Join the Fun! Discover the Membership Perks at Forward Pickleball

As the owner of Forward Pickeball, I’m thrilled to welcome you to our growing community. Whether you’re just discovering the excitement of pickleball or you’ve been playing for years, I want to share how our memberships work and why they offer so much value.

What Does a Membership Get You?

When you become a member of our indoor pickleball club, you unlock several benefits designed to help you improve your game, connect with others, and enjoy everything the sport has to offer. Here’s a breakdown:

Advanced Court Booking

One of the key perks of membership is 7-day advanced booking. This allows you to secure your court time ahead of schedule, especially during peak hours when availability can be limited. Here's why it's important:

• Guaranteed Play Time: Ensure your favorite times are available, no last-minute scrambling for courts.

• Flexibility: Plan your schedule with ease, knowing you’ve got a spot locked in.

• Consistent Play: Regular access helps keep your game sharp and keeps you active in the community.

Leagues, Round-Robins, Clinics, and More

Your membership also gives you exclusive access to leagues, round-robins, clinics, and skill-building programs with our pro instructors. These are more than just fun—they're essential for improving your game and enjoying the full experience of our facility.

Here’s why they matter to you:

1. Skill Improvement: Whether you’re new or experienced, clinics with pro instructors are tailored to help you refine your techniques. These sessions offer targeted drills and personalized feedback to help you sharpen your skills and take your game to the next level.

2. Friendly Competition: Joining a league or round-robin introduces an element of friendly competition, providing you with a structured, supportive environment where you can test your abilities. Competing against players of different skill levels helps you grow and learn in a fun way.

3. Social Interaction: These programs aren’t just about improving your skills—they’re also a great way to meet and bond with other players. Pickleball is as much about community as it is about the sport, and our events give you the chance to make new friends and be part of a welcoming community.

4. Exclusive Access: As a member, you’ll have priority access to these leagues, clinics, and events, ensuring you don’t miss out on the opportunities to improve and compete. Many of these programs fill up fast, but as a member, you get first dibs.

5. Consistent Practice: Clinics, leagues, and round-robins offer you regular practice sessions, which are key to mastering the game. Instead of just playing occasionally, these events keep you engaged and continually improving.

Open Play & Social Events

Another great membership perk is access to our open plays and social events. These are some of the most popular activities at our facility, giving you 2 hours of play for just $12-$15. You’ll have the chance to meet new players, play in a relaxed, fun environment, and join social gatherings that make the sport even more enjoyable.

Private Court Rentals

If you’ve visited our website, you may have seen the $80 private court rental fee. This is for those who want to reserve a court for exclusive use, whether it’s for a small group or individual practice. While this is a great option for some, most members prefer to take advantage of the Open Play and social events, which offer lots of opportunities to play and connect at a lower cost.

Why Membership Is a Great Option

Pickleball is growing fast, and becoming a member of our facility is the best way to stay engaged, improve your skills, and connect with other players. Membership gives you the advantage of priority bookings, exclusive access to leagues and clinics, and opportunities to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community. You’ll also get the support of our pro instructors and participate in fun events that keep the sport exciting.

Early Bird Special: If you’re thinking about joining, now is the perfect time! Our Early Bird membership pricing is available through September 30th, so don’t miss out.

We’re excited to see you on the courts and can’t wait to share the joy of pickleball with you. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re always here to help!

Staying Safe During the Heat While Playing Pickleball

As we welcome the official start of summer on the East Coast, we also face 7-10 days of excessive heat. While pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, it's crucial to prioritize your safety during these extreme temperatures. Here are some essential tips to help you keep up your pickleball game while staying safe in the heat.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Why It's Important: Staying hydrated is your first line of defense against heat-related illnesses. Dehydration can sneak up on you, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which are serious conditions.

Tips:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Start hydrating the night before and continue to drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Electrolytes: Consider sports drinks that contain electrolytes to replenish the salts lost through sweat.

• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: These can dehydrate you, so it's best to steer clear of them on hot days.

2. Dress Appropriately

Why It's Important: Wearing the right clothing can help keep your body cool and prevent overheating.

Tips:

• Lightweight and Light-Colored Clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials that help keep sweat off your body.

• Wear a Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and help keep your head cool.

• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

3. Use Sunscreen

Why It's Important: Sunburn can not only be painful but also increase your risk of skin cancer. Additionally, it hinders your body’s ability to cool itself.

Tips:

• Apply Generously: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

• Reapply Often: Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily.

4. Time Your Play

Why It's Important: The hottest part of the day, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM, is when the sun’s rays are most intense.

Tips:

• Play Early or Late: Schedule your games in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

• Take Breaks: Regular breaks will help you avoid overexertion and give your body a chance to cool down.

5. Stay Cool

Why It's Important: Keeping your body temperature down helps prevent heat-related illnesses.

Tips:

• Use Cooling Towels: These can help lower your body temperature when placed around your neck or on your head.

• Misters and Fans: If possible, have a portable fan or mister to help keep you cool.

• Cold Packs: Apply cold packs to your wrists, neck, and armpits to cool down quickly.

Playing pickleball during a heatwave can be enjoyable if you take the necessary precautions to stay safe. By staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, using sunscreen, timing your play, listening to your body, and keeping cool, you can enjoy the game without risking your health. Stay safe, and have fun out there on the courts this summer!

#pickleball #pickleballers

The Buzz from the Pickleball Minds Conference

Over the past month, I've had the pleasure of engaging in inspiring conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and athletes at the Pickleball Minds Conference. The excitement surrounding pickleball's growth and potential is unmistakable, and here are some key takeaways that illustrate why the sport is on the cusp of a significant expansion.

Ageless Appeal: One of the most intriguing aspects of pickleball is its universal appeal across generations. From 8-year-olds to 80-year-olds, this sport transcends age barriers like no other. According to David Johnson, Founder of Pickleball Central and now CEO of Pickleball Consulting Group, this broad demographic is a secret sauce driving the sport's unprecedented growth.

Bright Future Ahead: The future of pickleball looks promising, fueled by several factors. First, there's the exponential growth in youth and college-level participation. Additionally, the proliferation of new indoor facilities is making the sport more accessible year-round. Furthermore, the international scene is experiencing a surge in interest, highlighting pickleball's global potential.

Expanding Club Opportunities: Currently, there are around 120 indoor pickleball facilities, with both independent and franchise opportunities on the rise. For entrepreneurs considering entering this space, pre-design and player experience are paramount. What amenities will the club offer? Think training and recovery services, social events, pro shops, lessons, and leagues. Setting up the groundwork right is crucial for success.

Staying Ahead in the Business: To thrive in the evolving pickleball business landscape, staying informed about new technologies and marketing trends is essential. Engage with the community, tap into local ambassadors, and seek advice from teaching professionals. For instance, innovations like the Dinking Buddy—developed by Janet Galtes, CEO of My Dink Buddy—emerge from recognizing players' needs. This portable device is set to revolutionize warm-ups and on-the-go practice.

Community and Collaboration: Pickleball is more than a game; it's about fostering community and team-building. Kaitlyn Kerr, aka The Pickleball Chick, emphasizes the power of networking and leveraging community ties for marketing efforts. As she puts it, "We are who we associate with." Engage with local chambers of commerce and leverage your pickleball network to expand your reach and impact.

The recent insights and discussions highlight an exciting phase for pickleball. As advocates and entrepreneurs, let's leverage this momentum, embrace innovation, and foster vibrant communities around pickleball.