The history of pickleball dates back to 1965, when Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, and Bill Bell, a successful businessman, returned to Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island near Seattle to find their families bored to death. After improvising with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, a new sport came to be, after which the men created rules relying heavily on badminton. The first permanent pickleball court was constructed in the backyard of Pritchard’s friend and neighbor Bob O’Brian in 1967, and by 1972, a corporation was formed to protect the creation of this new sport.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide, combining the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis with groups of two to four players. Whether you are new to pickleball or an avid player, Woodland Hills boasts a number of spots where you can play and enjoy to your heart’s content.

Warner Center Pickleball, located at 6336 Canoga Avenue Seventh Floor Rooftop, offers nine courts where the cultures of public community and private club amenities come together under the tutelage of fitness pro and IPTPA pickleball coach Leslie Maltz. Since October of 2022, she has cultivated that vision into what is now a community-based social club with the feel of a private country club – Warner Center Pickleball. Leslie remains dedicated to providing what she noticed other venues lacked: an education program and a way to teach and mentor progress at whatever speed and level participants desire. Whether you want to play recreationally or competitively, Warner Center offers programs for every player level.  

The Pickleball Exchange, located at 15622 Ventura Boulevard, is Los Angeles’ one-stop shop for all your pickleball needs, offering L.A.’s largest selection of pickleball paddles and accessories. Demo the large assortment of pickleball paddles on the shop’s in-store demo court and get a good feel for the different sizes, features, and types of paddles – the top-notch staff will give you detailed feedback on how each particular paddle will react to your play style. From apparel and paddles to all manner of extras, no one knows pickleball in Los Angeles like The Pickleball Exchange. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Club Osa, located at 18122 Erwin Street in Tarzana, offers group, semi-private, and private tennis and pickleball lessons for players of all ages and skill levels and also hosts live events, tournaments, regular clinics, and open play days. From its humble beginnings, this facility has evolved into a popular hub for tennis, pickleball, and other recreational outdoor activities, providing an ideal location for both company team-building events and networking opportunities. With an expansive backyard space of almost 14,000 square feet, Club Osa offers the perfect setting for any outdoor event – whether you’re looking to host a private party, a wedding, or a photoshoot location. Indeed, Club Osa is not just a destination for recreation and events…it’s a community that takes pride in being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, providing a place where people can connect, play, and have fun.

Maryann’s Tennis, a private tennis court in Sherman Oaks owned and operated by Mary Ann Colandro, offers a pickleball clinic that allows you to choose one to two classes per week. Learn this fun and increasingly popular sport for all ages that combines ping-pong, tennis, and badminton, played with two or four people on a tennis court using paddles and a wiffle ball. Equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary. Mary Ann brings 25 years of experience to the L.A. pickleball and tennis scene and even offers a free half-hour of instruction – contact her facility to learn more.

Pickletown, located at 1431 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, is owned and operated by Mary Pat Faley, a highly motivated Director of Tennis in a country club setting for over 47 years, who boasts the experience and skills necessary to ensure programs and events will be a first-class foray to the members of any club. Pickletown offers fast-paced indoor pickleball fun, playing the same format as tennis live ball with up to seven players per court; if you’re just starting out, adult and junior camps are available at the facility where you can learn to play America’s fastest-growing sport. A team of certified pickleball professionals will take your game to the next level.

Looking for a place to play pickleball in Woodland Hills? We’ve researched the best courts – and even accessory shops – in the area so that you can get your game on this weekend.