PICKLEBALL KINGDOM Plano , Texas ( Courtesy of Pickleball Kingdom )
no pickleball-only option . Life Time also has an app with instructional videos hosted by superstar players — and brothers — Ben and Collin Johns .
If you ’ ve played indoors , you know how much louder it can be than outside . Indoor club owners want their court surfaces to play in a way that ’ s similar to outdoor venues , so some have hired professional sound engineers to mitigate the noise . Methods being used include custom sound-absorbing fencing and a layer of rubberized gel in the court . Still , don ’ t expect your indoor club to be quiet . But for most pickleballers , the noise from the sound of the paddle thwacking the ball and shrieks of joy after great shots are among the countless reasons we love the sport .
Here are things to consider when deciding which indoor club to join :
• Make sure you know what ’ s included with each membership tier .
• Check out each club ’ s court reservation policies .
• Find out whether courts are reserved by player level if you prefer to play with those of similar ability . Some clubs will set aside courts for beginners .
• See if there are any hidden or extra fees . For example , one club might charge to rent a ball machine , while another may provide one to members free of charge .
• Take a tour of the indoor club you ’ re thinking about joining . Most clubs offer a day pass to non-members for between $ 15 and $ 30 . Some indoor clubs offer a discounted or trial 30-day membership .
Some pickleball industry insiders are wondering if there could be too many indoor pickleball clubs in the near future . Industry expert Todd Boss says , “ In the ‘ 70s and ‘ 80s , racquetball ’ s popularity blew up . Too many clubs opened and many closed . I believe there ’ s the possibility of that happening in the pickleball space . The indoor clubs that are there first and provide the most services will be the winners .”
Mackie agrees , and wonders , “ Is there really enough interest , or will some new indoor pickleball venues go belly-up ?”
He asked that question even before The Pickleball Club announced in December it was closing both of its Florida locations , in Lakewood Ranch near Sarasota and Port St . Lucie . The owners released a statement saying , “ We did not have sufficient financial resources to continue operations .” Members who paid for a year in advance ( not a good idea , especially before a club is built ) were seeking refunds .
That unfortunate development notwithstanding , pickleball players who join indoor clubs can forget about paddle racks and paddle stacks . And you can leave your sunglasses and sunscreen in your bag , and lob without worrying about the wind . •
Matthew Schwartz spent 40 years in television news and won more than 200 awards , including four Emmys and four Edward R . Murrow awards for investigative reporting . His 2020 memoir , “ Confessions of an Investigative Reporter ,” was an Amazon # 1 bestseller . He writes a weekly blog for Hudef Sport and plays pickleball every day .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | MAGAZINE 45