Three ways onto a court for the first time.
Open Play, if you’re coming alone
Come to any scheduled Open Play session and we’ll pair you with rotating partners. No partner needed; beginner-friendly sessions run too.
- When: Set session times; check the calendar
- Skill: Brand new through 2.5
- Group: We match you up
Reserve a court, if you’ve got a group
Bringing a few friends? Book a court ahead of time and play your way, with the court for your full time slot. No rotation, no waiting between games.
- When: Whenever you reserve
- Group: 2–6 people
- Cost: $20 to $40 an hour for non-members, less for members
Beginner clinic or lesson, to learn properly
A beginner clinic covers the rules, scoring, basic strokes and etiquette. A one-hour private lesson goes deeper, at your pace, with an ERA instructor.
- Clinics: When they’re on the calendar
- Lessons: Any instructor, any day
Not sure which to pick? Call the front desk at (346) 814-2230. We’ll tell you which session fits when you can come, and reserve your spot if you like.
What is pickleball?
Imagine tennis on a smaller court, with a paddle instead of a racquet and a whiffle ball instead of a tennis ball.
It’s fun within minutes. Rallies are quick, the court is small and the rules are simple enough that most people are playing real points by the end of their first session.
It’s kind to your body. Less impact than tennis and less running than basketball. People in their 20s play with people in their 70s, and the games are competitive.
It’s social. Doubles is the most common format, partners rotate often, and ERA has a strong drop-in culture. You’ll know names by your second visit.
Enough to start playing today.
How to score
Games go to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score, and the serve rotates between teammates.
The serve
Underhand only, from behind the back line, diagonally across the court. The ball must clear the kitchen and land in the opposite service box.
The two-bounce rule
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiver’s side and once on the server’s side before either team can volley (hit it out of the air).
The kitchen
The 7-foot non-volley zone next to the net. You can’t volley while standing in it, but you can step in to play a ball that has bounced.
Faults
Hitting out, into the net, into the kitchen on the serve, or volleying from the kitchen ends the rally. The other team scores if they served; otherwise it’s their serve.
What to bring (almost nothing).
Sneakers
Court shoes are ideal, but any closed-toe athletic sneaker works. No flip-flops or street shoes.
Comfortable clothes
Whatever you’d wear to a casual workout. The courts are indoor and climate-controlled.
Water bottle
You’ll move more than you think. Refill stations are on site.
Paddle: rent or bring
Members borrow loaners free at the front desk; non-members pay a small rental fee. No need to buy one before your first visit.
Before your first visit.
Membership isn’t required, and we’re open seven days a week. Anything else? Call (346) 814-2230.
Will I be the worst player there?
No. Every player here started from zero. Open Play pairs you with rotating partners across a range of levels, and beginner-friendly Open Play and clinics run specifically for newcomers if you want the gentlest start. By your second or third session you’ll be having real rallies. Curious where you’d land? See what the levels mean.
I don’t have anyone to play with. Can I come alone?
Yes, during any Open Play session, not just the beginner ones. Open Play runs at scheduled times through the day and we pair you with rotating partners. Outside those times you’ll need a court reservation or a group. Call ahead and we’ll tell you when the next session is: (346) 814-2230.
How fit do I need to be?
Less than you think. Most points last under 10 seconds and the court is small (44 feet long). Players from their teens to their 80s play here. If you can comfortably walk for an hour, you can play pickleball.
Should I buy a paddle before my first time?
No. Paddles range from $50 to $300+ and feel very different from each other. Members get free loaners at the front desk; non-members pay a small rental fee. Try the loaners for your first two or three sessions, then visit our pro shop or ask an instructor for a recommendation that suits your style.
What’s a skill rating, and do I need one?
Pickleball uses a 1.0–5.0+ rating system, and most beginners are 2.0–2.5. You don’t need a rating to start: tell us you’re a beginner when you check in and we’ll point you to the right session. Ratings come later if you get into leagues.
I have kids. Can they play?
Yes. Our Kids Academy runs after school for ages 11+ (Monday and Wednesday, 4:30–6pm), and our seasonal Kids Summer Camp is half-day afternoons, June through July, for ages 5–14.
How much does it cost to play once?
Each Open Play session shows its price when you pick it. A court is $20 to $40 an hour for non-members, and up to 6 can play. The Intro to Pickleball clinic is $15. Private lessons start at $60 an hour, depending on the instructor. No commitment: pay as you go. If you start playing every week, ask about memberships.
What if I’m coming from tennis?
You’ll pick up the strokes fast; the kitchen and the soft game take practice. See where tennis players usually fit.
Where beginners start.
All ways to playOpen Play
Just show up and get matched into games with players at your level. No partner needed. Clinics & Drills
A coach teaches a small group one skill at a time. Private Lessons
One-on-one coaching with an ERA instructor, at a time that suits you. Lessons by request Lessons by request, any day 
Your first game is waiting.
The hardest part of starting a new sport is showing up. 295 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands, TX.