This has been a banner week of pickleball for me. I played everyday this week, and twice on Tuesday. For some of you Pickleball Addicts out there, this is your life. My sweet spot, however, is usually more like three to four times a week. How is it that I'm able to play this many games? There are three things to consider when scheduling your pickleball life: where to play, who to play with, and how to organize the play.
We are fortunate here in Aiken, indeed in the entire CSRA, that we have so many options of places to play. Because of the dedication and hard work of those who pushed for more access to public courts years before it became the sport sensation that it is today, we have a plethora of places to play. On any given week, you can find me playing indoors at Odell Weeks Activity Center or Gregg Park Civic Center, or outdoors at Virginia Acres Park or Eustis Park. Other options abound: private courts at Gem Lakes, Cedar Creek, or Woodside subdivisions, public courts in Clearwater at Harrison Caver Park, and now a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility in Augusta called Dink'd. These are just a few of the many places to play in our area. Want a comprehensive list? Check out USA Pickleball Places to Play! Figuring out which places suit you and your game is key to fitting pickleball into your life.
Finding a group to play with is like shoe shopping: you want to find that comfortable fit. Going to "open play" sessions is a good place to start. This is your chance to meet people to find that combination of similar ability levels, matching schedules, and compatible personalities that will make for a good group. Odell Weeks Activity Center typically has open play in the mornings--check their schedule for days and times. Sometimes you can find open play on outdoor public courts. It's always good form to ask if you see a group playing outside, and don't take it personally if they say no! More advanced players often want to keep their play at a certain level or may be prepping for a tournament. The Southern Pickleball Academy holds an open play gathering on the first Friday of every month at Virginia Acres called Pickleball & Pizza. Experienced players and newbies fill the courts--and later their stomachs--making this a great opportunity to get to know people. Follow us on Facebook for Pickleball & Pizza details.
Once you've identified some like-minded players, it becomes a matter of organizing your games. Some folks do this the old-fashioned way with group texts or emails, but I prefer using an app called Team Reach. This free management system makes starting or joining a group easy. There are some conventions to consider when using this app, though. If you are already a member of a group on Team Reach, you should always ask the group administrator before sharing the access code with someone. Also, be wary of using the group messaging feature; no one likes to get constant notifications every time someone responds. Instead, send a direct message to the group member you wish to contact.
Once you are dialed into the places to play, people to play with, and ways to organize your play, you'll find yourself with so many options you'll have to pick and choose. Seven times in six days might be a bit much for me to do on a weekly basis, but I'm not complaining! Far from it: I'm already looking into my pickleball life for next week. Just maybe not twice on Tuesday!
How often and where do you play? How have you scheduled your Pickleball life? Add a comment below...
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