How to Start a Pickleball Club: Step-by-Step Guide

Olivier Rousseau
11 October 2024 Pickleball 2 min read

Starting a Pickleball club can be a rewarding venture that combines love for the sport with community building. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

We’ll discuss:

Step 1: Planning and Reseach
Step 2: Secure the Right Location
Step 3: Insurance and License
Step 4: Attract and Hire Qualified Staff
Step 5: Market Your Pickelball Club
Step 6: Use Software to Streamline Your Operations
Step 7: Monitor and Adapt
Bonus: Other tools to help you grow a profitable Pickleball Club

Author’s note: I’m Olivier and I share tips and tricks I’ve learned over the past decade as the owner sports program business. Today, as the co-founder of Activity Messenger, I help successful tennis and pickleball clubs across the U.S. and Canada grow their clubs, improve the way they communicate with members, and increase revenue.

Step 1: Planning and Reseach

Market Research

Begin by assessing the local interest in pickleball. Conduct surveys, engage with existing players, and gauge the potential membership base. Research competitors and identify potential partners or sponsors. Look into the demographics of your area to understand the target audience better. Consider factors such as age groups and existing pickleball clubs nearby.

Business Plan

Draft a detailed business plan outlining your vision, mission, target audience, and financial projections. Include plans for funding, marketing, and growth strategies. A well-structured business plan will guide you through the initial stages and help secure financing from investors or banks. Outline short-term and long-term goals, potential revenue streams, and cost management strategies.

pickleball business plan

Step 2: Secure the Right Location

Choosing the perfect location is crucial to start and grow a successful pickleball club.

Here are some options to consider:

Renting Space for you pickleball club

Partner with community centers, city parks, local schools, or facilities that already have unoccupied tennis courts or areas suitable for pickleball to minimize your initial investment. This allows you to leverage the established audience and infrastructure of these venues, and eliminates the high costs associated with building brand new pickleball courts.

Renting Space for you pickleball club

 

Building a Pickleball Facility:

This option requires a greater financial investment, but gives you complete control over the design, functionality and management of the courts. By building a facility designed for pickleball, you can greatly enhance the experience for your members. This allows you to offer more pickleball clinics or host special events that may not be possible at a shared facility. However, it requires careful planning, from securing funding to designing a facility that is both user-friendly and compliant with all relevant codes and regulations. With the flexibility to customize everything from court surfaces and lighting to seating and accessibility, you can set your pickleball club apart in a competitive market. Keep in mind that additional expenses such as land costs, local taxes, and court maintenance must also be factored into your budget.

Building a Pickleball Facility

 

Starting with Mobile Pickleball Lessons:

This option allows you to provide pickleball lessons by traveling to your clients’ locations, such as private or community outdoor courts. It helps reduce overhead costs since there’s no need to maintain or rent a facility. This approach is ideal for clients who appreciate the convenience of lessons in nearby parks and offers flexibility in scheduling. However, it demands logistical planning and effective local marketing for you to maintain a consistent customer base. Mobile pickleball lessons are perfect for those wanting to enter the pickleball market with minimal initial investment. As you build a clientele, you can gradually hire additional coaches to grow your operations.

Pickelball lessons

Open a Pickleball Franchise

Opening a pickleball club franchise can a great way to enter the pickleball industry. When evaluating franchise options, seek those that provide comprehensive support, including marketing assistance, operational training, and a proven curriculum. Well-known brands like Pickle Rage Franchise, The Picklr, and Ace Pickleball Club offer structured programs and proven development systems. For more information on the best franchise options, read this comprehensive comparison analysis of the top pickleball franchise options.

Key Considerations When Opening a Pickleball Club or Academy

No matter the type of venue or system you choose, several important factors should guide your decision:

  1. Visibility and Accessibility: Select a pickleball facility that is easy to locate and access. High visibility from major roads, ample parking, and proximity to public transportation can significantly increase memberships.
  2. Competition: Assess the local pickleball market to understand the competition. Choosing a location with fewer nearby pickleball clubs allows you to capture a larger portion of the market.
  3. Safety and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local zoning and building regulations is essential. Make sure the facility meets all safety standards to protect your customers and employees and to fulfill insurance requirements.

Paying close attention to these factors will lay the groundwork for a successful pickleball club or academy.

Step 3: Legal and Financial Considerations

Permits and Licenses

Research local regulations to determine the permits and licences required to operate a pickleball club. This may include zoning permits, business licences, and health and safety certificates. Contact your local government to ensure that all legal requirements are met. It may be beneficial to consult with a legal advisor to navigate the complexities of local regulations and ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly.

Insurance

Obtain appropriate insurance to cover potential liabilities, such as general liability, property, and event insurance if you plan to host pickleball tournaments. Work with an insurance professional to tailor coverage to your club’s specific needs. You may also want to consider additional coverage for staff and players, such as accident and professional liability insurance for instructors.

Budgeting

Develop a detailed budget that includes initial start-up costs, ongoing operating expenses and projected revenue. Include the cost of building or renting space, equipment, staff and marketing efforts. It’s a good idea to set aside contingency funds for unforeseen costs. Divide the budget into fixed and variable expenses, and allow for seasonal fluctuations in membership and revenue.

Step 4: Hire Qualified Staff

Instructors are the backbone of any successful pickleball club or academy, as they directly influence the quality of coaching and the overall experience of your members.

Here’s how to build a strong team:

Pickleball Certifications

  • Make sure all your pickleball instructors are certified by recognized organizations, such as the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) or the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR).
  • These certifications ensure that instructors are up to date with the latest teaching techniques and safety standards. Having certified instructors not only enhances the credibility of your pickleball club, but also gives your customers the confidence that they are receiving professional and knowledgeable instruction.

Pickleball instructor

Experience and Skills

  • Seek out instructors with a strong background in both playing and coaching pickleball, beyond just holding basic certifications.
  • If your primary clientele includes children, it’s particularly important to find instructors who have experience working with younger players. These instructors are typically more adept at engaging kids and demonstrating the patience needed to support their development effectively.

Background Checks

  • Conduct comprehensive background checks on your pickleball instructors to ensure they have no history that could compromise the safety of your clients.
  • These checks should cover criminal records, verify past employment, and include references to confirm their qualifications and character.

Attracting Talent

  • Create a vibrant work environment that appeals to younger Gen-Z pickleball instructors who value workplaces that are inclusive, tech-savy and socially responsible.
  • Emphasize opportunities for professional development, such as continuing education programs and the potential for career advancement within your pickleball club.

Attracting pickleball instructors

How to Retain Pickleball Instructors

  • Cultivate a culture of feedback and recognition to keep your pickleball instructors engaged and committed.
  • Regular check-ins, performance reviews and open lines of communication are essential to maintaining employee satisfaction.
  • Offer flexible scheduling options and support work-life balance, as many instructors value flexibility and autonomy in their roles.

Step 5: Market Your Pickleball Club

Marketing your pickleball club requires an omni-channel approach to reach potential members and convert them into active participants. By implementing the following strategies, you can increase awareness and drive sign-ups,

Here are a few key marketing ideas for pickleball clubs:

1- Email Marketing (Monthly Newsletter)

Build your email list by collecting addresses during registration or through your website. Keep your audience engaged with regular newsletters that include updates on membership fees, success stories from tournaments, and information on upcoming events. Use segmented email campaigns to provide personalized offers and content, such as junior pickleball programs, competitive training for teens, or adult pickleball lessons, to cater to different member interests.

How to send a newsletter for pickleball

Offer an Early Bird Discount and Trial Memberships

Encourage early registration by offering discounts to those who sign up in advance and a 7-day free trial to allow prospects to experience your pickleball facilities. Promote the early bird discount across all your marketing channels to increase visibility and reach. Consider implementing early-bird pricing, where the discount amount decreases as the program start date approaches.

Offer early bird discount

Social Media Marketing

Engage with members and prospects on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Share engaging content such as tournament highlights, facility photos and videos, pickleball tips, and player stories to attract new followers and build a strong community. Run geo-targeted social media ads targeting people within a 15-minute radius of your club to ensure you reach local prospects interested in pickleball instruction.

Offer Free Pickleball Lessons

Offer a free introductory pickleball lesson to attract new participants who may be hesitant to commit to a full program. Use these free lessons as promotional opportunities during community events to increase exposure. Collect feedback after the lesson to refine your offering and send special follow-up promotions to convert participants into paying members.

pickleball lessons

Get found on Google (SEO) and Pay Per Click (PPC) Ads

Optimize your website with relevant keywords like “pickleball club in [your city]” and “kids pickleball lessons” to enhance search engine visibility. Publish valuable content such as blog posts on pickleball techniques, the health benefits of pickleball, and tips for preparing kids for their first pickleball lesson. Run PPC campaigns on Google and social media platforms to reach specific audiences based on location, interests, and other demographics.

 

Step 6: Use Technology to Enhance Your Operations

Software can significantly improve operational efficiency and the overall customer experience. An online registration and membership platform like Activity Messenger can help your launch a successful pickleball club:

Intuitive Registration Forms

Activity Messenger offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of signing up for pickleball lessons and programs. This user-friendly experience accelerates registration and minimizes administrative work for your team.

Digital Liability Waivers

Platforms like SmartWaiver or Activity Messenger allow you to digitize liability waivers for pickleball lessons and membership agreements. Incorporating these waivers into the registration process reduces paperwork and ensures the security of sensitive information. Using a solution like Activity Messenger streamlines the registration process, creating a hassle-free and efficient experience for your members.

Create an Online Liability Waiver for Tennis

Bulk SMS

Bulk SMS helps you communicate important updates, such as class changes, cancellations, or special promotions. It’s also an effective way to remind members who may have outstanding membership fees.

Attendance Tracking

Digitally track attendance to monitor player participation and engagement seamlessly. This system helps identify trends, manage schedules effectively, and maintain accurate records.

Pickleball Club Software

As your pickleball club expands, the need for management software becomes essential. Activity Messenger offers solutions for scheduling, billing, and client management, centralizing all operational data in one platform. This integration simplifies tracking, analysis, and decision-making processes. Activity Messenger starts with user-friendly tools ideal for new clubs but also provides advanced features for registration, court bookings, and club management as your needs grow.

Pickleball Club Software

Step 7: Monitor and Adapt

The key to running a successful pickleball club is to respond to customer needs and the dynamics of the pickleball market.

Here’s how you can manage these aspects effectively:

Collect Member Feedback

  • Active Engagement: Make it easy for players to provide feedback by sending end-of-session reminders with an online survey. Use this information to adjust coaching methods and enhance the customer experience.
  • Deeper Insights: Gain a better understanding of your members’ needs and preferences by engaging directly with them through player feedback meetings.

Pickleball Feedback Form

Financial Monitoring

  • Regular Reviews: Monitor your financial performance by regularly reviewing income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
  • Optimize Finances: Use this information to identify areas where you can reduce costs or where investments are yielding results. Adjust your pricing structure, explore new revenue streams (like advanced classes or seasonal clinics), and cut unnecessary expenses to improve your bottom line.

Pickleball Market Trends

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends in pickleball instruction, safety protocols, and customer service improvements.
  • Industry Involvement: Stay ahead of the curve by attending pickleball industry events, participating in professional forums, and reading relevant publications.
  • Competitive Awareness: Monitor what competitors are doing differently or what new services they are offering.

Other tools to help you open and grow a pickleball Club

Activity Messenger is a pickleball club management software designed to support you in launching and growing a new pickleball club or academy.

It offers all the essential tools for success. Here are additional ways we can help:

How create a pickleball tournament registration form
Waitlist Management 
How to send bulk SMS to players

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If you would like to learn more about Activity Messenger, book a demo with one our experts.

Written by Olivier Rousseau Olivier is a kids sports programs owner who has been operating for over a decade with locations in Montreal, Quebec city & Ottawa. He also helps Gymnastics Club, Swim Schools and Dance Studios streamline their operations. He is the co-founder of Activity Messenger an online registration platform for the sports & leisure industry.

How to Open a Pickleball Club with Activity Messenger

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