From Tennis to Pickle: The Complete Guide to ALTA Pickleball Leagues (2026)
Last updated: January 2026
For decades, "ALTA" meant one thing in Atlanta: Tennis. But in the last two years, the giant has awakened. The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association has fully embraced the plastic ball, launching city-wide pickleball leagues that are growing faster than the courts can be built. Here is how to get in on the action.
The ALTA Pickleball Structure
If you are familiar with ALTA Tennis, the transition is seamless. It uses the same "home and away" match format. However, there are key differences in how the sport is organized to accommodate the faster pace of play.
- Seasons: Summer (Mixed Doubles) and Winter (Men’s/Women’s).
- The Ladder: Just like tennis, you play 5 lines of doubles. Line 1 is your strongest pair, Line 5 is your developing pair.
- The Bag Tag: Yes, you still win the famous bag tag if you win your division!
Decoding the Levels
Since DUPR ratings can be confusing, ALTA simplifies it into flight levels. It is critical you join the right level to avoid getting crushed or being bored.
| Level | Skill Description | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| AA | Expert / Pro | Sponsored players & high-level coaches. |
| A | Advanced | Consistent dinking, 3rd shot drops, and power. |
| B | Intermediate | Can sustain rallies but working on soft game. |
| C | Recreational | New to the sport, learning scoring and positioning. |
Where do matches happen?
This is the biggest bottleneck. Because many subdivisions haven't built pickleball courts yet, many teams play out of public parks or private facilities. You will often find ALTA matches hosted at major hubs like The Atlanta Pickleball Center or public parks like Hammond Park.
In pickleball, surface matters. Some ALTA matches are played on dedicated pickleball surfaces (grit), while others are played on tennis hard courts with temporary lines. Be prepared to adjust your bounce!
How to Join a Team
You cannot join as an individual; you must be on a roster. If you don't know anyone with a team yet, here is your playbook:
- Visit the Hubs: Go to a "Open Play" night at a major facility. This is where captains scout for subs.
- Be a Sub First: Offer to be a substitute. It’s low pressure, and once you win a match for them, you’re on the team forever.
- Practice for Free: Head to the public courts at Shaw Park and network with the locals.
Win Your Line
Pickleball is easy to learn but hard to master. The difference between winning at Level C and Level B is usually the "Third Shot Drop." At Golden Racket Academy, we teach the specific ALTA strategies that exploit doubles formations.