two pickleball paddles hitting a ball

Let’s Play Pickleball!

Our members gain access to organized play! Below we have outlined the types of organized play we schedule and what you need to know before you arrive.

When arriving for organized play, it is expected that you have your own paddle and court shoes. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to all organized play to check in and warm up.

Drop-ins

Pickleball drop-in play is a casual, flexible playing format where players can join in and leave at their convenience, often mixing and matching with different partners and opponents for each game. This format is great for socializing, practicing skills, and enjoying the game without the commitment of a structured tournament or round robin.

What you need to know:

  • Be prepared to play with and against a variety of skill levels, as drop-in play typically involves a mix of beginners, intermediates, and advanced players.
  • Drop In Format: We use a paddle box system for players to rotate through as individuals or as groups of 4. All games are played to 11 points, win by one. When your game is complete, you will rotate off the court to allow a new group to rotate on for their game.
  • You may come alone! This format of play welcomes players to come alone and join in with other players.
outdoor pickleball courts - two women getting ready to play
montage of icons illustrating how effective our graphic design is

Open Play – Round Robin

We host skill specific open play that required advanced registration. We follow a round robin format where players rotate each game to play with a new partner, against a new team. This ensures everyone gets to play multiple games, with and against a variety of players.  This format is very friendly and inclusive.

What you need to know:

  • Ratings are often used in open play to help players of similar skill levels play together to encourage balanced play.
  • Players are unable to join an open play once it has begun. Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early to check-in and warm up before your first game.
  • Open Plays usually take 2.5 hours to complete. Leaving early will ruin the experience for other players.
  • You may come alone! This format of play welcomes players to come alone and join in with other players.

Rated Play

Rated play requires participants to have the appropriate pickleball skill rating to register. This format is focused on competitive play that will challenge all participants with closely matched games. This system helps create more evenly matched and competitive games, enhancing the playing experience for all skill levels. Some rated play will be labelled as DUPR Play, meaning your games will be submitted to DUPR, and a DUPR account will be required to participate.

What you need to know:

  • Ratings are required in organized rated play.
  • Members may acquire a club rating based on a Club Rating Clinic, Tournament Rating, or DUPR.
  • Time commitment is 2.5 – 3 hours to take part in rated play.
  • Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early to check in and warm up.
  • You may come alone! This format of play welcomes players to come alone and join in with other players.
montage of icons illustrating how effective our graphic design is
montage of icons illustrating how effective our graphic design is

Tournaments

Pickleball tournaments are organized competitive events where players or teams participate in matches against each other, following a structured format such as double elimination or round robin, to determine a winner or ranking based on skill and performance. These tournaments can vary in scale from local members only events to large national or regional competitions, attracting players of various skill levels.

What you need to know:

  • Ratings and age are used for registration in tournament play.
  • Ratings will go up or down based on tournament outcomes.
  • Pickleball Brackets is the most common platform used to organize tournaments in Alberta and our club.
  • Register early, most tournaments only accept so many teams per category.

Events

The Red Deer Pickleball Club hosts a variety of events. From pot lucks to midnight madness, our events typically focus on connecting our members and creating fun, unique experiences

    montage of icons illustrating how effective our graphic design is
    montage of icons illustrating how effective our graphic design is

    Private

    Pickleball courts are made available for members to reserve for exclusive use by a private group. This allows members to utilize a court for personalized play sessions, private lessons, or group activities without the presence of outside players. This option is ideal for focused training, family gatherings, or corporate events where a dedicated space is desired for a specific time period.

    What you need to know:

    • Private Court Bookings are not available to members during peak hours.
    • Do not insert yourself into a private without direct and explicit invitation.
    • Private bookings are identified by a sign hung on the fence/gate of their court.
    • Private groups must reserve a court in advance, please cancel your reservation should you no longer plan to use the court.

    Our Facilities

    Motorworks Fields - Outdoor Courts

    I thought I was great at pickleball until I met Merv!

    ~ Jesse Postma

    The Red Deer Club has a great blend of community, recreational opportunity, and competitive play. It is welcoming of any skill level and has top quality amenities.

    ~ Adam Glover

    The Pickleball courts are a great way to meet other players, practice, and have a fun time with family and friends!

    ~Tori Ginter