Which group should I sign up to play in?
Answer: There are three levels of play on Pickleball Den. "Social play" is for players new to the game or players looking for a relaxed play atmosphere. "Intermediate play" is for more experienced players looking for more competitive play. "Advanced play" is for highly skilled players seeking the most competitive play possible. "Open play" is for all players regardless of ability level.
How do I know if I am ready to play at a higher level?
Answer: When you have become a dominant player at your current level. This means you regularly win at least 7 out of every 10 games (with rotating partners) and you feel unchallenged by the competition. Conversely, if you are regularly losing 7 out of every 10 games, you are playing at a level beyond your present ability and not posing a challenge to fellow competitors.
Should I wear eye protection?
Answer: YES! Eyes are the most vulnerable place on the body in pickleball. Deflected balls from your own partner are creating many serious eye injuries. The risk of injuries to the eyes increases with higher levels of play. More and more pros are wearing eye protection now as the game continues to get faster. The #1 female player in the world (Anna Leigh Waters) never plays without eye protection.
Why don't I get emails from the club?
Answer: Go to PickleballDen. Click "account" then see “Notifications”. Be sure "I want to receive club emails" is checked. Also, check your spam folder. If you find a club email there, mark it, “Not Spam.”
Can guests play during club reserved play times at Gorilla House and Garfield Park?
Answer: Yes but after 5 sessions they need to become a member.
What does "Build your own game" mean on the sign up sheets?
Answer: This is an opportunity for a group of friends to play in a private group during club hours. Only one person needs to sign up to reserve the court. This person can invite however many players they wish to join. Some people will add "+3 or +4" or type the names of the other players in the note section under their name.
Where and when can the general public play?
Answer: Anyone can play at the YMCA without being a member of the club (Call the Y for times. $10 drop-in fee). Garfield Park in Altoona is free and open to the public daily from Noon to 4 pm or anytime pending court availability. Call 814-949-2231 for the lock combination. Hamilton Park (Cherry Ave) in Altoona is free and open to the public anytime. Memorial Park (Sunbrook Manor) in Duncansville is free and open to the public from 10:30 am to dusk. Gorilla House is available by reservation only and regular tennis rental rates apply. See the Places2Play tab.
I want to try pickleball, is there a beginner class?
Answer: Yes! In the summer/fall, free classes are offered on multiple Wednesday nights at Garfield Park in Altoona. During indoor season, the second week of every month a free one hour introductory class is offered at the Hollidaysburg Area YMCA. Paddles are provided. Email the club or see the "News" section on the home page of the BCPC website for more details.
How much does it cost to play at Gorilla House during non-club hours?
Answer: The regular every day rate is $28/hr. Weekdays after 4 pm the rate is $34/hr. Non-club members must pay an additional $5/person drop-in fee.
Does Gorilla House take Silver Sneakers?
Answer: Yes and most fitness plans offered by insurance companies too.