Pickleball Sign Up
 

I am trying to sign up for Pickleball in the Villages. To sign up and get going has been exasperating. These are the hoops one must jump through. (1) View 2 intro to Pickleball videos. (2) Take an Intro to Pickleball #1 class. (3) Take an Intro to Pickleball #2 class.

I can not get into an Intro #1 class. Last week I went online 2 hours after sign up and it was full. This morning sign up started at 8:30am for the next Intro #1 class. I got online exactly at 8:30 and it was full with a wait list of 29 people so far.

At this rate I will never be able to play Pickleball. Is there any secret to getting signed up? If there is PM me. With the huge interest in Pickleball I wish someone would open up more classes or make the classes larger.

I just moved here three months ago and can't imagine what it is going to be like when the snowbirds come back down. Thanks for any help.

BS. I am in good shape, athletic, a fast learner and used to play tennis in College.

Interesting, I have been meaning to give it a try

I had the same problem a few years ago and eventually just gave up. Probably my loss but after hearing rightly or wrongly about the "pickeball wars" and "pickleball snobs" (not unlike golf) on the courts especially with regard to newbies maybe in the end I was better off. It did often seem that "friends of the right people" had no problem getting started with classes.

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In the summer, classes are reduced to once a month. Once the population begins to increase for the winter, classes will be held every week. Keep trying. You will eventually get in.

By the way: Although highly recommended that you attend the classes developed by the Pickleball Community Volunteer Group, it is not a requirement to use the courts. You can certainly go out with a friend or neighbor who is willing to teach you the game. Then, once you are able to attend a class, go and learn even more.

I was on there at 8. When it opened at 8:30 I checked the 2 boxes and thought I was in. The confirmation email said I'm #1 on the waitlist. Just go to the open beginner times at the Rec Centers. Everybody is usually nice. I probably learned more in the last month than I will learn there, but have you to take one and two to get into the 3 skills classes.

Unfortunate you have had problems getting in a class. But you do not have to go the class(es) to play on the courts. It IS a good idea.

In the meantime - look for web sites that teach the rules and fundementals. You can 100% learn the rules online. You can get a good start on strategy also.

Beginner groups will welcome you as long as 1) you know the rules and 2) you have a basic understanding of how the game is played.

I hope you have better luck enrolling in the class in the future. They are definitely worth attending.

I agree!

try platform tennis instead. Much less people, less of a chance getting hurt and the ball bounces higher, making it easier to get to the ball.

Just follow the process and you will be fine.

Most of us are impressed with the magnitude of recreation in the Villages, but after living here and trying to use many of the facilities we quickly find that the extremely large volume of recreation facilities is hindered by an even larger volume of people wanting to use those facilities. 100 plus pickleball courts seems huge until you realize there are well over 1,000 people wanting to use those courts during prime time. Over time you may learn how to deal with the 'system' and work your way into the mix of the many people involved in the activity you want to participate in, but I'm sure many just give up and decide to do something else.

"You do not have to go to the classes to play on the courts". True, but playing pickleball at rec centers requires following rules and etiquette. If you do not have any skill, you will be embarassed or frowned upon.

If you do start playing locate beginners to play with at your skill level, experienced players don’t enjoy playing with beginners lol

Embarrassed and frowned upon?
Not very friendly or encouraging for a beginner.
Where can the unskilled undesirables play? Asking for a friend, lol.

Pickleball
 

Just watch a few you tube videos to get the basics and then show up at any rec center for open play for beginners. You will be welcomed and they will play with you and help you. That’s how I did it and now I play almost every day. I never took the classes from the village

Here's a link to part 1, of a video course...https://pickleballcommunity.com/new-to-pickleball/

Or you can browse YouTube for many introductory courses.

A few things you need to know:

How to keep score. It's a tad confusing for beginners, but you'll get the hang of it.
Etiquette:
Don't open the gate while a point is being played on the court next to the gate. Wait until the point ends then enter.
Don't cross a court while a point is being played. Wait until the point is over.
When your ball rolls or flies toward another court announce "BALL ON COURT!", this is so nobody steps on a ball and hurts a leg or foot.

Play within your skill group. Don't be the Beginner, or Advanced Beginner, playing in the Intermediate or above group, and be the person who ruins every point because you can't return the ball. There is a group for your skill level. Please find it, and gradually try your game against stronger groups, but be prepared to move out if you are not capable of keeping the point going.

Learn the kitchen rules. Again, there are lots of videos on YouTube on the kitchen rules.

Kudos to you for trying to get into the PB101 classes, but if they don't have room for you, you don't need to stay away from the courts until they can accommodate you.

You, in all likelihood, have a friend or neighbor who can introduce you to the basics of court etiquette, scoring, kitchen play, and give you some tips on getting your serve in, the "3-Bounce Rule", and other basic elements of PB.

Here are some more links to excellent YouTube videos on getting started in PB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEYsymCtIDY

Have fun. 99% of the picklers in TV are open-armed, welcoming people, happy to help new players. There are a small number of players who are nasty to those who mis-step, but they are easily ignored. If you happen to cross one of them, don't let it deter you. You will soon learn they are a tiny minority.

Come to Saddlebrook, Sat. & Wed. 10-12n. You will be welcomed. We have beginner & intermediate players. We will be glad to explain how to play and the rules. Ages range from 40-85.
Just be ready to have fun and laugh.

So you DO NOT have to go through the classes to play Pickleball. Even though I would at some point. What I would suggest is watch some YouTube videos on the rules especially scoring. Then go into your garage put a line of blue painters tape on the wall 34” high. This will simulate the height of the middle of the net. Then put another line of tape 7’ out from the wall on the floor. This will simulate the depth of the non volley zone (kitchen). Look for drills on YouTube for Pickleball wall drills. This will get you use to dinking, volleying and if you move back further in you garage some short ground strokes. Then check your Rec newspaper for places to play advanced beginner open play. These open play sessions are usually at 10:00 everyday at various Rec centers all week long. This will give you an excellent start. Just ignore the snobs.95% of us are nice people but it is important to find places where people are playing at your level if you are a beginner and walk into a pod of advanced players it most likely would not be fun for you. My wife and I have been playing in The Villages for 12 years and it is an awesome social sport that will keep you fit and mentally young. Don’t get discouraged you will love it. By the way make sure you pull your cars out of the garage first. ������������������

Many of the instructors go north for the summer. The best time to get all the classes in is fall. Instructors are back but most snow birds are not. Many videos on YouTube to learn the basics. Al's is good but not the only one. Just search pickleball 101 on YouTube. Courts are empty in the afternoon and you can go out and practice you serves. You can set up in your garage but many of the tennis courts have a backboard and you can practice there as well and leave your car in the garage. Many beginner groups in the villages, just look in the rec news for them. Most have fewer players in the summer and welcome new player. It is a great game and have fun

Wow! What a snobby response! Probably the reason why there is such a bad reputation around PB

Patience Grasshopper
 

Beginner pickleball lessons are taught entirely by volunteers (I’m one of them). In the summer, many of our instructors are gone. In addition, less people sign up so it normally balances out. As instructors return, we add courts so more people can be accommodated. Al is constantly teaching new instructors so if you know any 3.5 rated or above players who might make good instructors, encourage them to volunteer. Al teaches all of us so the instruction is consistent. What is frustrating to the instructors is knowing there is a waiting list and having people no-show so we don’t end up filling the courts. If you are high on the waitlist, you might consider going and maybe you make it in but no promises.

The video introduction is good for teaching you the basics so you can go to the Beginner Open Play times scheduled (in an earlier reply or at pickleballcommunity.com) People work together at these times to help you learn the game if you don’t want to wait to get in a class - there are no instructors.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport and that is especially true in The Villages. Don’t give up! Looking forward to seeing you in class one of these days!

Problem is, and you all know every court has them: the person who plays above the beginner level who trolls the beginner sessions looking to be the "big fish in a small pond" instead of going up and playing at a higher level. Not only are they intimidating to the very beginner, they are taking up a slot in the session reserved for beginner caliber player.

Even here in paradise you are going to find one or two a$$ hats, lol.

Just go play
 

Find an empty court, that has balls sitting around , practice some serves, read the rules online , find a open group and get in line. You will be fine. Keep trying to get in the courses for fine tuning

Find a few friends and go to the courts after hours, you can practice without being intimidated until you learn the ropes. Watch a few utube videos and learn the rules and you will do fine.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I now have HOPE.

a few years ago when DW and I were starting, we went to Truman in the evening. There was a reserved i.e. "closed" group using a couple of courts. We were in the corner by ourselves. At one point one of the players came over and asked us we'd like to join. We were pretty shy about it, being beginners, but they couldn't have been nicer, and didn't beat us up any worse than they had to, and gave us pointers, and invited us to join their group anytime we wanted.

That's what you are more likely to encounter than the jerks. Really. You'll be fine.

Speaking of Pickleball, CBS Sunday morning just did an interesting segment about its origins. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smw4ekw089U

I didn't take lessons, although I did watch the 101 video. I also watched You Tube videos to learn how to play and then practiced with some friends. I don't know where you are located, but Monday thru Friday (actually, probably every day), people of all ability levels play at Mulberry Rec Center starting at 8 A.M. The courts are divided. You want the set of courts on the left. The courts to the right are for the advanced players. If are willing to come to Mulberry, my friends and I can teach you how to play. We also play at Laurel Manor on Wednesday nights. PM me if you are interested. Pickle-ball is a blast! Don't give up on it.

We also have been here only 3 months and found it hard to learn. We were lucky in that someone in our neighborhood was willing to coordinate “social pickle ball” nights after making sure everyone knew the safety rules. So my advice is to ask people in your village. Someone may step up👍🏻 Good luck you are not alone. There are lots and lots of us learning the sport. It is quite fun!!

We also have been here only 3 months and found it hard to learn. We were lucky in that someone in our neighborhood was willing to coordinate “social pickle ball” nights after making sure everyone knew the safety rules. So my advice is to ask people in your village. Someone may step up👍🏻 Good luck you are not alone. There are lots and lots of us learning the sport. It is quite fun!!

This is spot on. Do Not wait to take the class. Start playing now! Find a court that has Beginner play (look in Rec News) and go play. Enjoy!

You should forget pickleball and play tennis in the Villages. Pickleball will hurt your elbow and makes a loud, annoying, clicking sound when the ball hits your paddle. Real men and women play tennis.

I feel your pain having went through the same process. Several other sports are the same way with road blocks. Sometimes it seems as much in the Villages is scheduled around snow birds returning in the fall as some commented. You can as suggested play at different courts according to standing rules and besides getting practice have fun. Being in a retirement community I laugh as many golf for the first time without near the roadblocks. Hang in there things will improve with time. Hope you have some fun too.

I know I am way off-topic, but do you have a Scottie? We do and are moving down in September. I feel awful taking him away from the snow into the heat!

or better yet, platform tennis. I've never seen either type of tennis courts get used as much as the pickleball courts.

LOL, Yes. She enjoys the AC about as much as we do. 30 minutes or so for a walk is about right this time of year.

True
 

The reservations and lines are ridiculous.

Way too difficult to sign up for a class.

Courts are packed in the mornings, but plenty of open courts in the afternoon, which means you can practice. Go to YouTube, watch videos on the rules and scoring system. You don't need an instructor to learn the rules. If possible, find one other person you can hit balls back and forth with. You can practice serving by yourself. I did when I was starting out. Get the activity newspaper, find courts with "Beginner" open play. If you show up to Beginner open play, and know the rules and can get your serve in, you will be fine.

I won't be back in TV until October. If you are still having trouble getting started, DM me, I will set you up with people who hold free clinics for beginners. I also know of a few "closed" groups that are beginner-oriented.

I wonder if TV will ever turn some of the underutilized tennis courts into pickleball courts. It's very common to see 48 or more people using, with some standing in line, the same amount of space dedicated to two tennis courts, which are going unused.
I'm not saying they should turn all of the tennis courts into pickle, but clearly, as evidenced by how much use each facility gets, and how much space they take up, we don't need two tennis courts at every pickleball facility.

Don't count on it. Isn't there 4 platform tennis courts and only 2 pickleball courts at the new first responders rec center ?