Pock, pock. Pock, pock.
That’s the sound of pickleball season in St. Louis, where a growing number of parks and clubs are getting into the swing of this fast-growing sport. Even if you haven’t yet hit the hardcourt or picked up a paddle yourself, there are lots of places to learn this ultra-accessible sport and become a pickleball wizard in no time. “We’ve been real fortunate here in St. Louis to have, what I consider to be, exponential growth of courts, venues, and places to play,” says Mike Chapin, a local pickleball pro who helps oversee the website St. Louis Pickleball. “It’s a very inclusive sport where people want to help others get involved, and learn and grow the game. It’s something that individuals at any age can get involved in.”
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Are you ready to join the legions of St. Louisans who’ve flocked to pickleball courts around the region? Use this guide as a resource for finding lessons, equipment, and how to play.
The game is played on a small, rectangular court that is divided into two sides by a low net. Players can compete in one-on-one or doubles action, and the first side to reach 11 points—with a two-point advantage—wins.
To start a rally, the player standing behind the right square will deliver an underhand serve to the player in the diagonal square. Both the initial serve and the return must bounce. From there, the teams will volley until the ball hits the net, goes out of bounds, or bounces twice. Only the serving team can score.
Be aware of the rectangular area in front of the net, commonly called the Kitchen. Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the Kitchen. There are additional rules to learn and consider as you enter into more competitive play, so feel free to ask players around you for advice and tips as you develop your skills. Most players are eager to help.
To hit the court and start a volley, players don’t need much more than a paddle and a pickleball. It’s a fairly inexpensive sport that makes itself accessible to all ages. Paddles can range anywhere from $35 to $200, based on material. Like with most sports equipment, you’ll get what you pay for. (And don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes and some breathable clothing.)
New players should be mindful that there are two types of balls: indoor and outdoor. Outdoor balls are dotted with 40 small holes that make it easier to hit in the elements. Indoor balls are slightly lighter and typically have 26 larger holes drilled into them to enhance balance. You can use either kind of ball inside or outside, but to maximize the ball’s playability, buy both and pick one for the occasion.
Among local shops, Racketman (12064 Manchester) in Des Peres has a wide selection of pickleball-specific gear, including paddles, balls, accessories, and athletic wear for men and women. The pro shop at the Missouri Pickleball Club (locations in Fenton and Ellisville) carries a variety of paraphernalia, including hard-to-find grips, specialty bags, and more.
It’s been called the fastest-growing sport in the United States. In the St. Louis region alone, there are dozens upon dozens of outdoor and indoor courts available for public use. However, If you’re just getting started, consider one of these local spots to take lessons, join a league, or hone your game.
Fenton is home to one of the nation’s largest indoor pickleball facilities, a 51,000-square-foot sports complex featuring 18 courts, five championship courts, a pro shop, and more. A team of teaching professionals works on-site to school newcomers in free learn-to-play sessions, as well as share tips and tricks. Members pay $30 per month to access the club’s courts, take lessons, and compete in events, and an Ellisville location was opened recently. (747 Gravois Bluffs, Fenton, 636-234-3300; 15446 Manchester, Ellisville, 636-234-3300)
Newcomers are welcome to enroll in personalized pickleball lessons at Vetta Concord, Vetta Sunset, and Vetta West. Choose between one-on-one, private lessons, small group lessons with up to three other players, or clinic instruction with at least five additional players. Classes can be tailored to specific needs, with flexible scheduling. Vetta also oversees the pickleball program at Tower Grove Park. (12320 Old Tesson Ferry, Concord; 314-842-3111. 10911 Gravois Industrial, Sappington; 314-849-2327. 1330 Harvestowne, St. Peters; 636-441-0006.)
The DDTC features four dedicated pickleball courts inside the stadium, with overflow room for four more pickleball games on tennis courts No. 11 and 12. The facility offers private and 3-and-a-Pro lessons on-site. Visit the website to learn more and reserve a spot. (5620 Grand, 314-361-0177)
Year-round lessons offer points on choosing the best equipment, shot selection, ball placement, serving, advanced strategy, and more. Pickleball 101 Clinics take place on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and cater to beginners, as well as experienced players looking for some extra seasoning. (1050 Des Peres, 314-835-6150)
Maryland Heights Community Center
Throughout the year, classes and clinics catered to beginners and intermediate players are offered to residents and non-residents. Check the website for details. (2300 McKelvey, 314-738-2599)
So you’ve purchased a paddle, found a partner, enrolled in lessons, and you’re feeling ready to play. Before you set foot on the court, here are some things to know:
Pickleball is its own game. Just because you’re an experienced tennis or racquetball player doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll immediately be a pickleball pro. Sure, hand-eye coordination and an ability to handle a racket are semi-transferable skills. But pickleball is a game that rewards shot placement as opposed to simply swatting the ball past your opponent.
All ages are welcome. The sport is easy enough for kids to grasp, competitive enough to keep adults hooked, and low-impact enough for it to be popular among seniors, too. Area schools are also beginning to work pickleball into physical education curriculums.
Connect with other players. Pickleball is a social sport, so not only can you get a good workout, you can make new friends and boost your mental health while interacting with your fellow players.
According to USAPA, “the number of places to play has more than doubled since 2010.” In St. Louis, new places to swing a pickleball racquet are popping up left and right. There’s even a website dedicated to St. Louis pickleball. Next time you’re in the mood to try something new, visit one of these seven places.
Renovated in 2017, Tower Grove’s new facilities include nine hard-surface tennis courts, a new addition of eight hard-surface pickleball courts, and three newly refurbished grass courts. Free public hours are Monday through Friday noon–5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12–10 p.m.
Pros at Vetta locations are available to teach lessons in group or 1-on-1 settings. Clinics are available for players of all skill levels, including beginners, novices, and serious tournament competitors. Newcomers to the sport can register to play in weekly doubles tournaments.
For a more relaxed setting, parkgoers can visit Schroeder Park during normal hours to try out the sport themselves. There are no designated pickleball courts, but tennis courts can be used by taking advantage of the portable nets. There is no fee to use the space and players are advised to bring their own equipment. The courts are also lit at night until 10 p.m. for those wanting to play one last match before bed.
For a $10 court fee, players are allowed 90 minutes of playing time. On the grounds, there is a shaded patio, two outdoor restrooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers, an ice and water machine, and a shop stocked with beer, water, Gatorade, and snacks. Nighttime play is also available. Paddles are available to rent.
This club offers indoor and outdoor clinics at locations including Creve Coeur Racquet Club and the Dwight Davis Tennis Center. The organization aims to improve your ability to play pickleball, whether it be at the beginner level or beyond. Private or group lessons are offered daily.
As fun as it is to play pickleball, you can’t play all day. This new restaurant/pickleball venue in St. Charles encourages players to take a break from the game to enjoy some wood-fired rotisserie chicken, seasonal salads, and fresh libations. For those who are less pickleball-inclined, Chicken N Pickle also offers family-friendly activities, including cornhole, ping pong, giant Jenga, and more.
At the Padel and Pickle Club, now open in Olivette, St. Louisans can try pickleball as well as the rising global favorite, padel. The two racquet sports are both easy to learn and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. One of the newest additions to the scene, this club boasts championship-level court designs that inspire championship-level play.
Opened in January 2025 in Bridgeton, Arch Pickleball & Badminton Club is a state-of-the-art, 24-court indoor pickleball facility designed to be the premier home for the thriving St. Louis pickleball community. In addition to its pickleball focus, the club honors its roots with six championship badminton courts for longtime players. Founded by local entrepreneurs Marshall Pan and Diana Fan, the space transforms a former furniture store into a vibrant hub for both casual games and major tournaments. With lounge areas, a pro shop, and plans for food and drinks, it’s set to become a key destination in the region’s growing sports scene.
Paddle Up Pickleball Club in Lake St. Louis is St. Charles County’s first indoor, pickleball-only facility, featuring nine premium courts with pro-grade surfacing and equipment. Open to both visitors and members, the club offers flexible court bookings, organized play, leagues, and monthly tournaments for all skill levels. With no multi-sport court confusion and a seamless booking app, Paddle Up is all about pure pickleball action in a top-tier setting. A Chesterfield Valley location is planned to open soon!
