Play with Thought!

What is my TRUE RATING?

Picklers..  I’m seeing a self rating problem.

Growing as a player is something many Pickleball players want to do.  They want to improve their rating and play with strong or better players.  I totally get this and I applaud this desire.  But there is a very important caveat to this.  When you play with the stronger players,  are you holding your own?  Tough question to ask ourselves and important to be self-aware enough to be honest with ourselves.

With our program here at the SYC I have many Open Play days for all level of players. These sessions are designed to give players opportunities to play with many different levels.  It also allows the stronger players the option to “give back”, have fun  and play folks who may not have their skillset.

One of the difficulties is what happens when a weaker player signs up to play in a higher level group than they should?  This is where we must be very self-aware.  Ask yourself the following questions after you play up

• How are your results?
• Is your game holding up?
• Does the level of play drop when you are on the court?
• Are your opponents having fun?
• Do you realize that most stronger players do not enjoy games where the score is lopsided? Most have limited time to play and want to be able to count on close, high level play

These are important questions to ask yourself when playing.  I understand the desire to want to play better and be challenged.  But understand if you sign up for a higher level  play day,  if your level doesn’t hold up the overall play for the stronger players is affected.  The games become diluted.  My suggestion is to organize  more private games with better players who want to play with you, so you are getting challenged and the stronger players are there to assist and mentor you.

My objective as the Pickleball Director is to create a program where all players improve and have the opportunity to play and challenge themselves.  Please be mindful when it comes to self-rating yourself and when you sign up to play with certain leveled play groups.  I don’t want to see certain groups get diluted and have players not sign up due to this problem.

I want our program to grow and be the best it can be.  This is the challenge we face  and as members need to work together for this to be accomplished. 

If you have any questions in regards to this matter please feel free to contact me.