Originally Posted by Gmaf6 (Post 2030519)

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.

Originally Posted by Gmaf6 (Post 2030519)

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.

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus (Post 2030305)

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

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus (Post 2030267)

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.

Originally Posted by Robbie0723 (Post 2030528)

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.

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 2030290)

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.

Originally Posted by Bonnevie (Post 2030336)

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.

Originally Posted by Gator_Girl (Post 2030693)

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!

Originally Posted by roob1 (Post 2030720)

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.