At Autopilot, we believe in more than just smart automation—we believe in people. Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in America, but behind every game, every rally, and every community are the pickleball clubs that keep the magic alive. These clubs aren’t just courts; they’re ecosystems of players, managers, staff, and stories that make the sport thrive.

Over the past several months, we’ve spoken with dozens of pickleball club owners, operators, and staff across the nation. Each conversation has reinforced a key truth: while every club is unique, they often face the same challenges—time-consuming operations, staffing shortages, and the constant need to deliver great experiences to players.

That’s why we’re launching Behind-the-Net—a recurring blog series designed to share lessons learned and best practices from these conversations. Our goal is simple: help clubs learn from each other while sparking ideas that make the sport stronger, more sustainable, and more connected.

Our Mission

We’re curious partners in the pickleball industry. Autopilot’s mission has always been to make jobs more enjoyable and lives more meaningful by automating the dull, dirty, and repetitive tasks nobody really wants to do.

But this series isn’t just about us. It’s about listening, learning, and amplifying the insights we’ve heard from pickleball club leaders—what’s working, what’s not, and where the opportunities lie. By sharing their stories, we aim to build momentum for the entire industry.

What You Can Expect

Each Behind-the-Net article will explore:

• The Club's Story - How it started, what it makes it unique, and its role in the community.
• Operation & Innovation - The systems, people, and technology that keep things running.
• Customer experience - What keeps players coming back, from leagues to lessons.
• Challenges & opportunities - Honest conversations about pain points and possibilities that shape the future.
  
  

Along the way, we’ll share candid quotes, data-driven insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives to highlight what others can learn and apply in their own clubs. Expect real takeaways you can use, not just stories.

Why It Matters

Already, we’ve engaged with club leaders ranging from family-run pickleball clubs to large community hubs. The common thread? A hunger for ideas that save time, reduce costs, and improve the player experience.

By going “behind the net,” we’re shining a light on those stories—and helping clubs connect, collaborate, and grow together.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for our first feature as we step onto the courts, not just to play—but to listen, learn, and share.

🎾 Behind-the-Net is powered by Autopilot. Because when pickleball clubs thrive, the entire game levels up.

👉 Want to see how pickleball clubs are already saving time and improving operations with Autopilot? [Learn more about our solution below.

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