Dealing with a Super Slow Server in Pickleball: Tips and Tricks

Dealing with a player who takes forever to serve can be frustrating for everyone involved. They interrupt the rhythm of the game and make the experience less enjoyable. One Reddit user shared their dilemma and sought advice on how to handle the situation.

Summary

  • Communication is key in addressing the issue without being confrontational.
  • Choosing not to play with the slow server is a common response among players.
  • Adapting your own serving routine to match the slow server’s pace can be a subtle way to convey the message.

Players’ Response

One player suggested simply avoiding playing with the slow server, much like one would avoid players with other frustrating habits. Another recommended being direct and refusing to play with them if they continue to take too long. However, some users found humor in the situation, suggesting mimicking the slow server’s routine or counting the time for their serves.

Handling Difficult Personalities

Players advised finding like-minded individuals to play with to avoid clashes in personalities. They emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and not hesitating to exclude disruptive players from the group. Some shared personal anecdotes of dealing with bothersome teammates and how they managed the situation in their youth.

Setting Boundaries

Advice ranged from waiting for the slow server to serve patiently to directly confronting them about the issue. Some users clarified the rules regarding the serving time limit and fault declaration, suggesting a more strategic approach to address the problem.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that communication, setting boundaries, and adapting your approach are essential in handling challenging players in any sports setting.