Choosing a pickleball club - everything you need to consider

Thinking of joining a pickleball club? With almost 70,000 pickleball courts in the US alone (and counting), you might think you're spoiled for choice. However, not all pickleball clubs are created equal. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

There's a lot to think about when choosing a pickleball club. To help you get started, I've partnered with CourtReserve to bring you this guide on the five main factors to consider when choosing the best pickleball club for you.

There's no such thing as the "perfect" pickleball club. It all depends on what you want to get out of it. Whether you're a beginner just learning how to play pickleball or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, read on for everything you need to know before joining a club.

Let's dive into the list.

Programming is at the heart of what makes a club worth joining. After all, you're there to play pickleball. The quality and variety of a club's programming will shape your experience and determine how well they support your growth.

Start by looking for a club that offers programs for different skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced options. That way, there will always be a program for you as you advance, with new ways to refine your skills.

Also, consider clubs that support DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). This system takes skill-based programming a step further with accurate player ratings, so you'll match with the right opponents who push you to improve. You'll get better matchups, skill development, and a stronger sense of community, leading to a better club experience.

Lastly, search for programs with your play style and specific interests in mind, whether that's competitive play, development opportunities, group play, or social-based events. Here are some programs to keep an eye out for:

Pickleball open plays give you a chance to drop in and join games with others, regardless of your skill level. They're a flexible, social way to interact with other players, hone your skills, and enjoy casual matches.

If you're looking for a way to build connections, enjoy social play, and get in some fun, low-pressure court time, you'll want a club that offers open play sessions.

One of the best ways to improve your pickleball skills is with private coaching. These can be tailored to your specific needs and goals with focused, one-on-one attention from the instructor.

Whether you're starting from scratch or want to practice more advanced techniques, private pickleball lessons offer a customized approach to help you improve at your own pace.

These are structured group sessions led by certified coaches for all skill levels. They include drills, demonstrations, gameplay scenarios, and tailored coaching. They're great if you want to refine your technique, build confidence, and meet fellow players.

If you enjoy friendly competition, Leagues and Ladders is a great one to consider. It features scheduled matches in a team or round-robin format and ranks individual players by skill level.

By competing against higher-ranked opponents, you can steadily improve your position. This encourages friendly competition and gives you the chance to work toward a collective goal with fellow players.

Tournaments are intended for anyone who loves the competitive side of pickleball. You can test your skills in structured formats like elimination brackets or round robins.

If you like to challenge yourself, track your progress, and socialize with others who share your competitive spirit, make sure your club offers tournaments.

If you're fully committed to the social aspect of pickleball, you'll want a club that hosts social events and mixers on top of other programs. These events give you a chance to connect with other players, helping you to establish lasting friendships, a support network, and a sense of belonging.

Something else to consider when choosing a pickleball club is the quality of the facilities. Uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and lack of sound control can completely throw off your focus, disrupt gameplay, and even pose safety risks. These can make or break your pickleball experience.

When choosing a club, look out for smooth court surfaces, clear markings, proper lighting, and good sound control. With the right setup, you'll feel more confident, safe, and comfortable on the court so you can get the most out of your time.

You should also consider the number of courts available. Clubs with too few courts often face long wait times during peak hours. Choosing a club with plenty of courts means more time playing and less time waiting on the sidelines.

Lastly, find out if the club offers any extra amenities or perks to enhance your experience (pro shops, locker rooms, lounges, bars, restaurants, etc). These can add to the overall comfort, personality, and atmosphere to keep you coming back.

By "ease of access", I mean how effectively a club uses technology to simplify participation and player engagement. If done right, this will play a big part in making your experience convenient and stress-free.

Here are some things to consider when researching a club's accessibility.

A user-friendly pickleball court reservation system lets you check court availability and secure your spot ahead of time. This self-service approach saves you the effort of calling ahead or the disappointment of arriving to find all courts in use.

It'll make your life so much easier if your club offers online booking. That way, you can take control of your schedule and book courts at your convenience—saving you time and energy.

Many clubs now offer apps or mobile-friendly platforms for you to book courts, sign up for events, and manage your membership. Also, you'll get push notifications to keep you updated on bookings, events, and any club news.

An event scheduling tool is a big plus. Put simply, it provides you with everything you need to plan out your time at a club. You can browse upcoming events, register in just a few clicks, and even handle payments online.

You even get waitlist notifications so you know immediately when spots become available. This way, you stay connected and fully engaged so you never miss out on the fun stuff happening at your club.

Most clubs are transparent about their fees, so you can easily decide if their programs and amenities match the cost. Find out what's included (e.g. court time, coaching, events, or additional perks).

Also, make sure to review the club's membership plans—including all available tiers and the differences between them. Whether you're a regular player or prefer drop-in flexibility, getting to choose between different membership tiers means you can find one that suits your play style and commitment level.

Next, check out the club's guest policies. Do they allow you to bring friends or family? Clubs with welcoming guest policies expand your playing opportunities and create a more inclusive, community-oriented atmosphere.

A club's atmosphere, culture, and community play a big role in shaping your overall experience. For many people, pickleball isn't just about the game—it's also about building connections and community. If that's you, you'll want somewhere you feel welcomed and valued.

Let's break it down further.

A friendly atmosphere is more than just smiles and greetings at the door—it sets the tone for everything that happens on and off the court.

For new players, a welcoming environment turns the intimidation of trying something new into an exciting journey. A supportive atmosphere makes it easier to learn and have fun.

For experienced players, a positive culture creates opportunities to meet people who share your passion for the game. This leads to new competitors and friendships that extend beyond the court.

Look for clubs where members and staff cheer each other on, celebrate wins (big or small), and come together to share the love of the game.

Pickleball is loved for its accessibility, bringing together players of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds.

The best clubs embrace this diversity, making every member feel like they belong through various programs and events. This ensures you'll always have a place to play, no matter your experience level.

A great pickleball club isn't just a place to play—it's a place to connect with others. Look for signs of a thriving community, such as tournaments, social events, and mixers that bring players together.

After all, these aren't just opportunities to play. They're also a chance to forge friendships and become part of the local community. Ultimately, this support will make your time at the club more rewarding and inspire you to stay engaged long-term.

The best way to understand a club's atmosphere is to visit in person. Then, ask yourself:

After considering those questions, read reviews or talk to current members for an inside perspective. These observations give you a glimpse into whether the club's culture aligns with your values and expectations.

The best way to know if a club is right for you is to experience it firsthand. Visit a few clubs, join an open play session, or attend an event to get a feel for the dynamic. Speak with staff and members, see how the club operates, and ask yourself if it feels like a place you'd be excited to return to.

Remember: the perfect club looks different for everyone. By trying out a few clubs, you'll get an idea of what truly matters to you and find a club that fits your specific parameters.

Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to elevate your game, the right pickleball club can make all the difference to your experience. Choosing a club isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about finding a place where you'll thrive. So, take your time and explore your options. Happy playing!