Pickleball has been a true source of joy in my life. This is mainly because it is so social and I have met so many good friends through the game. However, you may want to know how to be social and make friends through Pickleball. Here are my ideas below.
General guidelines for making friends through Pickleball
- Be willing to introduce yourself and say ‘hi’
- Project warmth, friendliness, and a smile
- Be open to socializing with different levels of players and different types of personalities
- Get out of your comfort zone and just try a place where they are playing a social game of pickleball
- Be consistent in your attendance so that people see you repeatedly. This is they key to building any type of friendship
How to find social Pickleball players to make friends
First, get in the game
Pickleball is easy to learn and get in the game. Find a pickleball club, athletic club, or public courts that have Pickleball in your city. If you are not already playing, take lessons and get in the game.
I love tennis. Though I spent years learning to play tennis just to get to a level where I could barely hold my own in a game. I found pickleball much easier to pick up and therefore join games. I was able to meet people much easier. I hear that from most players I know.
Join a meetup or social group
Meetup.com as well as other online social sites can be a great way to find other people to play with. You can also check your local Pickleball and athletics clubs for social groups for open play times. You may even find a Facebook group for Pickleball. Join groups that advertise that they are for all levels of play and generally social.
This may be different then leagues or competitive games where people may be there to compete as opposed to being social. Though if you are competitive, leagues can also be a great way to be social with others that love competition!
Go to an open play
‘Open play’ is a wonderful way to meet others, because you naturally rotate in for games. So if there is a group of 20, any 4 will walk onto a court to play, and then at the end, a different 4 will go in. Open Play can often welcome players of various levels for the purpose of being social. Some clubs or courts, have systems, like putting your paddle down to keep your place in line.
Check local clubs for ‘open play’ times. Make a point to introduce yourself and talk to other players after the game. If you want to make friends and be social, it isn’t enough to just be in the game. You want to also take a little time to be social.
Walk up to people sitting on the sidelines
When others are resting after a game and sitting on the sidelines, take the initiative and introduce yourself. For example “Hi, I’m Lisa. Have you played with this group long? or “do you live around here’ and let the conversation, take place. Most people will be so happy to engage and glad you took the first step.
If you are truly trying to meet people, do so without the intention of having to play the next game with them. You are just simply there to meet nice people. You can even candidly say “I’m just trying to meet other people here”. Then if the game naturally comes about, go for it.
My husbands favorite way to connect with others after introducing himself, is to ask them where they grew up or places they lived. Hobbies, travel, family are also great conversation pieces.
Exchange numbers with players you enjoyed talking to
If you have met people, you genuinely like talking to or playing with consider exchanging numbers with them. Then actually follow through with contacting them and doing something social. Keep in mind, that while some people are ready immediately to socialize and exchange numbers, others may take a few repeated instances of them seeing you before they may want to do this. Just feel the situation out – but do reach out eventually!
If you are being selective about only connecting with a few people in a group, do so when you are alone with them such as when walking off the court together. However, you can do this in public, if you don’t mind being friends with the whole group- why not!
Have good player etiquette
Be a fair and a nice person to play with when you are playing pickleball. People will really remember this when they walk off the court. See my article on the “Do’s and Don’ts of social pickleball’.
Organize your own pickleball group
If you know some people you like to play with, start your own group. You could also start a new group on Facebook, Pickleheads, meetup.com or other online sites. Then organize social activities, such as lunch, movies, coffee, walks, etc.
Organize social events for your pickleball group
If you already belong to a pickleball group, consider taking the initiative to organize social outings. You could pick a subset of players and do a small outing like a lunch or coffee. Or if you like hosting, throw a party at your home for a big group. The ladies I play with started a book club. They also like to go to holiday events and go to dinner. If your club has a cafe, consider asking others after playing if they want to grab a snack or drink.
Be fun to play with
When I am playing pickleball, I like to have fun. I love to smile at my partner and opponents, laugh at my own mistakes and genuinely have fun. The positive energy you give off, will draw people to want to socialize later.
Hang out before and after games
If you can get to the court a little before the game, there are usually a few people to ‘dink’ with. This is a great time to warm up and get to know others. I ask them about themselves, during this time. After games, it is fun to talk, walk out together, exchange numbers, plan outings, etc. Be consistent and repeatedly go to the same open play, group or gathering so people repeatedly see you.
Pickleball has been such a source of friends and fitness for me. I am so glad it has taken off and become such a social, joyful sport. May you meet good friends and have good times both on and off the court!.
