You show up to open play for the first time. You’ve got your paddle, your nerves, and a little excitement in your step—because pickleball is supposed to be the most welcoming sport, right? But then… no one asks you to play. Your paddle sits untouched in the lineup. You’re told to play on parking lot lines. Welcome to the sometimes not-so-welcoming world of open play.

In this episode, Gina and Neil get real about the gatekeeping, the cliques, and the subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways new players can be pushed out. Gina shares a story about being rejected until she played next to the group and suddenly got invited. Neil recalls a feel-good moment when a more experienced player saw a newbie and helped her practice.

While most pickleball communities do welcome new players, a few bad experiences can leave a lasting impact—and might keep someone from ever returning. So how do we make sure open play lives up to its name? What should it look like when it works well? And what can each of us do to help?

👉 Tune in as we unpack the reality of open play and how we can all create more inclusive courts.

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