GLP uses a skill-based paddle-stacking system for open play at Green Lake East that was first introduced by a few members of Green Lake Pickleball royalty (Frank Chiappone, Sean Oldridge, Steve Balch, and Clay Hess, to name a few) in the pre-Covid era. That system, with only minor modifications, remains in place today to help match like-skilled players — from beginner to expert — in fun and competitive games.
How to stack
Point your paddle handle to signal your self-rated skill level:
If you self-rate between levels, stack your paddle diagonally. The more honestly you stack, the better for all players at all levels — see our skill rating guidelines to self-rate objectively.
How the queue works
Stacks of four form beside the southwesternmost court. Find an incomplete stack (fewer than four paddles) with handles pointed at your skill level and place your paddle on top — or start a new stack to the right of the queue. Players in the stack farthest to the left take the next available court. When you finish a game, place your paddle back in the queue on a new stack.
Playing up and playing down
We collectively grow as a pickleball community by playing with people both stronger and weaker than ourselves. Be both respectful and generous; it's fun, instructive, and friendly to play "up" and play "down" every now and then.