Greenwich Drop-in Pickleball on TeamReach

TeamReach Group

Greenwich Drop-in Pickleball is a very active ‘Drop-in’ Pickleball group in Greenwich CT, organized on TeamReach by Lip Lai, a Greenwich resident and avid Pickleball player.*

Group play takes place 3-4 times a week, weather permitting, primarily at Eastern Civic Center in Greenwich.

The group was started by Lip Lai in October of 2022. Lai’s goal was to create more inclusive opportunities for Greenwich players to be able to show up and get a game.

Contact Founder Lip for more information on who can join and how to join and what is expected of group members.

Says Lai, “I personally feel that it’s really important to have fun in this group. GDIP members believe that Pickling is way more enjoyable when we're all hanging out, chatting, and having a good time together.”

The group has grown exponentially since then, thanks to his inclusive approach & tireless efforts.

Membership totals 700+ as of November, 2023. 18 of those members have ‘leadership’ permissions within the group. That means they have the ability to set up games and remove members who do not comply with group rules.

Who can join the group? This group is primarily for Greenwich Residents with a Pickle Pass.

During spring, summer and fall, when the reservation system is active, a Town of Greenwich Pickleball/Tennis pass is required to participate as all games take place on Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation courts.

New this year is the ‘OnePass’. This pass is a single card which can be used for Beach & Racket sport privileges (Tennis and Pickleball) mailed the third week in January (after purchasing). The OnePass does not show your Pickle pass and must be scanned to determine if it is active.

All group members and those who play in the TeamReach sessions agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Town of Greenwich Pickleball Etiquette Rules.

TeamReach group members should also agree to follow the Town of Greenwich Court reservation and tennis/Pickleball court use rules.

Accommodations can be made for non pass holders to participate by having a Greenwich racket pass holder purchase a guest pass for them. Annual guest racket passes are $85/year when purchased by a resident for their guests. Learn more about how to purchase guest passes here.

*This group is not affiliated with or managed by GreenwichPickleball.com.

Lip Lai (left) & Emanuel Lai (right)

Questions about GDIP?

Contact Lip Lai, GDIP founder (on left in photo)

Who Can Join GDIP?

• Players who have a Town of Greenwich Pickleball/Tennis pass OR who are willing to purchase guest passes during high season as necessary.

• Players who will follow the Town of Greenwich Court use rules.

• Pickleball players who are inclusive, respectful, welcoming and kind. You get the picture!

• Players who want to have FUN, and be part of a supportive Pickleball Community.

• Players who commit to upholding the Town of Greenwich Pickleball Etiquette Rules. Drop-in Pickleball tends to accommodate a wide range of abilities. It may not be for you. :)

• People who know how to play Pickleball. Unfortunately, drop-in Pickleball isn’t a place to learn how to play Pickleball. The town has learn-to-play clinics, as do other facilities like the Italian Center in Stamford :)

• What is the level of play? GDIP play ranges from low intermediate through advanced. FYI, there are drop-in indoor play sessions, for both residents and non-residents, year round - see drop-in at Western Greenwich Civic Center.

Greenwich Players who Should Probably NOT Join this TeamReach Group

Players who think the Pickleball Code of Etiquette is a bunch of hooey.

Players who strongly suspect they have been shunned for poor behavior because they can’t get a game. (But if you’re willing to change your ways, give it a try.)

Players with truly terrifying anger management issues they won’t make an effort to overcome.

That said, any player who self-identifies as one of the above, but who is committed to turning over a new leaf is welcome!