New players
Never held a paddle?
Perfect.
Pickleball is easy to learn, fast, friendly and a little addictive. Here is everything you need to play your first game in Johnson County.
Getting started
Three steps. No paddle needed.
Book a free lesson
Weekday mornings by appointment at the GreenState Family Fieldhouse in Coralville. No cost and no membership needed.
Request a lessonBorrow a paddle
We have loaner paddles and balls, and the nets are provided. Just bring water and the right shoes.
What to bringFind a game
Players post their sessions in PlayTime Scheduler. Sign up once, free, and you'll see who's playing where and when.
How the scheduler worksFree lessons
Book your first lesson.
Lessons are held at the GreenState Family Fieldhouse, Coralville, by appointment only, in the mornings Monday through Friday. Tell us a little about yourself and a volunteer instructor will get back to you to set a time.
Packing list
What to bring.
Playing indoors
- Water
- Clean, dry indoor shoesCourt shoes or clean sneakers that haven't been outside.
- Comfortable clothes
- A paddle, if you have oneIf not, someone will lend you one until you buy your own.
Playing outdoors
- Water and a towel
- Outdoor shoes and comfortable clothes
- Sunglasses and a hat or visor
- A paddle, if you have oneOtherwise we have loaners.
Find a game
PlayTime Scheduler: where the games are.
PJC doesn't run a fixed timetable. Players post their own sessions, often a day or two ahead, in PlayTime Scheduler, a free public app. Register once and you can see who is playing, where and when, get alerts, and add yourself to a game.
- Register once, freeUse the Demo and Help menus to learn your way around.
- Add yourself to a sessionAs a courtesy, everyone is asked to sign up in the scheduler so organizers know who's coming.
- Turn on alertsGet told when sessions are added or change.
Learn the game
The basics, in two pages.
Paddles and balls, safety, etiquette, the kitchen, scoring and serving order. Warning: it can be addictive.