Open Plays
What Makes Our Open Play Different
Open play at New York Pickleball Club is intentional, organized, and built for great games. We don’t place players on courts at random—every session is skill-based to ensure competitive, fair, and fun matchups. By taking player ratings seriously, we create an environment where rallies last longer, games feel better, and everyone leaves the court smiling.
If a game doesn’t feel quite right or someone may be better suited for a different group, the NYPC team is always nearby and happy to help. Our emphasis on respect, etiquette, and community is what sets us apart and keeps open play running smoothly and enjoyably for all.
What to Expect at Open Play
Skill-based groupings for balanced and competitive games
Organized court rotations that keep play moving
A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all levels
Friendly oversight from our staff to ensure fair play
A strong focus on sportsmanship, etiquette, and community
Whether you’re looking for high-level competition or consistent, well-matched games, our open play sessions are designed to deliver an outstanding on-court experience.
How Player Ratings Work
We organize open play by skill level using both common terms and DUPR ratings (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating):
If you’re unsure of your rating, no worries! You can refer to the USA Pickleball Skill Ratings or speak with a team member at the club—we’ll happily observe your play and guide you to the right group. Honesty and openness during self-evaluation make the experience better for everyone.
Types of Open Plays at NYPC
Drop-In Play
Informal, all-levels open-play session—a more relaxed, less competitive version of Open Play. Although the session has a set time, players can join anytime during the scheduled window and stay as long as you'd like. Courts are divided by skill level—Beginner/Advanced Beginner, Low Intermediate/Intermediate, and High Intermediate/Advanced— so you can play at the level that suits you, but everyone is encouraged to rotate and enjoy matches across all levels. Flexible, social, and easygoing—just show up and play! Perfect for couples who play at different levels but want to enjoy the game together.
Open Play
Your chance to jump into fast, fun action with players who match your skill level. It’s a structured yet flexible format where players of similar ability rotate in and out of games. Matches are played to 11 points, win by 2. Winners stay on but switch partners as new players rotate in, while the losing team places their paddles back on the rack to rejoin the rotation. It’s the perfect way to sharpen your skills, meet new players, and enjoy competitive, social pickleball.
Competitive Open Play featuring Up and Down the River, Ladder Play and King/Queen of the Court
Exciting formats that really put your skills to the test. Sessions are individual or team-based. When playing individually, a win moves you up a court and a loss moves you down, with partners and opponents changing each round. When playing as a team, you stay with the same partner - win and move up, lose and move down - facing new opponents each round.
Pro-Guided Open Play
Want to level up while you play? Our Pro-Guided Open Play sessions blend great games with expert insight. A certified coach or experienced player is on court to offer light instruction, answer questions, and share tips in real time - all without disrupting the flow of play. It’s the perfect mix of learning and playing, ideal for players who want to sharpen their skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.