Pickleball 100 PB100 on court lesson I CANNOT recommend

[Tom W]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.

[Paulahollon]

I couldn’t disagree more. My hubs, brother, sister in law and I have all taken these classes. The instructors, who are all volunteering their time, were knowledgeable and really helpful. We all felt they played on your strengths and helped where needed. We went at different times, had different instructors and all of us would highly recommend. Learning from friendly players is good but only after you’ve learned the basics. The classes are very concerned with safe and fun play.

[Bogie Shooter]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.

Why not contact...
Recreation Administration
984 Old Mill Run
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-674-1800

[Topspinmo]

Why not contact...
Recreation Administration
984 Old Mill Run
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-674-1800

I don’t think rec department manages the instruction just the court times?

[Mrprez]

I watched the videos and learned practically nothing. That put a damper on my going any further with the sport. I might try to find a like group of beginners to learn with.

[npwalters]

I took all three of the classes (before the format was changed) and felt like all three were worthwhile. The instructors are volunteers and change from time to time. Some are great and some are just good. I appreciated each and every one of them.

It's not always good to have very experienced players teaching raw beginners in ANY activity. It takes a rare individual to be able to relate and keep the instruction at the correct level. The ones that can are in huge demand.

Stay with it, keep a "teach me " attitude, and go to the next level. PB is addicting when you get past the overwhelming startup.

[Mrprez]

I took all three of the classes (before the format was changed) and felt like all three were worthwhile. The instructors are volunteers and change from time to time. Some are great and some are just good. I appreciated each and every one of them.

It's not always good to have very experienced players teaching raw beginners in ANY activity. It takes a rare individual to be able to relate and keep the instruction at the correct level. The ones that can are in huge demand.

Stay with it, keep a "teach me " attitude, and go to the next level. PB is addicting when you get past the overwhelming startup.

Why do they insist on making you state which server you are? How is that relevant?

[Stu from NYC]

I watched the videos and learned practically nothing. That put a damper on my going any further with the sport. I might try to find a like group of beginners to learn with.

Would like to learn, if you find others would like to join with you

[Tom W]

Bingo, the guy in the video is worse in person. His cohorts have similar attitudes like, " how come you can't keep score, you watched the video, right?" Don't back up, I told you don't back up. You guys are going to get hurt if you keep that up. Constant scolding with very little value in the instruction. Same as the video.

[Tom W]

I spoke with the manager of Lake Miona Rec center. He did not disagree at all with what I said, and said he would pass on my input.

[Going My Way]

Bingo, the guy in the video is worse in person. His cohorts have similar attitudes like, " how come you can't keep score, you watched the video, right?" Don't back up, I told you don't back up. You guys are going to get hurt if you keep that up. Constant scolding with very little value in the instruction. Same as the video.

Can you please post a link to this video your talking about, Thanks!

[roob1]

Rules state the serve must be called before serving. "Called" means the score of both teams as well as the server number. Voicing both the score and server number reinforces the information in the players memory, especially important in rec play where there is no ref. You will come to see that most of us keep forgetting the correct score, so this is especially helpful to older players.


Why do they insist on making you state which server you are? How is that relevant?

[Mrprez]

Rules state the serve must be called before serving. "Called" means the score of both teams as well as the server number. Voicing both the score and server number reinforces the information in the players memory, especially important in rec play where there is no ref. You will come to see that most of us keep forgetting the correct score, so this is especially helpful to older players.

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.

[Mrprez]

Would like to learn, if you find others would like to join with you

Sounds good to me. What part of TV are you in? I am in the southern wastelands where we spend all our spare time parked at the Water Lily bridge in our golf carts waiting for connectivity.😂

[Rwirish]

Totally disagree, they volunteer and do an outstanding job.

[dleroux57]

Thanks for the info. We want to play, as we have played a little but really need beginner instruction but we want to play for fun not competition!

[woderfulwendy1]

Friend of mine went through same thing and will not proceed with any more as she said, "I was trying my best but the guy just kept berating me, I don't want to go through that again. "

[Stu from NYC]

Sounds good to me. What part of TV are you in? I am in the southern wastelands where we spend all our spare time parked at the Water Lily bridge in our golf carts waiting for connectivity.😂

Bonita in the middle between Lake Sumter and Brownwood. Would imagine some place in the middle would work for pickleball.

[jeffy]

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.

As someone else said, as you learn more about this incredible game, why we say the server 1 or 2 as part of the score will become clear. There is an order of rotation. Server 1, server 2, and then side out ( serve goes to other side). Remembering where you are in this order is more difficult than what the score is. Players will actually question “ are we server 1 or 2 “ much more often than “ what’s the score”. Verbalizing the server # helps a lot, and also it is part of the rules. Not saying the complete score ( which includes server #) prior to serving is actually a fault.

[rjn5656]

There is someone in charge of the training program. Let them know or refer them to this post so they can see the comments.

[randykw]

Come to Saddlebrook, Sat. & Wed., 10-12n. It's Open Beginner Play. We have new PB players and some that have played for several years. We'll take the time to help you learn the game. We have a good time and a lot of laughs.

[roob1]

Sometimes when you have a long rally, no one can remember what team member served, i.e. if it was 1st or 2nd serve. Therefore, repeating the server number before every serve reinforces the memory.

Plus, since it is rule, and rules are needed for fair play, we all need to follow them and let the official rule makers worry/decide what needs to be followed.

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.

[crabbymaj]

Bingo, the guy in the video is worse in person. His cohorts have similar attitudes like, " how come you can't keep score, you watched the video, right?" Don't back up, I told you don't back up. You guys are going to get hurt if you keep that up. Constant scolding with very little value in the instruction. Same as the video.

Just a thought but, you must know how to keep score before you can play a game! Back peddling IS a guaranteed way to get hurt! Apparently you weren’t following what the video introduced. Bad habits need to be corrected before proceeding. Repeating instruct to those who don’t follow directions can be helpful. Being a volunteer, trying to teach adults who think one free class will make them a great player when they don’t follow directions.... is difficult to say the least. Listen, learn, repeat.

[B-flat]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.

I agree. I've played racquet sports for many years including racquet ball and tennis. I've run marathons and competed in triathlons. It does take me time to get the hang of things I'm not the fastest learner on the block. The instructor told me maybe I should think about another sport and not pickleball. Maybe he should NOT be an instructor was my first thought.

[Singerlady]

I watched the videos and learned practically nothing. That put a damper on my going any further with the sport. I might try to find a like group of beginners to learn with.

Recommendation..,.look at some YouTube videos and then go the Open Beginner play times at various rec centers. Other beginners are so helpful with techniques, rules, etc....you’ll love it!

[charmed59]

I took a few of those classes when I first got here, and have had the opportunity to hear many of those classes taught on courts next to me while I was playing tennis. The quality of instructors range a lot. And yes, more than a few think teaching by scolding is a thing. I can hear them berating someone a court away. Some volunteer for the love of the game, others volunteer because it’s a power trip.

If you run across a really bad instructor, call them in to the rec department. They don’t need to keep them in the rotation. If you get a really good one tell them, and tell the rec department. I’d hate to lose the good ones because the bad ones annoy people.

[charlie1]

I took the class before Covid hit. The on court instructor I had no tact and would constantly embarrass the people trying to learn. He was also proud of how good he was at Pickleball and never missed a chance to tell us his accomplishments. I was amazed that this person was allowed to teach. Not good for getting people to want to play.
Seemed like the other instructor were quite good and patient with their students!

[Debbraham]

In his defense about “don’t back up”...you can’t hear that enough! A very dangerous move...many people fall doing that...he’s only trying to get it thru your head to not do that! He’s trying to save you some injuries! DONT BACK UP!

[Marathon Man]

Bingo, the guy in the video is worse in person. His cohorts have similar attitudes like, " how come you can't keep score, you watched the video, right?" Don't back up, I told you don't back up. You guys are going to get hurt if you keep that up. Constant scolding with very little value in the instruction. Same as the video.

Back peddling is very dangerous. Beginners often do this and it can easily lead to serious injury. Sorry that you felt "scolded", but the instructors were doing the right thing.

As far as keeping score - Everyone is told to know and understand the information in the instructional video before attending the on-court class. If you have to watch the video more than once, then you should do that. Re-visiting score keeping, ect. takes away time from the on court instruction.

For those who have become disuaded from taking the classes because of this thread, please do not be. There is much more to pickleball than learning to hit the ball over the net. Your neighbor may never have been taught some of the importnat safety precautions of the game, and therefore can not pass them on to you. Also, the classes, as you advance through them, allow to to take drill sessions and eventually begin to learn some strategies to bring into your game. Like any sport, it's much more fun to play it properly and safely.

If you did not like your instructor or for any other reason did were not satisfied, you can re-take the class at another rec center with a different instructor. I would strongly suggest this as a better option than giving up on the classes.

[CFrance]

Why do they insist on making you state which server you are? How is that relevant?
Age... When you forget that both of you have already served on your side, the other side might remember!!:clap2:

[G.R.I.T.S.]

I don’t think rec department manages the instruction just the court times?

Actually, the rec dept. has guidelines that volunteers are to follow. Included is behavior of group leaders. Yes, this teacher's actions should be reported to the rec dept. so they can be made aware of any issues regarding the instructor. It may not be an isolated event.

[Lindsyburnsy]

As soon as you actually learn the game, you will understand why it is so important to always call out the score and whether you are server 1 or 2.

[pcacace]

It’s very relevant to say you which server you are. It helps you to know where to be in the correct position when serving.

[kendi]

We had a wonderful experience.

[justjim]

Sounds like trouble in paradise. You can get arrogant instructors, especially when the instructors aren’t trained and are volunteers, in any sport. I have seen the same problems displayed in volunteer dancing instructors and I’ve seen guys make a total mess out of trying to teach their wife to play golf. Save yourself a lot of grief and buy her some professional golf lessons. That said, this is an exception rather than a norm. Hey, it’s kind of hard to teach old dogs new tricks. As seniors we can be a little too “sensitive” sometimes. No pun intended. I wouldn’t give up - just find another class to attend. Good luck.

[TimeForChange]

I took two of the courses eight years back. I was not impressed with any of the teachers. They just seem to want to show everyone how good they were and that we were newbee's and dumb. I never played another match.

[Mrprez]

As soon as you actually learn the game, you will understand why it is so important to always call out the score and whether you are server 1 or 2.

That’s what I’m trying to do. I learn better if I understand the why’s of the rules rather than hearing “because I said so”.

[jenistaf]

Are you first server on your side or second? Repeating that and the score helps prevent bloody PB battles in this short-term memory loss community. And... it's the rule. Just go with it.

[Bogie Shooter]

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.

Maybe, because dem's da rules.......

[Topspinmo]

Learning sport where you have no experience or knowledge of that sport takes time. Racket sports are difficult for someone who hasn’t t played similar sport. So, yes the have to start at the beginning learn proper stroke cause if you haven’t played similar sport you have no hand eye coordination. IMO it’s lot harder to correct bad strokes than learn good strokes from the start.

People with racketball, table tennis, badminton, and tennis pick up pickleball quickly with similar strokes and hand eye coordination. But, to reach high level your have to prefect pickleball stroke cause each sport has it’s crafted strokes. The classes are free and you can’t learn everything is short time. Like all sports to play at high level it takes practice. Luckily today with utube you can learn something in weeks or months instead of years.

[Stormylc]

Pickleball is played on many skill levels and for many reasons. Many players participate simply for exercise and camaraderie. Some players do not even keep score. They simply play a point until someone misses a shot or hits a ball out of bounds, and then proceed to begin playing another point. They are not concerned about who serves or even from where. The game is fun and is purely social play, which is wonderful. In short, they play for an hour, and then adjourn to dine. On the other hand, whenever the game is played competitively,i.e., in formal leagues, tournaments, etc., it is critically important that the correct player serve the ball from the correct court position and that the correct receiving player be in the correct court position and endeavor to return the serve. That can only be determined by knowing who the 1st server is on each team. In tournaments, the first server wears a wrist band (or pennant on hat or shirt) given out before play begins. This permits everyone to know who was server #1 (for each pair) when the game began. That means that each time a pair wins the serve, or at anytime during play, we know where each player should be positioned. The player designated server #1 (wearing a wrist band) must always be positioned in the right box (viewed as facing the net) whenever that pair has an even number of points. The player must be positioned in the left box whenever the 1st server at the start of the game has an odd number of points. Similarly, the receiving pair must have their 1st server, i.e., when the game began, standing in the right box whenever they have an even number of points, or in the left box whenever that player ‘s pair has an odd number of points.

[Stormylc]

PB 100 On Court class is taught by several experienced instructors that have had hundreds (in some cases a thousand) students over the last 12 years attend their classes. This is the first post I have seen since 2007 (when our classes began) that recommends nobody should attend the PCVG beginner On Court class because of the perception of a player that attended 1 class by one instructor. The person in question may certainly offer feedback and an opinion on his single class, but to pan the class and all beginner class instructors is foolish at best. Regarding the PB 100 Virtual Class, it was created because the Rec. Dept. concerns of having large numbers of students indoors for 1 1/2 hours was not a safe practice. PB 100 was designed to teach potential players about safe practices, and how to keep score, and the basic rules of the game. This class frees up the On Court class from having to explain basic safety, rules and scoring, and to assist in stroke technique and basic strategy.

[Byte1]

Sensitive people should probably stick to card games. I never took a course, but I had plenty of GREAT players that were willing to give me advice. I just went out and started playing. Sure, it is nice to know how to keep score when you start playing, but someone will always help you out. If you are with a beginning group, there is always folks there that will readily help you. You should never ever run backwards unless you are prepared to fall and harm yourself so those that holler at you are looking out for your safety. Don't be so sensitive about it. The reason I never took a class is that when I attempted to sign up, the classes were already full. I didn't/don't care because the folks I play with are always friendly and helpful. I play the game for exercise and fun and can never remember how many games we won or lost.

[Rosebud1949]

I love the comments why !!!! Until 3 years ago I taught REAL PICKLEBALL with trained instructors for 5 years. We taught around 20,000 folk in that time. I would love to teach it again, the right way, if there are enough people who want to learn.

[Rosebud1949]

Actually, the rec dept. has guidelines that volunteers are to follow. Included is behavior of group leaders. Yes, this teacher's actions should be reported to the rec dept. so they can be made aware of any issues regarding the instructor. It may not be an isolated event.
You are right The Rec Dept allocates the courts only. The Instructor Leader should train the Instructors . Seems they are not You only have to look at Beginner Open Play to see the problems. Such a shame

[Rosebud1949]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.
Such a shame The leader should be teaching the instructors how to teach. They dont anymore and it shows. Just watch Beginner Open Play and see the danger there. Not the players fault if they are not shown the right way to play the game

On court, in person, always...... NOT a Video.......

[willbush]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.
The problem with individuals who don't have a teaching background, they often don't realize when you teach a group of people, you must teach to the lowest level student in the class;trying to impress with knowledge instead of teaching is of little value to a student;if you have extra knowledge of the subject being taught, yes you will feel the instructor did a good job, however if you are at the low end and lack extensive knowledge of the topic being taught and instructor is trying to impress, then you have the right to be frustrated;it is nice they volunteer their time, but they do need feedback to help both them and the student.

[Marathon Man]

Such a shame The leader should be teaching the instructors how to teach. They dont anymore and it shows. Just watch Beginner Open Play and see the danger there. Not the players fault if they are not shown the right way to play the game

On court, in person, always...... NOT a Video.......

The video was created because classroom instruction was not allowed in rec centers. The video fills that space so that the on-court instruction could begin. The classroom instruction is required before a student can take on-court session.

Is the video as good as classroom instruction? Of course not. But it was a way to re-start the classes here in The Villages. Once classroom instruction is permitted, it will return.

[Fishers2tall]

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.
As a lifelong tennis player I don’t know why they didn’t just use tennis scoring. That would have made much more sense. However to answer your question each player on a side serves until they fail to win the point. Then the serve goes over to the opposing team. Since each team can only score points while they are serving stating whether you are server number one or server number two enables correctly keeping track of when the serve goes over to the other team and keeps each team from serving more times than they deserve. As someone who has played a lot of pickleball I can tell you after some long points that move you all over the court with lobs and dinks and volleys it’s easy to forget which team member served first if you aren’t disciplined in saying the score correctly before each serve. I hope that helps.

Now on to the comments by a few people about instructors that were perhaps being a little too “energetic” in their efforts to discourage backpedaling on court. Your instructor may have been a complete pompous self consumed jerk. If that was the case please please either try a different class with a different instructor or find out when one of the courts near you has open beginner level play and just show up with your pickleball paddle. Introduce yourself to those waiting on the next game and ask them to help you learn the game. You will find the overwhelming vast majority of beginner level players will be very friendly and almost excited to include you and to help you learn the game of pickleball. It’s an awesome way to meet and make new friends!

Ok that being said the advice you got about not backing up or backpedaling as you play pickleball is probably the most valuable thing you (especially if you are a senior citizen) can ever learn about pickleball. If you are in your late 60’s and certainly if your are in your 70’s or even 80’s losing your balance while backpedaling on the pickleball court and falling backwards onto the hard unforgiving surface will almost certainly put you at significant risk of breaking a hip or an arm or of getting a concussion. For the most part pickleball is a fun social completely safe game/sport no matter what age you are and you don’t have to be super agile or in the peak of fitness to play but backing up should be avoided.

[Albany]

The attitude of the senior instructors was horrible. They talked like they were scolding us. Just like in the PB100 video on Youtube that you are supposed to watch.

The four of us guys were trying our best to play and learn, and we just kept getting scolded. Just when we were on to understanding something, the instructor would start talking about some higher level nuance to show how knowledgeable they were.

Total confusion, combined with the scolding attitudes were a failure and I almost walked off.

My advice is to find a group of friendly people that want to learn, watch some Youtube videos on the gameplay, stretch out, be careful and have some fun.

DO NOT take the PB100 on court class.

I took the course to see if I LIKED PB, and had no idea after my "lesson". He stopped us from actually playing every 10 seconds to impart more information, yak yak yak. I walked away and never went back. Sticking to golf.

[Mrprez]

As a lifelong tennis player I don’t know why they didn’t just use tennis scoring. That would have made much more sense. However to answer your question each player on a side serves until they fail to win the point. Then the serve goes over to the opposing team. Since each team can only score points while they are serving stating whether you are server number one or server number two enables correctly keeping track of when the serve goes over to the other team and keeps each team from serving more times than they deserve. As someone who has played a lot of pickleball I can tell you after some long points that move you all over the court with lobs and dinks and volleys it’s easy to forget which team member served first if you aren’t disciplined in saying the score correctly before each serve. I hope that helps.

Now on to the comments by a few people about instructors that were perhaps being a little too “energetic” in their efforts to discourage backpedaling on court. Your instructor may have been a complete pompous self consumed jerk. If that was the case please please either try a different class with a different instructor or find out when one of the courts near you has open beginner level play and just show up with your pickleball paddle. Introduce yourself to those waiting on the next game and ask them to help you learn the game. You will find the overwhelming vast majority of beginner level players will be very friendly and almost excited to include you and to help you learn the game of pickleball. It’s an awesome way to meet and make new friends!

Ok that being said the advice you got about not backing up or backpedaling as you play pickleball is probably the most valuable thing you (especially if you are a senior citizen) can ever learn about pickleball. If you are in your late 60’s and certainly if your are in your 70’s or even 80’s losing your balance while backpedaling on the pickleball court and falling backwards onto the hard unforgiving surface will almost certainly put you at significant risk of breaking a hip or an arm or of getting a concussion. For the most part pickleball is a fun social completely safe game/sport no matter what age you are and you don’t have to be super agile or in the peak of fitness to play but backing up should be avoided.

Yes, that does help. Thanks!

So, I can understand not back pedaling as it is very dangerous. Falls with head injuries are one of the top ten killers of those over 65. What is the correct way to get to back court in a hurry? Say, in case of a lob shot?

[RDhot]

Because that’s how you keep score in pickle ball. Each player gets to serve before it’s a side out. The only difference is opening the game, there is only one server before side out. That’s why that person is considered server 2, or start. If you don’t know the basic scorekeeping, you clearly don’t know how to play pickle ball. Can only imagine your lack of understanding and knowledge about the kitchen

[RDhot]

There is no five serving three. What does that even mean. Pickle ball has server one and server two on each team.

[RDhot]

It has nothing to do with forgetting and age. It is a rule of pickle ball that player states score before each service, otherwise it is considered a fault. Server will lose their serve for that. Just like stepping over the line when you serve, stepping in the kitchen for Volley, being hit with the ball or catching the ball before it bounces. Also, no serve ball contact above the waist is allowed. If you’re gonna play, learn correctly

[CFrance]

Yes, that does help. Thanks!

So, I can understand not back pedaling as it is very dangerous. Falls with head injuries are one of the top ten killers of those over 65. What is the correct way to get to back court in a hurry? Say, in case of a lob shot?
I turn around and run. My husband stands there and yells "Yours!"


If I get there in time, I hit the ball back. I'm successful about half of the time.

[Mrprez]

Because that’s how you keep score in pickle ball. Each player gets to serve before it’s a side out. The only difference is opening the game, there is only one server before sight out. That’s why that person is considered server 2, or start. If you don’t know the basic scorekeeping, you clearly don’t know how to play pickle ball. Can only imagine your lack of understanding and knowledge about the kitchen

Who are you talking to?

[RDhot]

Turn and shuffle forward or sideways. Keep your eye on the bar at all times.

[Mrprez]

Turn and shuffle forward or sideways. Keep your eye on the bar at all times.

Really? They serve drinks there as well?

I’m guessing you were born knowing how to play? You don’t know jack about what I know about PB! Just because I find the three number scoring weird doesn’t mean I haven’t learned about other aspects of the game.

At which court do you mostly play?

Back in July, before our visit, we were researching TV as a place to which we might want to move. We hadn’t ever heard of PB! The one thing we did learn in our early research was to NOT buy a house near a PB court.

So, I am going from that point of reference.

[newgirl]

I need to start coming again, Saddlebrook is where I first learned how to play and can honestly say I was never treated like I did not belong on the court even though I had never played a sport in my life.
Learning playing is so much more fun then watching it in a video. Personally I have no desire to ever be a 5.0 player and hate playing with those that take the game so seriously that they get angry or emotional about it, I enjoy playing with others that just are there to have fun.
Santiago courts are the same in that everyone is welcome after 10 and it's all for fun.
Would live to find out other times and courts that play for fun and everyone is welcomed!

[Topspinmo]

Are you first server on your side or second? Repeating that and the score helps prevent bloody PB battles in this short-term memory loss community. And... it's the rule. Just go with it.

You don’t have to have short term memory lost to forget the score. It happens all the time even saying the score every time. No different than tennis where you can have long rally and May change Positions.

[edomit]

I had the same issue a few years ago. Very unusual situation. Just to quote one the insults “you shouldn’t be here”. There were a few more.

[bchannon]

I couldn’t agree with you more. It is so strange that this pickle ball instruction culture is so overwhelmingly of a scolding nature and that this is somehow acceptable to the higher-ups. I’m assuming that this culture must emanate from the individual who oversees the program in TV.

[Mrprez]

I will go ahead and take the PB100 court class and see for myself.

[Tom W]

PB 100 Virtual Classroom r720 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96QWfb5qMyg&t=1692s)

[Lauranne]

I would hate being scolded when I'm trying to learn. Thanks for the heads up. I'll steer clear.

[randykw]

Come to Saddlebrook, Sat & Wed, 10-12n. Open Beginner Play. We have fun and laugh at ourselves.

[renpan]

Totally agree. My husband & I had a similair experience with the instructors who spent more time telling people they had no business playing instead of giving constructive points. They refused to tell us what to do to improve only practice, practice practice. They were arrogant and not helpful.How do you improve if you don't know what you're doing wrong? We had played back home with a bunch of friendly folks but totally were disappointed with these instructors so we don't play here. If there's someone out there who just likes to play for fun and exercise let me know.

[Mrprez]

Totally agree. My husband & I had a similair experience with the instructors who spent more time telling people they had no business playing instead of giving constructive points. They refused to tell us what to do to improve only practice, practice practice. They were arrogant and not helpful.How do you improve if you don't know what you're doing wrong? We had played back home with a bunch of friendly folks but totally were disappointed with these instructors so we don't play here. If there's someone out there who just likes to play for fun and exercise let me know.

Stu from ny and I are looking to learn and play for fun if you don’t mind two noobs.

[npwalters]

I started playing in TV about 3 years ago. My experience with instruction was much more positive than some report here and I was grateful to the volunteers that took their time to work with us.

I now play almost every day during open play (sunrise to 10 am on every court). I was rated about 2 years ago.

Most of us will gladly accommodate beginning players with one caveat. If you don't at least know the basic rules you probably shouldn't be at open play - or even advanced beginner play.

If you are reading this post - you are computer savvy. Do a Google search and learn the rules. Know how to keep score, some BASIC strategy, and what constitutes a fault. You can do this right from the comfort of your desk or recliner. You and the folks you play with will enjoy the game much more.

[Topspinmo]

I took the course to see if I LIKED PB, and had no idea after my "lesson". He stopped us from actually playing every 10 seconds to impart more information, yak yak yak. I walked away and never went back. Sticking to golf.

So, I guess you was scratch golfer after the first lesson and knew everything there was to learn about golf? Pickleball is probably 10 times to 100 times easier to lean to most than golf.

Open beginning play times are for playing. You was in class where correction interruptions are required to Clue you in. You’re not going to develop skills or learn skills of game in 1 hour one time class. You take the information and work on it at open beginning times. after month or two you will know where to stand, how to prefect serve and know the score. Now you’re ready to develop higher level skill. It takes time. Some pick it up quickly and some takes months, years.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I get that but why the server number? Why not 5 serving 3 and hit the ball.

Because each team has two serves. Calling "one" or "two" helps everyone remember how many serves have been played. It's an official rule, not just for TV.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

If the instructor (or anyone for that matter), is being disrespectful or rude, stand up to him. Bullies always back down if you tell them assertively they are out of line and you're not going to put up with it.

Sorry you got a bad apple. I'm sure they're not all like that.

[Mrprez]

Because each team has two serves. Calling "one" or "two" helps everyone remember how many serves have been played. It's an official rule, not just for TV.

OK, thanks, I’ve got it.

[ljoliver]

First let’s talk about Tom W. Attitude from the beginning. Would not follow instructions of how to hold the paddle. He insisted on holding the paddle, not with the handle, but the paddle itself with fingers on the face. He criticized the scoring process. WHY DO WE HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF WHO IS SERVING? He became such a “PROBLEM CHILD” that the LEAD INSTRUCTOR had to come over and intervene. Second....these instructors are volunteers. They give of their time to pass on information to help Villagers learn the game. We train (in recent years) as many as 5000 people a year. So we know this program works. Our classes have no place for an ATTITUDE.

[CFrance]

First let’s talk about Tom W. Attitude from the beginning. Would not follow instructions of how to hold the paddle. He insisted on holding the paddle, not with the handle, but the paddle itself with fingers on the face. He criticized the scoring process. WHY DO WE HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF WHO IS SERVING? He became such a “PROBLEM CHILD” that the LEAD INSTRUCTOR had to come over and intervene. Second....these instructors are volunteers. They give of their time to pass on information to help Villagers learn the game. We train (in recent years) as many as 5000 people a year. So we know this program works. Our classes have no place for an ATTITUDE.
Thanks for giving us the other side of the situation, although I had suspected as much. We've been playing for ten years and started out with PB 101, 102 (twice), and 103 (twice), followed by several intermediate clinics given by Jeff S, which involved six instructors. All in all, we've worked with about 30 instructors and NEVER ONCE had an issue. They were all great, gracious people. We are so lucky to have such a group of volunteers.


And no, I'm not related to any of them!

[Tom W]

Just scroll up and read how many other people had "bad attitudes". My "attitude" was a reaction to the instructors. Notice how even their response is to blame the student.

[Funkman]

I turn around and run. My husband stands there and yells "Yours!"


If I get there in time, I hit the ball back. I'm successful about half of the time.lol

I'm pretty sure I'd get smacked in the head if I tried that with my wife

[CFrance]

lol

I'm pretty sure I'd get smacked in the head if I tried that with my wife
:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Cssjt5]

Some of the pickle ball jocks that teach also can’t help themselves during open play. I’m a pretty good player but have had partners in open play comment on everything they think I am doing wrong. Interesting enough this seems to happen after they miss a shot. Don’t let a few rotten apples spoil it for you - try again with a different instructor - it’s a super fun game!