"first come, first served" is pretty clear to me.
I can't imagine trying to butt into a group of friends having fun, but some folks just can't help themselves.

So...it sounds like you like playing pickleball at Lake Miona?!? :clap2:

Would this not mean that a line should form with those arriving earlier playing before those that arrive later? "First come first served" does not mean you take ownership of the pool/court for as long as you desire. It just means that you go first.

Let's say I'm at a pickleball court playing with 3 friends on one of several availble courts at that location and 2 people show up and decide that instead of playing on another available court, two of us must sit down so that they have someone to play with. Sorry, I'm not doing it. We'll either leave or tell them no.

Wow!! If this were to happen in a group I play with we'd gladly let them alternate in with us. As a matter of fact we'd prefer 6 people over 4. This gives us all an occasional break and we all get to know some new players.

That's why we go in the afternoon when everyone else is done. We don't go to meet new people and don't need a break. We play non-stop for an hour and then continue our social outing elsewhere. We always make sure there are other courts available for other players.
I also practice singles in this manner. 2 us were practicing singles for a competition and two people showed up and insisted that we play doubles. We said "no thanks". They got very snitty.

My brother is always inviting others to join use while playing pickleball or table tennis. So far, everyone has been very nice and occasionally lets us win. There seems to be more retired Olympic athletes here than back up in Ohio. We are getting better and enjoy playing in the Villages.:smiley:

Well, this has me thinking. OK. So, it is not an open play period. It seems that the open play guidelines would not apply. Plenty of open courts. Seems to me that you could play singles.

[QUOTE=Redstag;1200313 I personally can’t imagine trying to force myself on someone enjoying themselves in a private game, but they were so intent on interrupting what was obviously friends having a good time that they went crying to the facilities manager who sent her people out and told us we had to let them play.[/QUOTE]
I understand completely.

On the other hand, now that I'm older I realize when the other kids were playing and I asked if I could play and they said "not now Tom take a walk and come back in a half hour" that every time I went for a walk for a half hour that when I did get back and no one was there it was probably a trick. That went on for years.

You could try it on them and hope they didn't read this.

:welcome:Hi, Yes I have not Liked, but Loved playing at Lake Miona. I have since learned that the " Best Players in the Villages " go there to play. Well judging from the way I was welcomed .. me a novice I would never in a million years would have guessed it. The players could not have been nicer to me, very patient, accommodating, kind, and showing what sportsmanship is all about. Here is the plus while waiting for your turn to rotate in to play..the players will actually give you tips on how to improve..Excellent pretty impressive.

Summarizing : The Villages Friendliest Home Town..
well ..

Lake Miona ? ...Pickleball Friendliest Home Town... Especially for those who want to improve..their skills: Remember every weekday morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM open play..Beginners up to Intermediate +... are more than Welcome. Have a great time ! :mademyday:

Seems that way to me, too. But there is a certain segment here that thinks all sporting events are about making friends and swapping recipes. There are actually a lot of serious competitors who compete on a national level and do not use sporting venues to plan tonight's dinner.

Am I sensing some sarcasm here?

That's too far for me. I didn't intend to join a critism.

:spoken: Sarcasm the answer is emphatically..No..

I am merely relaying my opinion, observation, and advice. I have played at many Pickleball Courts here in The Villages, and have found that for many reasons that " Lake Miona " stands out for in particular for Beginners..up to Intermediate + .

Granted as I have learned the Best Players regularly play at Lake Miona, however those players are More than willing to share with players who are learning to improve..Lets face it it is " The " fastest growing sport in America, and those players recognize that.

I cannot emphasize it more than this particularly on this fine TOTV forum...Beginners up to Intermediate Plus + Go to Lake Miona each weekday morning open play from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM...You will not be disappointed.

Plus those who are just plain Curious...Go...and Enjoy the Fun.. :coolsmiley:

They were being nice. I doubt they want bunch of beginners showing up at open play 8 to 10 where the best players in the villages group play at. They will not hold back their shots for ever.