What Are the Best Strategies to Attract Players to Your Pickleball Courts? 

Pickleball is quickly becoming the preferred sport for people looking for something social, competitive, and easy to jump into.  

But if the foot traffic to your court is lower than you had expected, it’s time to focus on attracting pickleball players in a way that keeps them coming back.  

The answer isn’t just better marketing. It’s about building a place players want to come back to: where there’s always something happening and where they feel part of a community.

Here’s how to make your courts the go-to destination for beginners, regulars, and competitive players alike. 

1) Offer Structured Programming 

Structured programming is one of the fastest ways to attract new players. Pickleball lessons take the pressure off beginners and give intermediate and advanced players a path to keep improving.  

Offer beginner-friendly classes, private lessons, and small group sessions. Hire knowledgeable, friendly instructors who know how to make the sport fun while keeping players safe and challenged. 

2) Host Regular Pickleball Tournaments 

Hosting regular pickleball tournaments adds energy to your court calendar. Tournaments bring in players, boost visibility, and create a reason to stay engaged.  

Start with simple formats like round robins or single-elimination brackets. Make it easy to register online and share results after each event on your website or social media.  

Don’t just cater to top-tier players. Host beginner-only tournaments or mixed-level events to keep it inclusive. The more approachable your tournaments are, the more likely people will sign up and tell their friends.

3) Create Flexible, Inclusive Open Play Schedules 

A big selling point of pickleball is how social it is. Open play pickleball lets players show up, rotate in, and meet new partners, without needing to schedule games or know someone ahead of time.  

The key is offering open play hours that work for different groups. Early mornings for retirees, evenings for working adults, and weekends for families can help cover all your bases. Post clear signage explaining how open play works, and consider using a paddle rack system to keep it fair.  

To go a step further, assign a “court host” during busy times: someone who can greet players, explain the setup, and keep things running smoothly. 

4) Promote Pickleball Memberships with Perks 

If you’re trying to build a steady, long-term player base, look into pickleball memberships. Not only do they bring recurring revenue, but they also help players feel invested in your courts and community.  

Offer perks like:

• Free or discounted lessons  
• Early registration for leagues and tournaments  
• Priority access to open play or court reservations  
• Guest passes for friends or family 

Make sure the value of the membership is clear. You can also keep members engaged with a monthly email update or private group where they can hear about upcoming pickleball events, see photos, and stay connected to what’s happening. 

5) Build a Community Around Family Pickleball 

Pickleball is one of the rare sports people of all ages can enjoy together. That’s why family pickleball is one of your biggest untapped opportunities.  

Create dedicated time blocks for family play where kids, parents, and even grandparents can share the court. These don’t need to be competitive. Keep it casual and fun with music, light-hearted games, and age-appropriate equipment if needed.  

Promote your family pickleball hours through local schools, parent groups, and youth organizations. Consider offering a “family pass” that makes it easy for everyone to drop in together. 

6) Make Your Courts the Social Hub 

If your courts don’t feel like a social space, you’re leaving a lot of value on the table.  Simple upgrades can make a huge difference: 

• Add shaded seating areas for watching and chatting  
• Provide cold water stations and fans during summer  
• Hang a bulletin board with league standings, upcoming events, and player spotlights  
• Offer light snacks or a drinks cart during events 

These small touches encourage players to linger, talk, and bring friends. And that helps word-of-mouth grow faster than any ad campaign. 

7) Get the Word Out: Online and On-Site 

None of your efforts matter if no one knows what’s happening. Promotion is important to attracting pickleball players consistently.  

Start with clear, up-to-date information on your website. Include:

• Your open-play schedule  
• Membership options  
• Lesson sign-up info  
• Upcoming pickleball events and pickleball tournaments 

Next, build a basic social media presence. You don’t need to be flashy; just post regularly about what’s coming up, tag local players or clubs, and share photos of happy people on the court.  

Additionally, don’t forget on-site promotion. Use banners, flyers, and word-of-mouth through your staff to keep players in the loop. Better visibility will translate to better turnout. 

8) Collaborate with Local Businesses and Groups 

Another great way to bring in new players is to team up with others in your community. Reach out to local gyms, rec centers, retirement communities, or youth programs and offer special partnerships or group rates.  

You can also collaborate with local wellness businesses (yoga studios, health food shops, or physical therapy clinics)  to cross-promote your offerings or host joint events. 

9) Ask for Feedback and Keep Improving 

Finally, one of the best things you can do is listen. Ask your current players what they want more of.  

Create short surveys, prompt suggestions at the front desk, or chat casually during open play.  When players see their feedback being used, they feel more connected to your courts, and they’ll talk about that experience with others.

The most successful courts are always evolving. They stay fresh, relevant, and never stop finding ways to serve their players better.

Final Thoughts 

Pickleball already has the appeal. Your job is to build the experience that brings people in and keeps them coming back.  

We hope these ideas help you turn your pickleball court into the go-to spot in town. If you’re looking to build a steady crowd and a strong community, start with small, intentional moves,  and keep listening to what your players want.

Every great pickleball court is equipped with quality gear. At Boomer Pickleball, we offer premium paddles, balls, nets, and accessories built for performance and durability. Shop now or contact us and get everything you need to serve up a better game.