top of page

Our Play

At WMPC, we believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re here to improve your game, meet new friends, or enjoy casual play, our club offers the perfect balance of competition, fun, and community spirit. Explore our Open Play options, and become part of the thriving pickleball culture in the White Mountains.

Open Play

Description of Play

Open Play sessions are perfect for those who enjoy casual, flexible pickleball. These sessions welcome players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. During Open Play, players are free to participate without restrictions, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. 

​​

Court Configuration

The courts are allocated dynamically, with 1-3 courts available based on the mix of attendees. Players are encouraged to interact and mix with others, ensuring a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.

​

Participation Rules

Levels of play (beginner, intermediate, advanced) are not enforced. Players are encouraged to be considerate of others’ skill levels and mix with a variety of players for a fun and inclusive experience.

​

Costs

Members with "Hooked" or "Obsessed" memberships enjoy unlimited access to Open Play, while non-members can join for $20 per session.

General Guidlines

We encourage all participants to reserve their spots through our online portal or at the front desk. Non-members should contact us directly to ensure availability. At WMPC, respect for all players is paramount. Please adhere to our posted rules and follow the guidance of our staff to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Club Levels

Beginner

(~2.0-2.5)

Learning the ropes — building confidence with serves, returns, and the basics of pickleball

Who they are: New to pickleball, still learning the rules, scoring, and basic strokes.


Expectations:

  1. Fundamentals First

    • Learning how to serve, return, and rally consistently (3–5 shots).

    • Limited control over direction, depth, and pace.

  2. Movement & Positioning

    • Just beginning to understand doubles court coverage and the importance of getting to the NVZ (kitchen line).

  3. Shot Variety

    • Mostly forehand-driven. Backhand and soft shots (drops, dinks) are developing.

  4. Strategy

    • Playing mostly reactive — focused on keeping the ball in play, not constructing points.

  5. Mindset

    • Positive attitude, patience to learn, and focus on fun and fitness.

​

Goal: Build a strong foundation of rules, scoring, serving, returns, and basic strokes.

IMG_6192.jpeg
courts_landscape.jpg

Intermediate

(~3.0-3.5)

Developing consistency and strategy — rally-ready players working toward smarter, steadier play

Who they are: Comfortable with rules and court positioning, working on consistency and control.


Expectations:

  1. Consistency

    • Can serve, return, and sustain medium-length rallies (5–8 shots).

    • Starting to use drops and dinks with some reliability, though still inconsistent under pressure.

  2. Movement & Positioning

    • Understanding the value of the kitchen line; transitions from baseline are improving but not automatic.

    • Doubles partners attempt to move together but may leave gaps.

  3. Shot Variety

    • Drives, drops, lobs, and volleys are all attempted, though not always strategically placed.

  4. Strategy

    • Recognizes some attackable vs. neutral balls but often forces points or overuses power.

  5. Mindset

    • Competitive but learning patience. Mistakes often come from trying to end points too quickly.

​

Goal: Become tournament-ready at 3.5 by improving consistency, decision-making, and teamwork.

Advanced

(~3.5+)

Tournament-tuned athletes — consistent, strategic, and composed under pressure

Who they are: Tournament-ready players with solid consistency, strategy, and teamwork.
Expectations:

  • Consistency & Control

    • Players can reliably execute third shot drops, volleys, and dinks without breaking down after 3–4 exchanges.

    • Errors are minimized; when mistakes happen, they’re usually forced by the opponent, not unforced.

  • Strategic Shot Selection

    • Players recognize attackable vs. neutral balls and avoid low-percentage shots.

    • Ability to mix in drives, drops, resets, and lobs with intention, not just habit.

  • Resetting Under Pressure

    • Players can slow down the game when needed by dropping or blocking, instead of escalating pace and losing the point.

    • Defensive play includes soft hands and patience, not just desperation shots.

  • Team Movement & Positioning

    • Doubles partners move in sync—closing the middle, shifting as a unit, and covering gaps.

    • Players transition to the NVZ (kitchen line) effectively and maintain strong court presence.

  • Variety & Adaptability

    • Advanced players can change pace (soft vs. hard), use spin effectively, and adjust strategy based on the opponent’s weaknesses.

    • Ability to adapt mid-match—if Plan A isn’t working, they have a Plan B.

  • Composure & Competitive Mindset

    • Players demonstrate patience in long rallies and don’t “force” points.

    • They can handle competitive pressure (tournament-style play, ladder matches, etc.) without their game collapsing.

ball_machine_kitchen.jpg
bottom of page