Pickleball "true" advanced beginner schedule

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Has anyone else noticed this? You show up at the place and time for "Beginner" or "Advanced Beginner" pickleball play as advertised in the Rec News and everyone there is intermediate or higher? Does anyone know of a court where true advanced beginners can play?

I know I can set up my own team, but that's not what I'm looking to do right now.
Thanks.

[CFrance]

I have a suggestion. Try to find scheduled Beginner or Adv. beginner that doesn't start first thing. A lot of times the more advanced players will start playing at 7 but not get off at 9 when the beg or adv beg is scheduled. It jams the courts up. Also, they will trade places in line so that they're still playing with each other, making it even more confusing. After Christmas it will be worse. You may change your mind about forming a group and getting a court reservation (which are only available starting at noon in the high season).
On the other hand, playing "up" really raises your game.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I have a suggestion. Try to find scheduled Beginner or Adv. beginner that doesn't start first thing. A lot of times the more advanced players will start playing at 7 but not get off at 9 when the beg or adv beg is scheduled. It jams the courts up. Also, they will trade places in line so that they're still playing with each other, making it even more confusing. After Christmas it will be worse. You may change your mind about forming a group and getting a court reservation (which are only available starting at noon in the high season).
On the other hand, playing "up" really raises your game.

Aha! Maintenant je le comprends! Les intermediares ne partent pas. Merci.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

On the other hand, playing "up" really raises your game.

Not if you lose most of the time and morale takes a big hit.

[ThirdOfFive]

Has anyone else noticed this? You show up at the place and time for "Beginner" or "Advanced Beginner" pickleball play as advertised in the Rec News and everyone there is intermediate or higher? Does anyone know of a court where true advanced beginners can play?

I know I can set up my own team, but that's not what I'm looking to do right now.
Thanks.
My wife and I just got back from playing tennis at El Santiago. The pickleball courts abut the tennis courts.

Frankly, I don't see the allure.

[Bonnevie]

Has anyone else noticed this? You show up at the place and time for "Beginner" or "Advanced Beginner" pickleball play as advertised in the Rec News and everyone there is intermediate or higher? Does anyone know of a court where true advanced beginners can play?

I know I can set up my own team, but that's not what I'm looking to do right now.
Thanks.

I can't agree more. I have even questioned people on why so many people who I consider intermediate or higher play at advanced beginner. They told me "there's really not much difference" or "there's a lot of overlap". that's not true, there's a great deal of difference. I have been made to feel that I'm inadequate to play there among them. I printed out the requirements for each level so if anyone says anything to me, I can show them I do meet the advanced beginner requirement and they should play elsewhere.

I had one woman say as she looked at me over the net "I don't want to play with her" because she didn't think it would be a good game.
I've had bangers slam balls at me. I believe it was to discourage me from lining up again to be in their four.

Advanced beginner used to be fun and social. I like to win, too, but I see adv. beginner level as trying to practice new things, socializing, and getting exercise. those that want to play at higher levels should go to the appropriate sessions. Some stay on after open hours, I realize, but then make us feel like we don't belong.

I asked a friend who is a top ranked player about it and he said some people just like to always win. pretty pathetic.

as to you get better playing with a better player, you can't get better if someone is slamming the ball at you with all their force. one time my partner actually told me to just get out of the way to avoid injury.

[jojo]

Yes it is a problem. I play tennis regularly and thought I'd add pickleball one day a week. As stated, most of the players are not beginners. Very difficult to play a game when advanced players just slam it at you. Fortunately some players will be gentler. Wish there were a place for just beginners.

[CFrance]

Aha! Maintenant je le comprends! Les intermediares ne partent pas. Merci.
Bien sûr que ça peut être ennuyeux. And I get what you're saying if the upper level players are not playing nice. Plus if they were any good, they'd be dinking and not slamming. I hope you find someplace.

[Topspinmo]

Well, start off all classes begin at 10AM or later when open play closes. The problem some don’t show up for open play till 9am or after. So they rarely get off the courts 10am. Only one Rec. center when I played advanced beginner’s years ago actually came out an run off all the open players at scheduled time, that was at Chula Vista. Rec. center where I play can’t even install zip tie on the wind screen when they get so bad blow out and hamper you’re backswing. So, bottom line be happy there someone there to play with. Beginning and advance is subjective anyway. They only way going to get better is practice and play.

[Topspinmo]

Yes it is a problem. I play tennis regularly and thought I'd add pickleball one day a week. As stated, most of the players are not beginners. Very difficult to play a game when advanced players just slam it at you. Fortunately some players will be gentler. Wish there were a place for just beginners.

If you play tennis at least at medium level and know how to keep score and where to stand you should be above beginner. I don’t know where you’re going to beginners at, but saddlebrook, sea breeze, Chula Vista use to be good places to go, (but, don’t expect at 1001 am it will be only beginners) Everybody will slam ball when get pop up even the 4.5s or above, Which they will never play with anybody but in their click. And if they do you get unwelcome feeling immediately.

[Topspinmo]

Bien sûr que ça peut être ennuyeux. And I get what you're saying if the upper level players are not playing nice. Plus if they were any good, they'd be dinking and not slamming. I hope you find someplace.

Nobody dinks pop up.

[irishwonone]

I have a suggestion. Try to find scheduled Beginner or Adv. beginner that doesn't start first thing. A lot of times the more advanced players will start playing at 7 but not get off at 9 when the beg or adv beg is scheduled. It jams the courts up. Also, they will trade places in line so that they're still playing with each other, making it even more confusing. After Christmas it will be worse. You may change your mind about forming a group and getting a court reservation (which are only available starting at noon in the high season).
On the other hand, playing "up" really raises your game.
Great statement. I totally agree. Playing against better players in every sport is how your game improves. Clearly there will always be a few that are full of themselves. But overwhelmingly everyone was in your position at some point and will give you a chance to play and learn.

[Gmaf6]

Groups with reservations in the Season from October to April can only reserve courts from noon on. Earlier times are for Open and League Play. I was told that if it's in the Rec News as Beginner Open Play or Advanced Beginner Open Play and there are rated/better players playing and they don't want to play with your level, you're to go to the Manager of that Recreation Center and make them aware of the situation. We have a group at Riverbend on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at Noon that are for Beginner/Advanced Beginner play. Sundays are for men and women - the other days are Ladies. We haven't had much turnout because of the time, but hoping that that will change with the cooler weather. Unless the courts are full, we have no problem allowing better players to play, but have asked some to leave in the past if we are full and they're not at our lower level of play. Some people have issues that prevent them from playing at a better level and it only seems fair for those playing at a lower level to have their own time to play.

[terenceanne]

Some people just want to show how wonderful they are by thrashing beginners - as always there are always a few bad apples.

[Driver8]

Has anyone else noticed this? You show up at the place and time for "Beginner" or "Advanced Beginner" pickleball play as advertised in the Rec News and everyone there is intermediate or higher? Does anyone know of a court where true advanced beginners can play?

I know I can set up my own team, but that's not what I'm looking to do right now.
Thanks.

You got that right! It was almost enough to stop me from playing!

[Altavia]

Groups with reservations in the Season from October to April can only reserve courts from noon on. Earlier times are for Open and League Play. I was told that if it's in the Rec News as Beginner Open Play or Advanced Beginner Open Play and there are rated/better players playing and they don't want to play with your level, you're to go to the Manager of that Recreation Center and make them aware of the situation. We have a group at Riverbend on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at Noon that are for Beginner/Advanced Beginner play. Sundays are for men and women - the other days are Ladies. We haven't had much turnout because of the time, but hoping that that will change with the cooler weather. Unless the courts are full, we have no problem allowing better players to play, but have asked some to leave in the past if we are full and they're not at our lower level of play. Some people have issues that prevent them from playing at a better level and it only seems fair for those playing at a lower level to have their own time to play.

Very informative response! Wouldn't hurt to post this on the board outside the courts.

Stronger players should play nice, soften their game and help coach when playing against less experience players.

[almondz]

No matter in what you participate, you will find the same thing. The bad bowlers leagues have people who bowl close to 300 and are there just to practice for their league. We have people at our "social" shuffleboard leagues who play on advanced leagues, and again use us for practice. We just know that, and prefer to play with some better players and learn what they know. We just ignore their sometimes egotistical ways. We all get along and it's a celebration when we beat them every now and then.

[Bill1701]

Groups with reservations in the Season from October to April can only reserve courts from noon on. Earlier times are for Open and League Play. I was told that if it's in the Rec News as Beginner Open Play or Advanced Beginner Open Play and there are rated/better players playing and they don't want to play with your level, you're to go to the Manager of that Recreation Center and make them aware of the situation. We have a group at Riverbend on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at Noon that are for Beginner/Advanced Beginner play. Sundays are for men and women - the other days are Ladies. We haven't had much turnout because of the time, but hoping that that will change with the cooler weather. Unless the courts are full, we have no problem allowing better players to play, but have asked some to leave in the past if we are full and they're not at our lower level of play. Some people have issues that prevent them from playing at a better level and it only seems fair for those playing at a lower level to have their own time to play.

Good luck with getting a manager to come out to help. Some of them are good, but many don't seem to know their jobs or don't want to get involved.

[paulajr]

Not if you lose most of the time and morale takes a big hit.

This is EXACTLY what happened to me with Platform Tennis. I was a HS asst. tennis coach, and wanted to learn Platform Tennis. We took the lessons, then went to join a “beginner” group to practice. I was the only “beginner” there..was having trouble making contact (way different length of racquet). They rotate partners. Instead of helping, people got mad when we lost. I left in tears, and never played Platform tennis again. I really loved it..but knew there was no way I could learn under those circumstances.
I hope the OP finds some people to practice with!

[gail swanson]

Has anyone else noticed this? You show up at the place and time for "Beginner" or "Advanced Beginner" pickleball play as advertised in the Rec News and everyone there is intermediate or higher? Does anyone know of a court where true advanced beginners can play?

I know I can set up my own team, but that's not what I'm looking to do right now.
Thanks.

I have a group playing on Mondays 2:00 at Moyer and Thursdays 3:00 Pimlico you are welcome to join us when you like. Small group fun play

[Topspinmo]

Very informative response! Wouldn't hurt to post this on the board outside the courts.

Stronger players should play nice, soften their game and help coach when playing against less experience players.


All reservations are posted on outside of court, the problem most don’t look at it. You can bet during season pretty much all courts are reserved after noon. So, most will be closed to open play. Last time I looked beginner and advanced play time are reserved daily throughout day at different locations.

[npwalters]

When my wife was a beginner we found the same thing. She went to the courts scheduled for beginners at 10 am and many of the players were actually the same folks that started playing during open play and were definitely NOT beginners. This was the case at 3 locations we tried.

Sad that many players won't leave and let the lower level player have their time. The rec center employees will seldom enforce it even if asked to.

The solution was to join a private group. Most meet at noon or later. A problem when the weather is hot but doable this time of year.

[sallyg]

I have a suggestion. Try to find scheduled Beginner or Adv. beginner that doesn't start first thing. A lot of times the more advanced players will start playing at 7 but not get off at 9 when the beg or adv beg is scheduled. It jams the courts up. Also, they will trade places in line so that they're still playing with each other, making it even more confusing. After Christmas it will be worse. You may change your mind about forming a group and getting a court reservation (which are only available starting at noon in the high season).
On the other hand, playing "up" really raises your game.
Very sorry to read this. I thought this kind of behavior was only seen at the sports pools.

[Dbraisted]

I run a mixed group in NJ in the summer, many in my group have physical limitations and will never move beyond their current level. They truly love the game and play regularly. Our group will not tolerate meanness by more advanced players.

[Briand]

Yes - I guess WINNING is more important than learning to play the game well…. The true American ethic!

[tophcfa]

Another first world problem we Villagers must deal with : )

[Gator_Girl]

I can't agree more. I have even questioned people on why so many people who I consider intermediate or higher play at advanced beginner. They told me "there's really not much difference" or "there's a lot of overlap". that's not true, there's a great deal of difference. I have been made to feel that I'm inadequate to play there among them. I printed out the requirements for each level so if anyone says anything to me, I can show them I do meet the advanced beginner requirement and they should play elsewhere.

I had one woman say as she looked at me over the net "I don't want to play with her" because she didn't think it would be a good game.
I've had bangers slam balls at me. I believe it was to discourage me from lining up again to be in their four.

Advanced beginner used to be fun and social. I like to win, too, but I see adv. beginner level as trying to practice new things, socializing, and getting exercise. those that want to play at higher levels should go to the appropriate sessions. Some stay on after open hours, I realize, but then make us feel like we don't belong.

I asked a friend who is a top ranked player about it and he said some people just like to always win. pretty pathetic.

as to you get better playing with a better player, you can't get better if someone is slamming the ball at you with all their force. one time my partner actually told me to just get out of the way to avoid injury.
Wow, this is disheartening to hear! 😔 I thought people were there to enjoy their remaining years with fun times, not trying to dominate at pickelball for crying out loud!

[roob1]

Could it be that some enjoy competition, and obtain satisfaction from defeating others in a sport? Nothing wrong with that. After all, competition is an integral part of sports.

Wow, this is disheartening to hear! 😔 I thought people were there to enjoy their remaining years with fun times, not trying to dominate at pickelball for crying out loud!

[CFrance]

Could it be that some enjoy competition, and obtain satisfaction from defeating others in a sport? Nothing wrong with that. After all, competition is an integral part of sports.
I believe there definitely is something wrong with that when people are playing down to a lower level simply in order to win and thus taking the fun of the sport away from those trying to learn. And to do it in a vicious manner, slamming balls, aiming at people, etc., makes it even worse.

[MSikora]

I sorry to hear that some not all pickleball players are such
Jerks. All of us at one time were beginners and speaking for myself the people that taught me were patient and kind. However wit was not in the villages but in a adult community in NJ. I am always the same towards beginners and would hope other players are the same. That being said this not the first time I have heard this in the villages. Time for people to grow up and act like adults

[randykw]

Come to Saddlebrook, Sat. & Wed., 10-12n. Let the group you're about to play with know that you are a Beginner. 90% will take it easy on you and help you learn the game. It's a good mix of Beginner to Intermediate.
If you come, look me up.
Randy

[Bonnevie]

Could it be that some enjoy competition, and obtain satisfaction from defeating others in a sport? Nothing wrong with that. After all, competition is an integral part of sports.

everyone who plays wants to win.....just some of us can appreciate the other aspects of the game if we don't win every time.

[karostay]

My wife and I just got back from playing tennis at El Santiago. The pickleball courts abut the tennis courts.

Frankly, I don't see the allure.
I find pickle ball players less snobbish

[LiverpoolWalrus]

You got that right! It was almost enough to stop me from playing!

I’ve got to say I’m thinking of switching back to tennis where everything is well organized…one word that comes right to mind.

Cue up the Villagers who are going to say…oh never mind.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

When my wife was a beginner we found the same thing. She went to the courts scheduled for beginners at 10 am and many of the players were actually the same folks that started playing during open play and were definitely NOT beginners. This was the case at 3 locations we tried.

Sad that many players won't leave and let the lower level player have their time. The rec center employees will seldom enforce it even if asked to.

The solution was to join a private group. Most meet at noon or later. A problem when the weather is hot but doable this time of year.

Another solution is to switch to tennis like I’m considering. Seems to be a much more easy-going and considerate sport. And much less crowded too. AND the courts are lighted for night play, so you can avoid the heat and sun, unlike pickleball.

[B-flat]

I've played racquet sports both tennis and racquet ball in my 20s and 30s. I was also a runner and an amateur triathlete for 25 years. When I went to the beginners class the guy who instructed us and took us to play live as part of pickelball 101 told me I should try another sport. I thought OK, what a great way to treat a newcomer. I'm a gentleman otherwise I would have told him to put that pickle ball racquet where the sun don't shine.

[MrFlorida]

I thought "beginner" meant "beginner"..

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I've played racquet sports both tennis and racquet ball in my 20s and 30s. I was also a runner and an amateur triathlete for 25 years. When I went to the beginners class the guy who instructed us and took us to play live as part of pickelball 101 told me I should try another sport. I thought OK, what a great way to treat a newcomer. I'm a gentleman otherwise I would have told him to put that pickle ball racquet where the sun don't shine.

I can relate. I recently went to a local "open play" and when I said I'm an advanced beginner, one of the players told me "(Rec Center x) might be more to your liking." Nice.

Gotta love us Villagers here in America's Friendliest Hometown.

[Bonnevie]

Another solution is to switch to tennis like I’m considering. Seems to be a much more easy-going and considerate sport. And much less crowded too. AND the courts are lighted for night play, so you can avoid the heat and sun, unlike pickleball.

but the beauty of designated times for adv. begginer is that you can always find someone to play with. I recently looked at Latitudes in Daytona and no one was playing on their courts. there you must have to find others yourself to play with. I like the fact that if I wake up with relatively less aches and pains that day, that I can find a place to play. I'm just careful about where I go now. Though I make it a point to go back to the place where the woman told me she didn't want to play with me every chance I get, but luckily it's more crowded now and I can avoid playing with her.

I do enjoy watching her and noting she's not nearly as good as she thinks she it.

[charmed59]

The advantage of tennis, the way it is usually set up here, is that you know you have exactly the number of players needed for a game. No waiting for someone to show up, no lines to sub in.

The disadvantage of tennis is you are committed to the days you sign up for. If you want to sleep in, sorry. If you feel like playing a set today, but didn’t signup, too bad. If you play a few games and just aren’t into it, you keep playing rather than leaving others in the lurch.

I do dislike they refer to early morning pickle ball as open play. Some courts are definitely advanced , some are advanced intermediate, and some are intermediate. They really should label them so new folks know what they are getting into.

[B-flat]

I can relate. I recently went to a local "open play" and when I said I'm an advanced beginner, one of the players told me "(Rec Center x) might be more to your liking." Nice.

Gotta love us Villagers here in America's Friendliest Hometown.

Yup the friendliest hometown.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I do dislike they refer to early morning pickle ball as open play. Some courts are definitely advanced , some are advanced intermediate, and some are intermediate. They really should label them so new folks know what they are getting into.

"Advanced beginner" is definitely labeled as such in Rec News, showing the location and times but it is overwhelmed by players who are not advanced beginners.

Last week I had to wait in line for over a half hour during an advanced beginner session. When my partner and I lost to two advanced players, the line was just as long as before. I decided it was not worth waiting another half hour to play again, just to encounter the same situation. Needless to say, the wait would not have been necessary if the higher level people weren't there.