Last Updated on May 8, 2024
Do you want to learn about playing pickleball in Florida? We’ve got the scoop!
Pickleball has become increasingly popular in recent years – especially here in Florida.
Often thought of as a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn sport no matter your skill level.
The sport originated in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. It was an improvised game created by three fathers who were trying to entertain their kids with the gear they had on hand: table tennis paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton net.
Since its early days, pickleball has become a popular sport in the United States.
It is especially popular in Florida, due to our warmer weather, which allows for year-round play on outdoor courts.
In the summer, pickleball is enjoyed in air-conditioned indoor courts.
In fact, the Sunshine State currently has the most pickleball courts in the country – with over 1,000 courts to choose from.
We have put together a starter guide to playing pickleball in Florida. This includes all the basics you should know before getting started, as well as where to find some of our favorite pickleball courts in the state.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Pickleball
How to Play
Pickleball can be played as a singles game (one-on-one) or a doubles game (two-on-two). The game is played on pickleball courts, which are similar to tennis courts
A method such as a coin toss can be used to determine who plays first.
Pickleball uses an underhand serve or a drop serve. The game has a two-bounce rule, meaning the initial serve and the return must bounce.
If the ball goes out of bounds or hits the net, it’s out. Points are only scored by the serving team. Once the server commits a fault, they lose the serve to the opposing team.
Most pickleball games are played until one person or team reaches 11 points and must win by 2 points.
For more information on the rules of pickleball, check out the official USA Pickleball website.
Pickleball Gear
Before you play your first game of pickleball, make sure you have the right gear.
The essentials include the following:
- Athletic clothing: Consider moisture-wicking shirts and tank tops, leggings, and running shorts that allow for comfortable stretching and movement.
- Pickleball paddle: Pickleball paddles are often considered a mix between ping pong paddles and tennis rackets. They are essential for playing the game.
- Court shoes: If you aren’t familiar with court sports, it may come as a surprise that running shoes are not recommended for playing a pickleball game. The best pickleball shoes are a comfortable pair of court shoes made for quick movements.
- A pickleball: Similar to wiffle balls, pickleballs are durable, lightweight plastic balls used for this sport.
Where to Play Pickleball in Florida
There are plenty of places to play pickleball in Florida, with great options for both indoor courts and outdoor pickleball courts.
If you are new to the game, some of these best places even offer group lessons, which is a great way to meet fellow players and make new friends.
Whether it’s your first time playing or you’re a seasoned pro, check out some of these excellent places to play pickleball.
ClearOne Sports Centre – Orlando
ClearOne Sports Centre is the perfect place for new players to get started with pickleball in Orlando.
The facility offers a variety of options like group lessons, private lessons, drop-in sessions, and court rentals.
Beginner pickleball players can learn more about pickleball and play the game under an instructor’s guidance by signing up for Pickleball 101.
The recreation center also offers Pickleball 102 and 103, a great way to build on foundational skills.
For one-on-one instruction, you also have the option of booking a private lesson with one of ClearOne’s pickleball coaches.
ClearOne Sports Centre is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 am to 10 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
TIPS:
- Pickleball paddles are available to rent at the facility’s pro shop for $2.
- Drop-in sessions are $10 per person Monday through Friday before 3 pm and $12 per person during evenings and weekends.
- Court reservations can be made in advance by calling 407-730-3596
For more information, visit the official ClearOne Sports Centre website.
ClearOne Sports Centre Address: 4141 John Young Pkwy., Suite 3, Orlando, FL 32804
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night (2024)
Veterans Community Park – Naples
Veterans Community Park is one of our favorite local parks for playing pickleball in Naples.
This popular spot also has a community center and space for a bunch of different sports, like racquetball, tennis, and bocce ball.
The park has 14 public courts for pickleball – 6 lit and 8 unlit. All of them are free to use.
Because the sport is so popular in the area, it is easy to find a pickleball club to join that meets here.
Clubs are an excellent option if you are a solo player – and you’ll have a good time meeting fellow pickleball players.
Veterans Community Park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
For more information, visit the official Collier Parks website.
Veterans Community Park Address: 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida 2024
Northlakes Sports Complex – Tampa
Northlakes Sports Complex is a great place in Tampa with plenty of sports amenities.
In addition to 8 outdoor pickleball courts, the 28-acre complex has tennis courts, a basketball court, baseball fields, and more.
These local courts are free to use.
Northlakes Sports Complex is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
For more information, visit the official Hillsborough County website.
Northlakes Sports Complex Address: 2640 N Lakeview Dr., Tampa, FL 33618
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 11 Top Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Blue Cypress Park – Jacksonville
Blue Cypress Park is a large park, community center, and golf course located in Jacksonville. There are 4 public pickleball courts available for free use here.
Before or after you play pickleball at this park, consider enjoying its other amenities, such as its boardwalk with waterfront views or its picnic areas.
Blue Cypress Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
For more information, visit the official City of Jacksonville website.
Blue Cypress Park Address: 4012 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32277
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 27 Top Things to Do in Jacksonville (2024)
Sundial Beach Resort and Spa – Sanibel
While the resort itself is still in the process of reopening due to Hurricane Ian, Sundial’s pickleball and tennis facilities are open daily.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is an incredible place to play pickleball in Sanibel, with the biggest dedicated pickleball space in the area.
Players can enjoy one of the resort’s 16 Plexicushion courts.
The resort also offers lessons and clinics, which are perfect for mastering different techniques and practices.
TIPS:
- Sundial Beach Resort & Spa offers open play daily from 9 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 5 pm.
- Daily passes and memberships are available for visitors who aren’t staying at the resort.
- Contact [email protected] for the latest information on court reservations and classes.
For more information, visit the official Sundial Beach Resort & Spa website.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Sanibel Island Ultimate Trip Guide
Pictona at Holly Hill – Holly Hill
Pictona at Holly Hill is a pickleball paradise located just north of Daytona Beach. The facility has a selection of covered and uncovered courts that can be reserved.
This huge complex hosts a variety of classes, private lessons, and tournaments. They even have an onsite restaurant, making Pictora a great place to spend a day playing pickleball.
Pictona at Holly Hill is open daily. Courts are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 9 pm, Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 7 pm.
TIPS:
- Day passes are available.
- Free Pickleball 101 classes are open to both members and nonmembers.
For more information, visit the official Pictona at Holly Hill website.
Pictona at Holly Hill Address: 1060 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117
While you are in the area, make sure to check out: A Visit to Daytona Beach: The World’s Most Famous Beach
Additional Places to Play Pickleball in Florida
To find other pickleball courts in Florida, check out the official Pickleheads website.
Are you a Picklehead? Let us know in the comments below.
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