Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong and is played with solid paddles and a perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball on a short solid court with a low net. With a shorter court and lightweight paddles, pickleball is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages and can be played as singles or doubles. Doubles is the more common form of play.

What are the rules of pickleball?

Pickleball is a game played to 11 points and players can only score points when they, or their team, has the serve. Matches must be won by two points - meaning if one team as 11 points and another has 10, play continues until the higher-scoring team is 2 points ahead. Much like tennis or other racket sports, there are rules about serving and receiving a serve, places on the court that are out of play, etc. Visit USAPA and read a comprehensive list of rules. YGBW Pickleball Playing Rules Advanced sign-up is required for classes, clinics, and play sessions. YGBW’s official pickleball site is Pickleball Den. YMCA of Greater Brandywine members can reserve spots on the Pickleball Den app. Guests must register at the front desk in advance and may participate if space is available. Members of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine are prioritized during pickleball sessions, especially sessions with high interest. Individuals who do not sign up in advance through the Pickleball Den app may be turned away unless a slot remains available. Availability will be limited to six players per court. (i.e. three courts would allow 18 spaces) There are three levels of play. Beginner/Novice Intermediate Advanced To participate in intermediate or advanced play, clinics or other sessions, a player must take and pass the appropriate skill test. Players are asked to only sign up for sessions, classes or clinics within their level.

Who can I contact to learn more about pickleball or pickleball lessons?

For more information on Pickleball, contact our Pickleball team! You can reach our general inbox at pickleball@ymcagbw.org or reach out directly to our Pickleball Pros below. Pickleball Pros:

How do I know whether to use the Pickleball Den App or the YMCA of Greater Brandywine website?

If you are looking for a class, clinic or lesson that requires payment, you must purchase and register through the YMCA of Greater Brandywine website. Purchase on YGBW Pickleball Den is used for recreational play and skill test sign-ups. Also, Pickleball Den is where you can connect with other pickleball players. Login to Pickleball Den Don't have a Pickleball Den account? Sign up for a free Pickleball Den account. Once YGBW staff has verified your membership, you will have full access to Pickleball Den features for free through your active YMCA membership. Pickleball Den is an advanced pickleball software, centralizing information about YGBW skill level play, leagues, leveling appointments and more! Additionally, it allows users to connect with other players, create friend lists and post to a personal timeline to share pickleball activity and content with friends.

What are the different pickleball skill levels?

BEGINNERS/NOVICE No testing required INTERMEDIATE A. Drop shot from transition area (Middle of the court) Hitting Forehand from TRANSITION AREA, be able to drop 7 of 10 tries in the kitchen area of the court Backhand 7/10 ADVANCED A. Drop shot from baseline (Baseline of the court) Hitting Forehand from BASELINE, be able to drop 7 of 10 tries in the kitchen area of the court Backhand 7/10 Videos can help you learn and give you hints to practice. Check out these and look for others online! Drop Shot.

Pickleball Courts, Lessons and Leagues at the YMCA

Pickleball Frequently Asked Questions

How can I start playing pickleball at the YMCA?

We'd recommend a few first steps if you're brand new to pickleball at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

Our skill-level play will be for YMCA members and guests.
1. Guests must register at the front desk in advance and may participate if space is available. Members of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine are prioritized during pickleball sessions, especially sessions with high interest.
Take a few minutes to watch these two introduction videos. Pickleball Rules and Pickleball Scoring.
1. We also recommend joining us for a free Intro to Pickleball class to learn the basics.
Ready to play with friends? It's time to register for beginner or all-level play. Pickleball play opens for registration 48 hours before the scheduled session.
1. You'll need a few things first. Open or download our YMCA GBW App from Apple or Android. Once logged into your YGBW account in the app, click on the pickleball paddle icon. This will take you to Pickleball Den.
2. Select "Create Account" or select "Log In" if you've already created a Pickleball Den account (remember to select "Remember Me" so you don't need to log in again).
3. Once your pickleball account in Pickleball Den is set up, you can utilize our YMCA GBW app to register for play. Note: Since Pickleball Den is not an application, we have it featured on our YMCA GBW app so you can conveniently register for your pickleball play from your phone.
  1. If you need more information on how to use Pickleball Den, visit their youtube channel for video tutorials.
Once you're here for pickleball, paddles are provided for members to use until they are ready to purchase their own. Please bring your own pickleball balls. Players are encouraged to wear athletic attire that allows for easy movement and sneakers or non-marking shoes. Tennis shoes or pickleball shoes are recommended as they provide the best stability for side-to-side movement.

Looking for private lessons? Look no further. Try your hand at pickleball with one of our one-hour private lessons.

What are the pickleball rules of participation at the YGBW of Greater Brandywine?

Pickleball is a great game for all ages and abilities and the YMCA is here to assist you in reaching your pickleball goals whether you are looking for recreational play or competitive tournament play. We are committed to providing you and your family with a welcoming environment and the best pickleball experience possible.

Pickleball Etiquette at YMCA of Greater Brandywine

Advanced sign-up is required for all skill-level play sessions in Pickleball Den.
Guests must register at the front desk in advance and may participate if space is available. Members of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine are prioritized during pickleball sessions, especially sessions with high interest.
Be Courteous – Please remove yourself from a sign-up sheet if you can no longer attend. This will make room for those on the wait list. Members on the "wait list" should not attend sessions. If a spot opens up, the member will be automatically notified by email that they were bumped off the "wait list" onto the "play list".
Be Kind – Please only attend one playtime a day at our busiest times. Members are not to sign up for an indoor and outdoor session at the same time.
Be Gracious - Players must follow our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility at all times by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
Be Positive - Picklers are positive people. Support and complement each other. Meet at the net after every game. This is what Pickleball is all about.
Be Considerate – Please start and end your play sessions on time
To allow for the best experience, players are required to sign up within their level of play.
At YMCA GBW there are 3 levels of players.
- Beginner (2.0 - 2.5)
- Intermediate (3.0)
- Advanced (3.5 & above)
To participate in intermediate or advanced play sessions, a player must pass the appropriate skill test or have a DUPR, USAPA or IPTPA rating.
We do offer all-level play where we encourage higher-skill level players to play with beginners. No one started their pickleball journey without a little help from a friend.
The server is expected to announce the score before each serve. This gives the receiving team time to raise their hand to stop service if they hear an incorrect or inaudible score.
Players will call the lines on their side of the net. The opponent gets the benefit of the doubt in that any ball that cannot be called 100% “out” will be considered 100% “in.” An “out” call must be made quickly or play will continue with the presumption that the ball was “in.” If partners disagree on a call, they will give the point to the opponents. Do not argue line calls or try to influence calls by your opponents unless asked by them.
Do not chase your ball on an adjacent court while they are playing a point. Ask them to return your ball after the point is complete, or retrieve it yourself between their points.
If a ball strays onto your court, call “ball” to stop your point (to avoid injury). Retrieve the stray ball and return it to a player on the court from which it came. Replay the interrupted point.