Ready to pick up a paddle and play? Join the fun at one of the 890 pickleball courts across 150 Life Time athletic country clubs. There are five primary ways to play pickleball at Life Time:
1. Intro to Pickleball
Led by a knowledgeable pickleball pro, this 60-minute class is designed to help you learn the basics of how to play the sport. You’ll focus on scoring, the rules of play, and the intricacies of the game. (Learn more: “What Is Intro to Pickleball at Life Time?”)
2. Open Play
This is a series of set times on club schedules each week where you can reserve a spot to mix in and play, whether with friends or other members. Games are played four to a court, with each match going to 11 points; you must win by a minimum of two points. After each game is finished, if others are waiting to play, a new foursome will rotate in. If there are less than four people waiting, any willing participants will go off the court to allow the waiting pickleballers to play.
Open Play is available by DUPR rating for all ages and skill levels. These levels are based on a scale of 1.0 to 5.5-plus. Dutrieuille suggests assessing your level based on the following guidelines (you can also find skill-assessment questionnaires on the USA Pickleball website):
- 1.0–2.5: You’re a beginner. As you get closer to the end range of this scale, you learn how to keep score, understand serving positions, and can successfully serve the ball four out of 10 times.
- 2.5–3.0: You’re at a beginner-intermediate level. You’re more confident in hitting the ball out of the air, hitting ground strokes, and blocking shots.
- 3.0–3.5: You’re generally considered intermediate. You’re not as afraid of the nonvolley zone and have an impetus to enjoy getting closer to the net. You start exploring different shots, such as sideline shots and lobs — perhaps even attempting a dink here and there.
- 3.5–4.0: You’re generally considered to be at an intermediate-advanced level. This is where the game starts to take a different shape, says Dutrieuille. You’re comfortable and confident with ground strokes, you hit the ball hard, you want to get to the nonvolley zone line, and are attempting to do a third shot drop. Your ability to manipulate and slow down the game increases.
- 4.0–4.5: You know where you want to hit the ball and are directionally intent — and you get it there about 60 percent of the time. You can easily serve successfully eight out of 10 times. You’re able to execute a third shot drop and a reset shot about 50 percent of the time.
- 5.0–5.5: You’re able to perform a third shot drop and a reset about 80 to 90 percent of the time.
- 5.5+: You’re at a pro level. You’re executing all shots at a rate of 90 percent or higher.
Open Play is complimentary.
3. Mixers
This format is similar to Open Play, except that in addition to playing pickleball, you may also receive a drink ticket and have an added chance to meet new people. “A mixer is a phenomenal way to have a low-stress pickleball experience and a low-committal opportunity to meet other members,” says Dutrieuille. Mixer pricing varies by club and the type of Mixer offered.
4. Tournaments
Life Time offers pickleball tournaments for members and nonmembers to compete in. These are available year-round in a variety of different formats including singles, mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and men’s doubles. Some tournaments include age-group formats.
(Learn more: “How to Get Started Competing in Pickleball.”)
5. Reserve a Court
This allows you to play and stay with the other player(s) you come with. Reserve a court for up to two hours and play as many games as you’d like. You’re able to invite up to six people on your reservation, but must limit the people on the court to four at a time. Reserving a court is complimentary for signature members, otherwise there is a court fee depending on your membership level and club location.
Most Life Time clubs also offer lessons and clinics for those who want to advance their pickleball skills, along with leagues and other social events.
