Imagine walking into a pickleball facility that feels alive—where every interaction sparkles with energy, every court buzzes with excitement, and members can't wait to return.Â
This isn't a fantasy. It's the result of strategic staffing that goes far beyond simply hiring bodies to fill roles.
Many new facility owners make the mistake of applying traditional gym staffing models to pickleball. But pickleball facility staffing has unique needs that require a different approach.Â
That’s because in pickleball, your team isn't just managing a space—they're building a community, developing players, and creating an environment where people want to spend time both on and off the courts.
Why Traditional Gym Staffing Models Don't Work in Pickleball
Traditional gym models treat fitness as a transaction: check-in, use equipment, leave. But pickleball is different. It's less about individual workouts and more about shared experiences, skill-building, and genuine human connection.
Most gyms operate with minimal staff:
A front desk person for check-ins
Independent contractor trainers
Behind-the-scenes maintenance crew
Pickleball requires a fundamentally different strategy. Whether you're running an autonomous facility with tech-driven access or a fully staffed space, your team's primary job isn't managing space—it's creating a vibrant, welcoming community.
In pickleball, success isn't measured by equipment usage, but by:
Player skill development
Social interactions
Sense of belonging
Continuous engagement
By prioritizing community over transactions, pickleball facilities can create loyal members who don't just visit—they become ambassadors for your brand, driving sustainable growth through genuine connections
Core Staff Roles: The Foundation of Your Facility
The foundation of your facility's success starts with putting the right people in key positions. Let's explore the roles that drive both community engagement and revenue growth.
Director of Pickleball
The Director of Pickleball sets the tone for your entire facility's programming and culture. This isn't just an administrative role—it's a strategic position that requires both pickleball expertise and business savvy.
Responsibilities:
Develop comprehensive programming for players of all skill levels
Create and manage tournaments that showcase the facility
Build a coaching program that drives player development and revenue
Design clear progression pathways from beginner to advanced play
Oversee overall facility strategy and community engagement
Ideal Traits:
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
Deep understanding of pickleball at multiple skill levels
Exceptional communication and leadership skills
Passionate about player development
Ability to balance creative programming with financial goals
Coaches
Your coaches are more than instructors—they're the skill architects who transform players and create lasting connections within your facility.
Responsibilities:
Deliver high-quality instruction across different skill levels
Develop and implement training programs
Conduct clinics and group lessons
Support player progression and skill development
Contribute to facility's community culture
Assist in tournament organization and player preparation
Ideal Traits:
Strong teaching ability that adapts to different learning styles
Proven track record of player development
Excellent communication skills
Continuous learner with passion for pickleball
Patient and motivational approach
Ability to create positive, supportive learning environments
Front Desk Team
Here's something that might surprise you: your front desk staff should be the happiest people in your facility.Â
They're not just checking in players—they're building the relationships that turn first-time visitors into long-term members.
Responsibilities:
Create welcoming first impressions
Handle member check-ins and inquiries
Manage facility scheduling and court bookings
Convert leads into memberships
Maintain facility's positive atmosphere
Provide basic facility information and support
Ideal Traits:
Natural ability to build genuine connections
Exceptional customer service skills
Enthusiastic and solution-oriented mindset
Strong communication abilities
Basic understanding of pickleball (or eagerness to learn)
Authentic sales approach that feels helpful, not pushy
The most successful facilities understand that front desk staff aren't just receptionists—they're relationship builders who create the welcoming atmosphere that keeps members coming back day after day.
Maintenance and Operations
Simple, efficient, effective. That's our maintenance mantra, which includes:
Performing daily cleaning in-house with front desk staff, and
Developing relationships with specialized contractors for:
HVAC maintenance
Lighting repairs
Complex facility upkeep
Finding & Developing Your Dream Team
Want to find great coaching talent? Get out and play!
We tell new owners to visit every public and private court in your area. The best coaches are often already in your own backyard, building relationships and developing players before you even open your doors.
Outside of personal networking, you can leverage local and national pickleball associations, search social media pickleball groups in your area, or do some good old fashioned advertising on job boards.Â
Of course, highlighting the benefits of your facility and why coaches should choose you are important during this process. We recommend facilities:
Offer competitive coaching splits to attract top talent
Incentivize staff to generate additional revenue
Share up to 50% of revenue for hand-to-hand programming
We’ve also found that it’s important to create clear advancement pathways for coaching staff through strategies like our RPO Certification program.
RPO-certified coaches have access to the latest techniques and strategies developed by leading pickleball experts. Coaches move through the program in four phases:Â
Community Level: Entry point for new coaches
Level 1: Six months of comprehensive training
Level 2: One year of advanced development
Level 3: Additional year of expert-level growth
This tiered approach ensures your coaching staff can grow with your facility while maintaining consistent standards of instruction for all players.Â
Every dollar and hour invested in your team is a direct investment in your facility's future. The math is simple: Invested talent = Exceptional member experience = Business growth.
Maintaining a Culture of Excellence
Building a great team is just the beginning. Maintaining one requires ongoing attention to culture and development in an environment where staff feel valued and supported through:
Regular team meetings that encourage open communication
Clear paths for advancement and skill development
Recognition programs that celebrate exceptional service
Continuous learning opportunities for all staff members
Remember: Your staff shapes your facility's culture every day through countless interactions with members. Taking time to build the right team—and giving them the tools and support they need to succeed—is one of the most important investments you can make in your facility's future.
Want to learn more about developing a strong operational foundation for your pickleball facility? Johns Design & Consulting can help you build and lead a winning team from the ground up. Contact us to learn more about our process and commitment to your success.Â
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