Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
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.”
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.
via Wikimedia Commons
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 (747 Gravois Bluffs, Fenton) 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 the nation’s largest indoor pickleball facility, 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, and share tips and tricks. Members pay $20 per month to access the club’s courts, take lessons, and compete in events. (747 Gravois Bluffs, Fenton. 636-496-7051)
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.)
Beginning April 7, sessions on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. will be geared toward helping new players immerse themselves in the sport. Volunteer instructors will be on hand at the Forest Park courts to field questions, observe play and offer guidance, and fill-in for games, as needed. Visit the website to learn more and reserve a spot. (5620 Grand Drive. 314-361-0177)
Year-round lessons offer points on choosing the best equipment, shot selection, ball placement, serving, advanced strategy, and more. Clinics cater to beginners, as well as experienced players looking for some extra seasoning. (12325 Manchester Road, 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.
More venues are on the way. Beyond the abundance of public courts and private clubs already available in the St. Louis region, more pickleball courts are on the way. Last year, Chicken N Pickle, a Kansas City-based chain that also offers pickleball courts at its six restaurants, announced that it would open a new location in St. Charles. There are also plans for a pickleball-focused event space at The District in Chesterfield.
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. Courts are open daily from 7 a.m.–10 p.m., but free public hours are Monday through Friday noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 5–10 p.m. Membership and guest passes are needed otherwise. The park also has a staff member dedicated to teaching others the sport. Both youth and adult group lessons are available, as well as private lessons.
Vetta Racquet Sports–Concord and West
Two locations offer a combined number of 24 indoor pickbleball courts. Pros can teach both members and nonmembers in groups or in private lessons. In fact, the 101 Clinic is an introductory 30-minute course covering the basic of pickleball, and open play immediately follows the course. Both 101 Clinic and open play are only offered September through May. Both have fees varying, depending if players are members or nonmembers. Vetta also offers pickleball leagues.
For a more relaxed setting, park goers can visit Shroeder 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.
Already a pro at picklball? Join the Sunset Tennis Center, a facility completely dedicated to tennis and pickleball players alike. Open play is on Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. for $7 a person. Patrons can also reserve a pickleball court. Call before you go, though. According to their website, weekly pickleball times will resume in the fall.
As a recreation facility for the Richmond Heights, Brentwood and Maplewood areas, the HEIGHTS is another perfect place for the sport of pickleball. Courts are indoors and open play is on Tuesday nights from 7–9 p.m., Friday nights from 6–9 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8:45–11 a.m. Drop-in rates are $3 for residents and members and $5 for members and non-residents. Enthusiasts can also purchase a punch card allowing 11 visits for the price of 10. For members and residents, punch cards are $30 and for nonmembers and non-residents, $50.
The DDTC, located in Forest Park, is another pickleball haven for beginners and experienced players alike. According to their website, there are four permanent sites, but the facility has the ability to create 36 temporary courts. For a $5 court fee, players are allowed 90 minutes of playing time. On the grounds, there is a shaded patio, two outdoor restrooms, men and women’s locker rooms with showers, an ice and water machine, and a shop stocked with beer, water, Gatorade, and snacks. Night time play is also available. Those that are play pass–holders can reserve court times in advance and skip the $5 court fee. Paddles are available to rent and both balls and paddles are available for purchase. Beginners may also take a 60-minute lesson for a fee reserving the court, and pro and clinic are offered March 29 through September 27.
This club takes place both at Tower Grove Park and at Frontenac Racquet Club, offering both indoor and outdoor courts. The organization aims to improve on your ability to play pickleball, whether it be at the beginner level or beyond. Private or group lessons are offered from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Once covering the basics, guests can reserve an indoor court for $16. The academy also occasionally puts on events, so be on the lookout for news and updates.
Coming soon
Two new pickleball venues are slated to open in the region by the end of 2023.
This highly-anticipated pickleball venue located at The District will cater to players of all skill levels. It will feature up to a dozen courts for players to use for league, tournament, and friendly competition. There will also be room for other sports, including Wiffle Ball, bocce ball, croquet, and more.
As fun as it is to play pickleball, you can't play all day. This soon-to-open 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.
