OPEN PLAY OVERVIEW

Open play is the best way for players of any skill level to get involved with Pickleball at the Y. Open play is meant to be fun, competitive, and social. It is a game built on good sportsmanship, respect, and graciousness in both winning and losing. At the Y, we live out our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility every time we step on the court. Open play works best when everyone feels welcome, included, and able to enjoy the game.

Open play is available at 4 locations in the YMCA of Reading and Berks County: Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring, and Tri-Valley. For more information on open play at Mifflin, Reading, or Tri-Valley contact the branch Welcome Center directly.

Open Play at the Sinking Spring YMCA

Effective October 2025, all players (members and non-members) who participate in pickleball open play at Sinking Spring must register for the “Sinking Spring 2025/2026 Open Play”. This is a free, one-time registration that permits the individual to participate in open play.

The Sinking Spring YMCA offers a robust open play schedule with sessions broken down by skill level. Open play at Sinking Spring is free for members of the YMCA. Non-members may participate by purchasing a “day-pass” at the branch’s Welcome Center.

Players are encouraged to join the Sinking Spring YMCA’s “Court Reserve” page so they can see a live, updated open play schedule. Players are able to utilize Court Reserve to reserve their spot in an open play session. YMCA members are able to reserve open play time 5 days in advance of the session, while non-members are able to reserve time 1 hour in advance of the session.

All open play participants must check-in with the Welcome Center staff prior to heading to the courts for play.

LEARN-TO-PLAY EVENTS

Learn-to-Play Pickleball opportunities are offered periodically at various YMCA of Reading and Berks County locations. These events are designed for brand new players. No experience or equipment (besides athletic shoes) required!

If there are no events currently available, register for the “Interested in more Info” session below to let us know you would like to participate in a session! When there are enough interested players available, we will schedule a learn-to-play event. Note, there is no cost to express interest in this way and there is no obligation or commitment associated with expressing interest.

Cost:

Member: $10

Non-Member: $15

The YMCA will offer instructional clinics with a Professional Pickleball Instructor during the 2025/2026 indoor season. The specific clinic packages for this season are currently being finalized. “Register” for the “Interested in More Info” session below and we will contact you directly when details are finalized!

Need 1-on-1 instruction from an experienced Pickleball Professional to take your game to the next level? We’ve got you covered at the Sinking Spring YMCA!

Lessons are $80 for members and $120 for the community. Once registered, a Pickleball Professional will contact you within the next 48 hours to schedule your lesson!

Three & Me 

Cost:

Members: $75 ($25 / player)

Community: $105 ($35 / player)

This is an opportunity to play with and against a high-level Pickleball Professional while also receiving instruction.

The session allows for 3 players, and the Pickleball Professional will play in the foursome with the other three players.

As points unfold, moments of instruction will be reviewed using real, game time situations. Decision-making, shot selection, and setting up points are the focus of these sessions.

Once registered, a Pickleball Professional will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your lesson!

• All participants must register as individuals for either the 3.0 – 3.4 skill level or the 3.5 – 4.0 skill level. This is NOT a team league.
• Each skill level will have a maximum of 16 participants
• Players will be assigned to a foursome each week and rotate partners after each game, so they play with and against every player in their group.
• Matches are played until a 15-minute time limit is reached.
• After each week, players move up or down the ladder based on total point earned from the week before.
• Players earn points for winning matches and their total points determine their ranking.

Details for this season’s leagues have not yet been finalized. To express interest in joining a league this season, use the registration link below and a staff member will contact you directly when details are finalized.