Pickleball

• Paddles will be provided for any players that do not have their own.
• Players do not need to purchase or bring any of their own equipment.
• Comfortable/active clothing and running shoes recommended.

The Aurora Seniors Association offers weekly Pickleball drop-ins at both the Aurora Seniors Centre and Aurora Family Leisure Complex for older adults 55 + yrs. For more information, please visit the Aurora Seniors Association website.

Note: Drop-in play at all shared tennis/pickleball courts shall be on a first-come, first-served basis, rotating on the hour for tennis and utilizing the paddle method for pickleball to rotate after each game of 11 points.

• Pre-registration will be available 8 days in advance for the upcoming week of programs through the Town’s online program registration system. Registration will remain open up to 1 hour before the drop-in time.
• Adult Pickleball - Registration dates and times are as follows.
  • Residents: Registration will open online on Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Non-Residents: Registration will open online on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
  • Example: For drop-in programs taking place the week of February 17 to 23 - resident registration will open on Friday, February 9 at 9:30 a.m. - non-resident registration will open on Sunday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m.
• 10 ticket pricing is not available through pre-registration.
• Players can set-up an account and register online at e-PLAY. All available sessions will be viewable online starting on February 1.
• Limited spaces will be available for in-person admission to purchase on the day of the drop-in. In-person admissions will be available 15 minutes prior to the program start time, at the Customer Service Desk.
• We are committed to providing fair and equitable access for all to enjoy our programs and services.
  • On the day of the drop-in, pre-registered players will be required to check-in at the Customer Service Desk by the start time of the drop-in. If pre-registered players do not check in by that time, their spots will be released to drop-in admission.
  • Players who continually pre-register and do not attend scheduled sessions may be subject to penalties.

9 Rules of Pickleball All Players Need to Know

1. Points are scored by the team that serves, and you play to 11 points. A team has to win by 2 points.
2. When the side that serves has a score in an even number, the server for that team plays from the right side of the court. A score in an odd number means that the server plays from the left side.
3. When you serve the ball, you must hold the paddle and the ball below your waist, and serve underhand.
4. You serve diagonally cross-court. While serving, you have to keep your feet from touching the court or the sideline area, and keep at least one foot behind the baseline.
5. Players serve until they commit a fault, which is any rules violation that stops play. The first serves are made from the right side of the court, and if the server scores a point, that player then serves from the left side.
6. With the first serve of the game, the team gets only one chance to serve (until they commit a fault). The opposing team then gets a chance for both players to serve (meaning until their team makes two faults). After this round, each team only gets one fault before the serve switches to the opposite team.
7. There’s a two-bounce rule. This means that each side has to let the ball bounce once before returning it. After those two bounces, you can either hit the ball before it bounces (a volley), or off a bounce.
8. There’s a zone called “the kitchen” within 7 feet on both sides of the net. This is the “no-volley” zone - meaning you can only hit a ball from this zone if it bounces first. If you hit a volley when standing in the kitchen, it’s considered a fault. It’s also a fault if you accidentally step into the kitchen after hitting a volley, even if it’s just momentum that sends you there.
9. A ball touching any part of the line is “in.” A serve that hits the kitchen is a fault.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, Town of Aurora drop-in pickleball players are asked to follow these etiquette guidelines.

1. Respect the Game – Pickleball is a social game, but it can also be competitive. Respect your opponents and play with good sportsmanship.
2. Paddle Tapping – Paddle tapping is a common practice before the game to greet opponents and teammates. It's a way of saying, "Good luck, have fun."
3. Retrieve Balls Promptly – After a point is scored, retrieve the ball quickly and get ready for the next point. This keeps the game flowing smoothly.
4. Mind the Non-Volley Zone – Be aware of the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Avoid standing in it when you're not allowed to, and be honest about calling faults on yourself.
5. Wait for the Score to be Called – Before serving, make sure the score is called correctly by both teams. This helps prevent disputes over the score.
6. Respect Court Space – Be aware of your surroundings and avoid encroaching on neighbouring courts. Give players on adjacent courts plenty of space where possible and let them know if your ball is on their court. In this case, play should be paused for player safety while the ball is being retrieved.
7. Obey the Rules – To the best of your ability, players should attempt to know and follow the rules of the game. If you're unsure about a rule, ask for clarification from more experienced players. Players are asked to self-monitor gameplay. Rules are posted onsite for beginners to reference.
8. Rotate Sides Wisely – In doubles play, switch sides of the court efficiently and smoothly after each point is scored. This helps keep the game moving.
9. Be Inclusive – Remember, pickleball is meant to be enjoyable for everyone involved. Be inclusive and welcoming to players of all skill levels and abilities. Encourage others to join in and have fun.

Following these etiquette guidelines will help to create a positive and friendly atmosphere on our courts. Thank you for your cooperation.

• Open Play: All levels welcome
• Beginner: For Levels 2.5 & Below; geared to players who have learned the skills and now want to play some games.
• Intermediate: For Levels 3.0 & Below
• Advanced: For Levels 3.5 & Above

For a guideline of individual's level of play, visit the IPTPA website (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) to view the rankings and assessments.

Note: Pre-registration is required for all Pickleball Drop-Ins. Check out the Adult Pickleball Pre-Registration Guidelines for full details.

(Updated on September 18, 2024)

Instructions - How to Register for Pickleball Drop-In Activities on e-PLAY 

Note: Pre-registration is required for all Pickleball Drop-Ins. Check out the Adult Pickleball Pre-Registration Guidelines for full details.

(Updated on November 18, 2024)

Instructions - How to Register for Pickleball Drop-In Activities on e-PLAY