Beginners
The basics
-
Who may play: All residents may use the courts free of charge. However, club membership gives you access to tournaments, a roster of other players, Club social activities, and information about all things pickleball in the Village. Membership is $15 per year; for more information and to join, click here.
-
Learn the rules: You must be familiar with the GRF operating procedures and the code of conduct relating to the courts. You also need to know how playing time is managed (Brad's Boxes). ​​ The USA Pickleball Association rulebook is available online.
-
What to wear: Suitable shoes (such as tennis shoes) are requisite. Wear comfortable clothes or activewear. Sunglasses or safety glasses are also recommended for eye protection.
-
Paddles & balls: You'll need a paddle and a ball. Paddles can be borrowed at the Golf Pro Shop and at the CH 1 Fitness Center. Just use your LW ID card to check one out for the day. You can also purchase balls at the Golf Pro Shop. Most sporting goods stores (PGA Superstore, Dicks, Big 5) carry pickleball equipment and you can purchase online through pickleball sites such as www.pickleballcentral.com or from Amazon. If you buy from Pickleball Central, use code CRLWPC to get a 5% discount.
Learn to play
Free beginner lessons are offered for Laguna Woods Village residents by appointment only. Lessons are on the indoor courts in the mini-gym in Clubhouse 1 (adjoining the Fitness Center).
​
Sundays 8:00 -10:00 am
Wednesdays at 2:00 pm
Contact: Leon St.Hilaire at 1stleon@gmail.com or phone 949-616-6540 SUSPENDED THRU MID MARCH 2023 DUE TO INJURY
----------------------------------------------------
Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 pm
Contact: Dave Hastings at dlhcog4@yahoo.com.
----------------------------------------------------
Coach Allan Galera, LW Pickleball pro player/instructor, also offers private lessons. See the bulletin board for details.
​
​
Find other players
Pickleball is the most fun when you play with people of the same skill level as yourself.
-
Come to the beginner's hours on the indoor courts - see the Home page for times.
-
Join the Pickleball Club and get access to the roster of 500+ Pickleball Club members. Skill levels are listed along with contact details, so you can contact players at your level and see who wants to play - you'll be pleasantly surprised! Pick a time to meet when the courts are less busy and you can round-robin easily.
-
Participate in the Beginners' Tournaments for Pickleball Club members.
​