Whether you’re new to pickleball or just looking to expand your circle, finding fellow players in your area can make all the difference in your game.
Luckily, there are some great tools out there to help you connect with other pickleball enthusiasts.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the five best ways to find pickleball players in your community.
1. Start with Places2Play
If you’re looking for a quick overview of the courts in your area, Places2Play is a great starting point. This website lists pickleball courts across the country, offering basic information about each location.
While it’s a useful resource to get a sense of where you can play, keep in mind that the information may not always be up-to-date. It’s a good first stop but not the most reliable for finding players directly.
App available for download from the App Store
2. Try PlayTime Scheduler
PlayTime Scheduler may not win any awards for its user interface, but it’s still widely used by pickleball clubs and communities.
This tool allows you to find and schedule games with players in your area. It’s particularly handy if you’re looking to join existing games or set up your own.
Despite its clunky design, PlayTime Scheduler remains a go-to for many players looking to connect and organize matches.
3. Explore Pickleheads
Pickleheads is an app that’s quickly becoming the top choice for pickleball court discovery and player connections. Created by Max and Brandon, this app features thorough and up-to-date information on courts and includes a public chat board for each location.
Pickleheads makes it easy to find players at your skill level, coordinate games, and stay connected with the pickleball community in your area.
App available for download from the App Store
App available for download from Google Play
4. Get the UTR Sports App
The UTR Sports app is one of the top-rated systems in the country, and it’s not just for ratings. This app helps you connect with other players at your skill level, making it easier to find competitive matches.
You’ll get an unverified UTR-P rating, and from there, you can start messaging and connecting with players in your area. It’s a great tool if you’re serious about improving your game and finding well-matched opponents.
App available for download from the App Store
App available for download from Google Play
5. Download PicklePlay
PicklePlay is another fantastic resource. It’s designed to help grow the sport of pickleball by connecting players, finding courts, and discovering events and clubs in your area.
One of the standout features of PicklePlay is its ability to filter players by skill level and interest, ensuring you find the perfect games and events that match your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a casual hit or a competitive match, PicklePlay makes it easier to find your ideal pickleball experience.
App available for download from the App Store
App available for download from Google Play
Our founder, Paul, dives deeper into the details of each of these apps and websites:
Additional Tools to Consider
- MeetUp: Search for pickleball groups in your city on MeetUp to find fun recreational groups or more competitive play. It’s a popular platform where people can host games, message each other, and sign up for events across local parks.
- Facebook Groups: Yes, Facebook is still a powerful tool for connecting with other pickleball players. Many local communities have dedicated pickleball groups where players post about open play sessions, tournaments, and court conditions.
- Team Reach: Known for its discussion features and the ability to “nudge” players to fill up events, Team Reach’s app is great for managing weekly drills and doubles groups.
- Pickleball Time: This app allows players to join local games, schedule events, and chat with others. However, be aware that some users have reported occasional crashes.
Happy playing!
