Play pickleball

Sign up for a pickleball clinic, drop-in game or league. All skill levels are welcome.

Spring and summer league registration opens February 13.


Book a game

Check pickleball schedules on ActiveWaterloo:

Players must register online:

  • register up to 72 hours in advance
  • each session is 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • use our equipment or bring your own
  • check drop-in fees

Join a pickleball league

Pickleball leagues run at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and RIM Park:

  • all skill levels are welcome – anyone 18+ can register as a team or free agent
  • log in to ActiveWaterloo, search for “pickleball league" and check for open spots
  • spots fill quickly – find registration tips on the how to register page.

Find winter league options, dates and costs

Leagues can fill quickly. Check what’s open on ActiveWaterloo.

Game days and times may change each season.

Winter league options, seasons, and registration costs
Name Season Game time (50-minute games) Price + HST
Monday Pickleball – WMRC January to March
(12 weeks)
6 to 11 p.m. Team: $231.63 
Free agent: $124.17
Tuesday Pickleball – WMRC January to March
(12 weeks)
6 to 11 p.m. Team: $231.63 
Free agent: $124.17
Tuesday Pickleball – RIM January to March 
(12 weeks)
9:15 to 11:15 p.m. Team: $231.63 
Free agent: $124.17

Join a Learn to Play clinic

Clinics cover the basics of pickleball, including:

  • basic rules
  • fundamental skills
  • how to keep score
  • game etiquette

Clinics open throughout the year.


Choose your level of play

Pickleball uses skill ratings to group players. Use these descriptions to choose your level when you register.

All skill levels are welcome.

All skill levels are welcome.

We recommend you understand the rules, etiquette and the basics of how to play. An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age.

This program is for multigenerational and family play.

All skill levels are welcome. 

We recommend you understand the rules, etiquette and the basics of how to play. An adult must accompany children under 14 years of age.

Beginner players are:

  • new to the sport
  • limited in knowledge of the game
  • looking to learn in a fun environment
  • guided by staff on rules, etiquette and gameplay

This level is perfect for our Learn to Play clinics.

Novice players are starting to understand the basics of pickleball. They are learning:

  • where to stand at the beginning of each point
  • serve in the proper "in" location
  • the two-bounce rule on returns
  • keep score without mistakes
  • keep the ball in play for a few hits
  • aware of a dink shot and working toward this fundamental skill

Intermediate players are moving beyond the basics. They will:

  • know basic rules but may not be aware of higher-level rules
  • position themselves well on the court relative to other players and action some of the time
  • working on consistent serves and returns but may lack depth, power and speed
  • understand why shallow dinks are necessary and are working on consistent execution
  • able to rally 4 dinks in a row with a player of equal ability
  • execute backhand shots
  • add more power or softness to the game as needed

The intermediate plus player understands everything in beginner, novice and intermediate levels, and:

  • knows most of the rules and how they affect the game (including net rules, net post issues, kitchen lines, non-volley zone, etc.)
  • knows more scenarios and positions themselves well on the court relative to other players
  • move quickly to the net
  • sustain rallies easily with strategic hits that may miss the mark
  • serves and returns are almost always deep
  • successfully hits third-shot drops some of the time
  • understand not to pop up dinks but can't execute consistently
  • understand hard and soft game and varies shots appropriately
  • work with their partner to win a point

Advanced players know the rules and how to play. They also apply strategy well and expect opponents' shots. This player can do the following:

  • hit forehand and backhand with varying speed and control
  • can often finish the point when their opponents give them an opening
  • moderate consistency with drop shots and dink shots
  • starting to understand balls that are attackable and those that should be reset
  • sustain rallies of 20 to 30 hits without much difficulty
  • almost always plays at the non-volley line and gets there quickly
  • can handle lobs and reset position
  • move as a team with their partner and can cover most of the court
  • be patient and wait for an opening while selectively placing shots

Pay a single admission fee or use a multi-visit FitPass. Buy FitPasses online through ActiveWaterloo.

Drop-in fee chart
Age Single admission 10 visits 25 visits 50 visits
Adult (18+) $6.10 $54.82 $127.90 $243.63
Pickleball only

Youth* (10 to 17) 
Older adult (55+)

*Youth 14 and younger must be with an adult

$4.55 $41.09 $95.87 $182.61 Pickleball only

Contact us

Get the latest pickleball news or contact us with questions: