Lucky Shots Pickleball Club continues to be a leader in pickleball in the Twin Cities area, thanks to its welcoming and community-focused environment that keeps players coming back. From expanding youth programming to maintaining a friendly atmosphere, the first indoor pickleball club in Minneapolis remains a pickleball destination for Minnesotans and visitors alike.
To help bring youth into the sport, Lucky Shots offers Youth Pickleball Camps at their original location in Minneapolis and their newest spot since January 2025 in Brooklyn Park, spring through summer, for ages 9-16. Lead Instructor for Lucky Shots Steven Will says the camps are open to all levels and are a perfect way for kids to learn, play, and improve their game. Sessions meet four days a week for 2.5 – 3 hours and are led by instructors with a focus on fun.
Whether a beginner or an advanced player, the experienced coaches help players improve their skills and have a blast on the court during the half-day programs. Making it even easier for new players, Lucky Shots provides the paddles and balls.
Adding in a bit of competition, players participate in a Skills Tournament or Tournament Play based on player level, with a fun pizza lunch after.
“Most of the time, camp goers learn the game and then go play with their parents,” says Steven. “We’re looking to add more youth and youth-parent open play to get kids more comfortable on the court. Our goal is to make pickleball a shared activity between generations and to create lifelong players who connect the sport with fun, family, and belonging.”
With so many pickleball clubs in the area, Lucky Shots prides itself on its fun and welcoming culture that keeps players returning game after game. Steven says a lot of what makes them successful is their atmosphere with ping pong, bags and a mezzanine upstairs for watch parties etc. and a lounge in the back for events.
“Summer can be a tough time for indoor clubs since many people enjoy being outdoors,” Steven says. “We are proud and fortunate to say our courts are filled all summer long with open plays on Fridays of 50+ people at noon.”
While Lucky Shots did offer a summer membership for open play to encourage players to stay, they realized that a lot of members stay because their friends are here. Steven says it’s fun to watch players make friends during open play. When one person signs up for a time, the rest join, and the next thing you know, the courts are full. He adds he’s even met friends during open time when not working or teaching.
The fun environment carries over on social media and attracts quite a few players from out of town. Steven says when talking to visitors, they frequently say they saw Lucky Shots online and thought it looked fun! While Lucky Shots doesn’t market through search engine optimization, they do have a social media team.
“Our team does social media with instructors and members, sometimes even on the members’ social media accounts, to show off the club a bit. It’s a lot of fun here, and that shines through,” says Steven. “We run ads here and there for tournaments, but they aren’t a real focus. I really think our welcoming environment is evident to all and brings in new customers.”
Lucky Shots continues to keep its membership strong by connecting families, fostering confidence, and keeping the game fun for everyone. The club prioritizes connections and a fun environment that brings people together, one match at a time. Smart use of social media keeps the club visible to out-of-town players looking for a spot to dink, keeping the club a fun and exciting place for all.
