Empty pickleball court with net in summer sun

Welcome to Palos Youth Pickleball

Come hang out, play some pickleball, and meet other kids who love the game. We're all about casual meet-ups where young players teach each other—no pressure, just good times on the court.

Join a Meet-up

Schedule a Meet-up

Pick a weekend date (Saturday or Sunday) to join our next pickleball meet-up from 3-5 PM. Kids teaching kids in a fun, chill environment!

What to Bring

  • Clothes: Comfy athletic wear (t-shirt, shorts or sweatpants)
  • Shoes: Court shoes or sneakers with good grip (no sandals or slip-ons)
  • Water: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Vibe: Good attitude and ready to learn!

Equipment: We've got paddles, balls, and everything you need—no cost to you. You don't need to bring your own paddle, but feel free to if you want to!

If you're new to the game, we suggest trying our paddles first to see what you like before buying your own.

October 2026

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Pick a date

Choose a date from the calendar to see available times

About Palos Youth Pickleball

Our Mission

We're a non-profit that believes in building community through pickleball. The idea is simple: kids teaching kids. Young players who love the game sharing that passion with beginners across Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, and nearby areas.

What We Do

We get together on weekends to play pickleball and help newcomers learn the ropes. No drills, no pressure, no strict schedules—just young people hanging out, playing, and learning from each other.

  • Casual Lessons: Learn from other kids who know the game
  • Meet-ups: Play games and meet new people
  • Peer Learning: Kids teaching kids in a chill environment
  • Community: Making friends through pickleball

What We're About

Community

Making friends and connections through playing together

Youth Leadership

Young players taking the lead and sharing what they know

Everyone Welcome

No experience needed—come as you are

Fun & Relaxed

Low-key vibes, focus on having a good time

Why Pickleball?

Pickleball is blowing up because it's easy to pick up, social, and genuinely fun. It's perfect for bringing people together. Our instructors love sharing it because:

  • You can start playing and having fun quickly
  • It's naturally social and team-oriented
  • Great way to stay active without feeling like a workout
  • You make real connections with people on the court

Our Story

We're pretty new at this, but the vision is simple: use pickleball to connect young people in our area. Our instructors are players who love the game and want to help others discover it too. As a non-profit, we're here to serve the community—not make money. The goal? Get more kids playing pickleball and building friendships that last.

Our Team

Meet the player leading our meet-ups and sharing the pickleball love with everyone.

CG

Cain Guerra

Passionate pickleball player with killer spins and a deadly dinker. From soft shots at the kitchen to dominating rallies, I love every aspect of the game. Ready to teach new players the fundamentals—from the dink game to third shot drops—and share the excitement of pickleball with everyone who wants to learn!

Where to Play

Palos Heights Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Indoor courts perfect for meet-ups when the weather's not great.

Address: 6600 W. 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Courts: 4 indoor
Notes: Solid option for indoor play during colder months
Visit Website →

Palos Hills Park District

Park District

Outdoor courts with plenty of space for casual games.

Address: 8601 W. 103rd St, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Courts: 6 outdoor
Notes: Great spot for outdoor meet-ups
Visit Website →

Palos Park Recreation

Recreation Department

Chill outdoor courts for relaxed play.

Address: 8901 W. 129th St, Palos Park, IL 60464
Courts: 2 outdoor
Notes: Quiet location, good for casual games
Visit Website →

Lesson Locations

Program Sites

We work with local spots to host youth pickleball sessions at convenient places around the area.

Current Locations: Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park
Format: Group sessions for beginners
Registration: Hit us up for upcoming sessions

Orland Park Sports Complex

Sports Facility

Nearby facility with lots of courts if we need more space.

Address: 11351 W. 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60467
Courts: 8 indoor
Notes: Good option for bigger group meet-ups
Visit Website →

Moraine Valley Community College

College Facility

Local college with fitness and recreation facilities.

Address: 9000 W. College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Courts: Multiple courts available
Notes: Check website for availability and programs
Visit Website →

Contact Information

Get in Touch

Questions about our meet-ups? Reach out and we'll get back to you.

Email: palospickleball@outlook.com
Contact: Cain Guerra
Response Time: Usually within 24-48 hours

Pickleball Resources

Helpful links to learn more about pickleball and improve your game.

Latest Blog Posts

Getting Started with Pickleball

October 27, 2026

New to pickleball? Learn the basics of this fun sport. Our meet-ups are perfect for beginners—no experience needed!

Read More →

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is like a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It's easy to pick up but still has enough strategy to keep it interesting as you get better.

Basic Rules You Need to Know

  • The Serve: Hit it underhand, below your waist. The ball needs to land in the diagonal service box across from you.
  • The Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, let it bounce once before hitting it back. Then the serving team lets it bounce once. After that, you can hit it out of the air if you want.
  • The Kitchen: There's a 7-foot zone near the net called "the kitchen." You can't hit the ball out of the air while standing in there.
  • Scoring: Games go to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team can score points.

What to Expect at Your First Meet-up

No stress if you're new! Our meet-ups are built for all skill levels. When you show up, our youth instructors will walk you through the basics and get you playing fast. We've got paddles and balls covered—just bring comfy athletic clothes and shoes with good grip.

Tips for Beginners

  • Focus on keeping the ball in play instead of trying to smash winners
  • Work on your dink game (soft shots near the net)—it's super important
  • Ask questions if you're confused—that's what we're here for
  • Have fun and go easy on yourself while you're learning

Why Start with Palos Youth Pickleball?

Unlike formal lessons or competitive programs, our meet-ups are chill and social. You'll learn from other kids who were beginners not that long ago. No strict drills, no pressure—just friends teaching friends in a relaxed setting. Plus you'll meet other players from around here who love the game too.

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Join Our Next Meet-up

October 20, 2026

Casual sessions where kids can learn from each other and make new friends. Check our upcoming meet-ups and come hang out!

Read More →

What Happens at a Meet-up?

Our meet-ups are casual hangouts where youth players get together to play pickleball. When you show up, we'll introduce you to everyone and match you with players around your skill level. We organize games, teach some basics, and make sure everyone gets plenty of time on the court.

Typical Meet-up Schedule

  • 3:00 PM: Show up, meet the group, grab a paddle
  • 3:15 PM: Quick warm-up and basics for anyone new
  • 3:30 PM: Games start—doubles with rotating partners
  • 4:15 PM: Short break, tips from experienced players
  • 4:30 PM: More games and practice time
  • 5:00 PM: Wrap up, share highlights, talk about next time

Who Can Join?

Our meet-ups are open to youth from Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, and nearby areas. No experience needed—we love complete beginners! Whether you've never touched a paddle or you've been playing for years, you'll fit right in.

What to Bring

  • Comfy athletic clothes (t-shirt, shorts or sweatpants)
  • Court shoes or sneakers with good grip (no sandals or slip-ons)
  • Water bottle
  • Good attitude and ready to learn!

We've got paddles, balls, and all the equipment you need. If you have your own paddle, bring it if you want, but it's totally optional.

How to Sign Up

Use the calendar above to pick an upcoming weekend (Saturday or Sunday) from 3-5 PM. Once you choose a slot, we'll send you confirmation details by email. Spots are limited so everyone gets good playing time, so sign up early if you can!

Cost

Our meet-ups are free! As a non-profit, we want to make pickleball accessible to everyone. Donations help cover court costs and equipment, but there's no pressure to pay anything.

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Building Community Through Pickleball

October 15, 2026

How casual meet-ups create real friendships. See how pickleball brings young people together.

Read More →

More Than Just a Game

Pickleball is really about connection. When you're on the court with a partner or teammates, you're not just playing a sport—you're building relationships. The casual, social vibe of pickleball makes it perfect for bringing people together in a way that competitive sports sometimes can't.

The Power of Youth Teaching Youth

Learning from someone your own age hits different. Our youth instructors get what it's like to be new to the sport, to feel unsure about your skills, to worry about fitting in. When they teach beginners, they bring patience and understanding that adult instructors might not have. This peer-to-peer thing creates bonds that go beyond the court.

Friendships Formed on the Court

Lots of our regulars didn't know each other before joining. Now they're friends who text about upcoming games, hang out outside of pickleball, and support each other in school and life. Learning and playing together creates natural connections. You cheer for your partner's good shots, laugh when things go wrong, and celebrate improvements together.

A Welcoming Environment for Everyone

Some youth sports can feel intimidating—tryouts, competitive teams, pressure to perform. Our meet-ups are different. No cuts, no starting lineups, no pressure to be the best. Everyone plays, everyone learns, everyone belongs. This inclusive vibe helps shy kids come out of their shells, gives confident kids chances to lead, and creates a space where real friendships can grow.

Connecting Across Communities

Our meet-ups bring together youth from Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, and nearby areas. Without this program, a lot of these kids might never have met. Now they're playing doubles together, sharing tips, and building a network of pickleball friends across communities. These connections strengthen our broader community and show how sports can bring people together.

Life Skills Beyond the Court

The lessons you learn through pickleball go way beyond the game. Our players pick up teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and leadership skills. When experienced players help beginners, they learn patience and how to teach. When beginners challenge themselves to improve, they build confidence and resilience. These skills help in school, relationships, and everything else.

Join Our Community

Whether you want to make new friends, learn a new sport, or just have fun on weekends, our meet-ups are a welcoming space. Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you'll leave with new connections and good memories. The pickleball community is here for you!

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