open Play & Get on the Court

Open Play is one of the best ways to get involved in pickleball, meet new players, and sharpen your game. At 11 PICKLES, we’re here to help you make the most of every session—whether that means understanding pickleball rules, getting an official DUPR rating, or learning how to improve your game.

Now that you know where to find Open Play, it’s time to hit the courts. Grab your paddle, show up to a session, and see why Open Play is at the heart of the pickleball community.