Pickleball
welcome to the pickleball page
As a way to provide a fair and welcoming atmosphere at the Blue Springs Fieldhouse, we have created some rules and etiquette so everyone can have an opportunity to play one of the fastest growing and most exciting sports in the country. Please take a moment to read the information below to help make the Fieldhouse one of the best pickleball venues in the area.
OPEN play PICKLEBALL
7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9-11 am & Sunday 10am - Noon
- Guaranteed court use will be available at this time on Court 3 & 4 for open Pickleball play.
- The courts will be cleared for Pickleball use at the beginning time if necessary.
- Outside of this timeframe, the courts are first-come, first-serve.
- Pickleball play is open to all and is NOT reserved for a particular group.
beginner open play
TUESDAY AND THURSDAYS 1-3PM ON COURT 4
- An opportunity for new players to congregate with other beginners who have done one of the beginner clinics or are just new to the game.
- This time is inclusive and positive to facilitate growth of the game.
- More skilled than beginners can play, BUT all play and interactions need to be beneficial and helpful for those new to the game!
- Remember, we all were starters at one point, beginner open play is meant to be helpful and encouraging.
pickleball court rules
All courts are open play.
No reservations or exclusive use allowed during open play hours.
If players are waiting for a court...
- ...The next waiting players can place their paddles in a queue located on COURT 4 BENCH to designate who is next to play on a court.
- ...Four-up, four-down method will be used with games played to 11 points. When a game is complete, all four players leave the court and return to the bench. Four new players from the front of the queue on the bench will form a new game.
- ...If you wish to play with someone behind you in the queue you must move to their spot in line at the back.
Pickleball Etiquette
- Introduce yourself to new players - Before starting a pickleball game with new people, be sure to introduce yourself to others.
- Let other players/teams play in - During open play, once your game is finished, let any team(s) or player(s) play in on the court unless another court is open and no other team(s) are waiting to play.
- Do not cross a pickleball court during a point - Avoid crossing over a pickleball court when a point is ongoing. This includes avoiding entering the baseline area or the sideline area.
- Know the rules - Do your best to know and understand the rules of pickleball. This will help avoid disputes on the pickleball court and ensure that everyone is playing by the same set of rules.
- Call the score loudly - When you are serving, be sure to call the score loudly so that all players on the pickleball court can hear you.
- Call “Ball on Court” If the ball is actually on the court - For safety reasons, if you see a stray pickleball roll on your court, stop play and call “Ball on Court.” This is a hindrance, and you should replay the point. However, do not abuse this calling to help you avoid losing points.
- Allow the players to make the calls - If you are a spectator, avoid the urge to make the call, including line calls. Allow the players on the pickleball court to make the call.
- Keep the coaching to yourself - Only provide coaching advice when asked. Be wary of coaching other players on the pickleball court, as they may not want to hear any unsolicited advice.
- Welcome new players and play with inexperienced players every so often - The culture of pickleball is welcoming, so, in recreational play, do not be afraid to welcome new players onto your court. Also, if you are a stronger player, consider playing with inexperienced players from time to time, as they will greatly appreciate your game, and you may have an opportunity to work on a specific skill or shot. By welcoming new players and helping inexperienced players, the sport of pickleball will grow in number and in talent.
- Practice good sportsmanship - Fair play and good sportsmanship are cornerstones of pickleball. Be sure to respect and practice both. (For instance, if you know that you were in the Kitchen when you hit a volley, call a Kitchen violation on yourself. Or, if you hit someone with the pickleball—particularly in the face, like Matt Wright did to Jessie Irvine—ask if they are OK or apologize, rather than screaming “Come on!” or “Yeah!” in excitement at your body/face attack.)
- Practice the Golden Rule - As in life, treat others the way that you want to be treated. Be nice to others and have fun on the pickleball court!