Your First Pickleball Open Play in Miami: A Beginner's Checklist
The short answer
Going to your first pickleball open play in Miami? Know your level, book on book.thelabpb.com, bring water and a paddle (or rent one), and arrive early. Here's a simple checklist for your first session at The Lab.
Before you go
Your first open play is easier with a plan. At The Lab Pickleball in Miami, open play is skill-verified, so you play with people at your level. Here's the checklist.
1. Know your level
The Lab runs three open play levels:
| Level | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| 3.0–3.6 | Players rated 3.0 to 3.6 |
| 3.7–4.4 | Requires a 3.7 DUPR |
| 4.5+ Challenge Court | Players rated 4.5 and up |
No DUPR rating yet? Attend the weekly club rating session to get placed. Message us to sign up.
Not sure where you fit? Read which open play level to book. If you're between two levels, start lower and move up.
2. Book your session
- Check session times on the schedule.
- Book on book.thelabpb.com. You'll create a free account.
- Pay the $18 drop-in, or join as a founding member: $99/month for the first 50, then $139/month. Members play unlimited. See membership.
3. Pack your bag
- Court shoes. Running shoes aren't built for side-to-side movement.
- A paddle, or rent one at the club.
- A full water bottle.
- A towel and a spare shirt.
No paddle yet? The pro shop has paddle rentals and demo paddles from top brands like RPM and Joola. Try a few different paddles in real games, then buy the one that fits your game.
4. Plan for the heat
Drink water throughout the day, not just on court, and take breaks between games. If you can, choose a session at a cooler time of day. Read playing pickleball in the Miami heat for CDC and National Weather Service guidance.
There are light snacks and drinks at the club.
5. Arrive early
Give yourself time to park (it's free on site), check in and warm up. A few minutes of dinks and easy drops before your first game helps.
6. Beginner tips for your first games
- Get to the kitchen line after the return. It's the strongest spot on the court.
- Keep it soft. Dinks and drops beat hard shots you can't control.
- Aim for the middle when in doubt.
- Call the score before you serve.
- Rotate in and out with the group, and play with different partners.
- Don't worry about mistakes. Everyone at your level is working on something too.
Coming from tennis? Read tennis to pickleball in Miami first.
See you on court
Players come to The Lab from Aventura, Surfside, Doral and Midtown, and from 19 neighborhoods, from Homestead to Fort Lauderdale.
The Lab Pickleball, 1255 NW 135th St., North Miami, FL 33168. Free parking on site.
FAQ
What level should I book for my first open play?
The Lab runs three levels: 3.0–3.6, 3.7–4.4 and the 4.5+ Challenge Court. The 3.7–4.4 games require a 3.7 DUPR. If you don't have a DUPR rating, attend the weekly club rating session to get placed.
I don't have a DUPR rating. Can I still play?
Yes. Message The Lab to attend the weekly club rating session, which places you at the right level.
How much does open play cost?
An $18 drop-in with a free account. Or become a founding member: $99/month for the first 50 members, then $139/month. Members play unlimited.
Do I need my own paddle?
No. The Lab has paddle rentals, plus demo paddles you can try before you buy.
What should I bring?
Court shoes, a water bottle and a paddle if you have one. Parking is free on site, and there are light snacks and drinks at the club.