Pickleball has always thrived as a social and inclusive sport — but most of the play we see today is open play or individually organized doubles. So what happens when we bring a true team format into the mix?
Team pickleball can mean different things — organized leagues, club teams, or even casual squads that rotate partners but share a collective score. For some, it’s an exciting evolution that adds structure, camaraderie, and friendly rivalry. For others, it may risk adding pressure, exclusivity, or complicating the simplicity that draws people to the game in the first place.
A few possible advantages often mentioned:
- Community and belonging: players get to know each other better and support one another beyond individual matches.
- Strategic variety: lineups, pairings, and team matchups can add new layers of challenge and fun.
- Shared purpose: a team identity can motivate players to improve and show up consistently.
A possible downside:
Less flexibility: team schedules and rosters can limit the open, drop-in freedom that many players enjoy.
What do you think — does team play enhance or dilute what makes pickleball special? How would you imagine a team format working best?