How to Start a Weekly Tennis or Pickleball Group (and Keep It Going)

A regular weekly game is the best part of tennis and pickleball for many players. It means guaranteed court time, familiar faces and matches at the right level. Most of those groups started with one person who sent the first message. This guide shows how to start a weekly group and keep it going for years.

The short answer

1. Pick a fixed day, time and place. Consistency is what makes a group stick.
2. Start small, with enough players for one or two courts, plus a few reserves.
3. Use one simple way to communicate and RSVP, such as a group chat or a shared sign-up.
4. Keep the levels reasonably close, and the format simple.
5. Share the work so the group doesn't depend on one person.

Step 1: decide what kind of group

Step 2: lock in a time and courts

• Choose a time that works for most people, every week, such as Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
• Book courts in advance if you can. A reserved court makes the group feel official.
• Have a backup plan for rain or heat, such as an indoor court or a set cancellation rule.

Find courts with our court finder, and see How to Find Free Public Courts for tips on public courts.

Step 3: find your first players

• Start with people you already play with, and ask each of them to invite one more.
• Use our player directory to find people at your level who play at the times you want.
• Ask at open play sessions. Many players there are looking for a regular game.
• Post at your club or community center.

Aim for a list about one and a half times the number of spots, so you can fill the courts even when people are away. For two doubles courts, that's about 12 players.

Step 4: set simple rules

A few clear expectations prevent most problems:

• RSVP deadline: for example, by 6 p.m. the day before.
• First come, first served for spots, with a waitlist.
• Cancellation etiquette: if you drop out, find a sub or tell the group as early as possible.
• Costs: agree how you'll split court fees and balls.
• Format: for example, rotate partners each set, or play a set number of games.

Step 5: keep the levels and games balanced

• Invite players within a similar range, such as NTRP 3.0–3.5 or a similar pickleball level. Our tennis level estimator and pickleball skill estimator help.
• Rotate partners so nobody always plays with or against the same people.
• Use our round-robin generator for larger groups.

Step 6: keep it going

• Share the organizing. Rotate who books courts, brings balls and sends reminders.
• Welcome new players regularly. Groups naturally lose people over time.
• Mark milestones. A season-end dinner, a fun tournament or a group photo builds loyalty.
• Handle problems early and privately, such as players who often cancel late or argue over calls.
• Stay flexible. Adjust the time or format if attendance drops.

Common reasons groups fail

1. No fixed schedule. Trying to find a new time each week loses people fast.
2. One overworked organizer who eventually burns out.
3. Levels too far apart, so games aren't fun for anyone.
4. Too many last-minute cancellations, with no waitlist.
5. Cliques that make new players feel unwelcome.

Share your story

Started a regular group through Let's Play Tennis? We'd love to hear how it began. Get in touch, and your group could be featured on the blog.