2 Easy Ways to Organize Paddles for Open Play

Are your pickleball courts so busy that you have to wait your turn to play? If so, how do you remember who's next in line?

It seems many players resort to lying out their paddles on a bench, moving them along a chain link fence (what happens if they fall? yikes!) or simply using a sign-up form. But surely there's got to be a better way?

We currently know of two options that offer a simple, flexible system for storing paddles and maintaining order during open play. Which one sounds most enticing to you?

Paddle Saddle

The Paddle Saddle is a convenient paddle holder that can be attached to a chain link fence. Several tubes provide space for paddles, while a 'Next' marker slides along the outer support to show which player is waiting in the wings for a game.

It's a smart way to make sure your paddles are protected and accessible while ensuring you know who's up next. The only downside is that you do have to remember to slide the 'Next' marker, but no doubt the upcoming players will make sure everyone knows where it should be...

You can find the Paddle Saddle at this site.

Lon Jones' Rotating Paddle Holder

This elegant paddle holder was created for the Castle Creek Pickleball Club at Escondido, CA. The nice thing about this setup is that it doesn't require manual movement at all. You just place your paddles in the holder, and gravity pulls the next paddles into the 'waiting' position once equipment is removed.

Lon eventually wants to create a universal mount, stronger sealed bearings and a more compact design, but we think it's pretty impressive as is! Unfortunately it looks like Lon isn't selling these via a store yet, but you can get in touch with the Castle Creek group to see if he might be willing to make more.

How does your group keep everyone organized when there are players waiting for games?