New player info

So you’ve heard about pickleball and want to give it a go — great choice!

There’s never been a better time to jump in! It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to meet new people. Come and see why over 1,000 Canberrans are part of Pickleball ACT! You’ll make new friends, get a great workout, and have a lot of laughs along the way.


 

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Do I need to come with a partner to play?

Nope! You don’t need to bring a partner.

Most of our sessions are social and mixed — players rotate throughout, so you’ll play lots of short games with different people. It’s a great way to meet others, learn as you go, and enjoy plenty of variety on court.

Do I have to be a member to play?
New players are welcome to attend up to three guest sessions before becoming a member. After that, players must join Pickleball ACT or another club affiliated with the Pickleball Association of Australia (PAA).

Is pickleball suitable for all ages and abilities?
Absolutely! We have players from teens to retirees, and all sessions are open to every ability level. As you improve, you can move into different session levels:

  • Beginner: Learning rules and strokes
  • Developing: Building control and consistency
  • Intermediate: Game tactics, positioning, and doubles play
  • Advanced: Competitive play and tournament prep

Check out our session levels page for a full guide to each level.

How do I book into a session?
Register for a session through OpenSports. Be sure to read the session details carefully and fill in all required fields so we can match you to the right level of play.

What to expect

Do I need to bring a paddle?
No — we provide paddles and balls for beginners. You can bring your own later if you prefer.

What should I wear?
Comfortable activewear and supportive shoes with good grip are perfect for pickleball.

Do I play outdoors or indoors?
All our venues are fully covered for year-round play — no need to worry about weather cancellations!

Do I need to know how to score or where to stand?
Not at all. Our friendly volunteers and community will make you feel welcome from day one.
Our Intro and Social sessions are specifically designed for new players to learn the rules, positioning for service, and basic scoring in a relaxed environment.

Joining Pickleball ACT

How do I become a member?
Register as a member or renew your yearly membership through our online portal.

You’ll receive a member ID and create a password to access your account. All PACT memberships include automatic membership with the Pickleball Association of Australia (PAA) — the national body for pickleball.


 

Ready to start?

👉 Book your first session now
👉 View where to play and our weekly schedule
👉 Become a member of Pickleball ACT
👉 Rules and scoring

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