You're probably tired of everyone talking about pickleball,
But also a little curious? Or maybe you have no clue what it is. No matter where you stand on the spectrum of pickleball knowledge, we've provided you with a glimpse into this fun sport, offer guidance on how to embark on your pickleball journey, and let you know some of the best places to play around Austin.
_________________________________________
Where Can I Play?
From sports bars and wineries to rec centers, Austin and the surrounding areas have an abundant amount of places to play pickleball. Here are some of our recs, visit their sites to find out more about how to reserve a court and get more info!
- Pickleland (North Austin) | 9 indoor courts that are properly spaced, fully fenced, and a premium outdoor tournament-ready surface for true pickleball play. Memberships are available.
- Waterloo Pickleball (Downtown) | Private pickleball club with two indoor and two outdoor courts, gym membership, recovery lounge and more
- Eastside Paddle Club (East Austin) | Indoor pickleball and social club with ten courts with a full suite of amenities.
Pickleball Playmakers (Around Austin) | Pickleball lessons, group clinics, community social events, and parties.
- Austin Pickle Ranch (North Austin) | 16 indoor courts with AC, offering memberships, courts to book, clinics & lessons, and drop-in play. Learn more here.
- Urban Pickleball Club | Rooftop pickleball club with four courts (membership required).
- Official Austin Parks and Rec Department pickleball locations. (All over town)
- Bouldin Acres (North & South Austin) | Restaurant and bar with dog park, lawn games, and pickleball.
- Sage Hill Inn & Spa (Kyle) | 88-acre spa retreat with private, lighted pickleball courts.
- Austin Tennis & Pickleball Center (Northeast Austin) | 8 lighted pickleball courts. Reserve here.
- PopStroke (Northeast Austin) | Food, sports, and entertainment destination with 3 pickleball courts.
- 5 Soul Wine Co and Front Yard Brewing (Spicewood) | Winery and brewery connected by 6 pickleball courts. Reserve here.
- Fieldhouse (Cedar Park) | Live music, outdoor cinema, food, drinks, volleyball, pickleball, and more. Reserve here.
- The Picklr (North & West Austin) | Several courts, tournament play, a pro shop, locker rooms and showers and more. Sign up here.
- Stonewall Sports | LGBTQ Sports League - follow them on Instagram for updates on their pickleball league!
_________________________________________
So, What is Pickleball?
photo via bouldin acres
Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, was invented in 1965 in Seattle, Washington, and combines the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Games can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a net that is slightly shorter with a smaller dip in the middle than tennis nets. Pickleball is played with a paddle and plastic balls with holes (similar to a whiffle ball but more bouncy). You can play as doubles or singles, and it's perfect for all ages and skill levels.
_________________________________________
How Do I Get Started?
photo via Sage Hill Inn & Spa
Since pickleball is known for having fairly simple rules it's a relatively easy sport for beginnings to learn! However, as skills develop it tends to become much more fast-paced, competitive, and addicting. One of the easiest ways to get started is to just play. Get out on the court with some friends who have played before and give it a shot. If that sounds intimidating, no worries, we have some other options for you. Many places and coaches around town offer clinics and private lessons for newcomers, like Austin Tennis & Pickleball Center and Coach Calvin Keeney. We also recommend joining some of the local Facebook groups dedicated to pickleball in Austin like Austin Pickleball Social Club to find out more about good spots for newbies, leagues to join, and more. If you're wanting to learn at home, there are some pretty helpful videos to help you get the gist of things. Last but not least, make sure you get some equipment! Some places have it available to rent, but not all, so double-check before hitting the court and order a paddle and some balls if not.
_________________________________________
Got any pickleball tips or favorite courts?
Let us know.
[email protected]
