How to prepare for your first open play session

Ask the organizer before you go

Every venue and group runs open play a little differently, and the person in charge is the best source. Ask them:

• Who can join, and which levels the session is meant for.
• Whether there is a fee, and how it is paid.
• How players rotate: a paddle rack where you place your paddle to queue, a sign-up board, a challenge court, or another system.
• Whether to bring your own balls, and which kind they use. Outdoor and indoor balls behave differently.

What to bring

• A paddle. If you do not own one, ask whether you can borrow one for the first session before you buy.
• Court shoes or other shoes with good grip and lateral support. Running shoes can roll on the side.
• Water, more than you think you need, and a small towel.
• A hat and sunscreen for outdoor courts. In the Philippine heat, many players choose early mornings or evenings.

The rules you need on day one

You do not need to know every rule. These few cover most of what happens in a game, and other players will gladly help.

• The serve is underhand and goes diagonally across to the opponent's service box.
• Two-bounce rule: after the serve, the receiving side lets the ball bounce once, and the serving side lets the return bounce once, before anyone may volley.
• The kitchen is the non-volley zone, the 7-foot strip on each side of the net. You may stand in it, but you may not hit a ball out of the air while you are in it or touching its lines.
• Games are commonly played to 11 points and you must win by 2, though casual groups sometimes agree on something shorter. In doubles, call the score before each serve as three numbers: the serving side's score, the receiving side's score and whether the server is first or second.

Court manners that make you welcome

• Introduce yourself and say it is your first time. Most groups will pair you kindly.
• Call lines honestly. If you are not sure, the ball is good for your opponent.
• If a ball from another court rolls onto yours, stop the point or wait until the rally on the other court is over before you retrieve it.
• Rotate fairly and keep the courts clear of bags and bottles.
• Do not coach people who did not ask. Compliment a good shot instead.

Look after yourself

Warm up before you start, drink regularly and take a break in the shade if you feel dizzy. Do not play through sharp pain, particularly in the ankles, knees or shoulders. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor what is sensible for you.

Going to meet strangers

If you found the session through the internet, tell someone where you are going, travel on your own terms and choose a public place. PikolBond does not verify members, organizers or venues, so confirm the details yourself.

After the session

Connect with the people you enjoyed playing with, ask if they have a regular game, and join the circle if there is one. Regular partners are how a first session turns into a habit.