There has been an ongoing debate in the pickleball community regarding whether lower-level players should join sessions specifically designated for higher skill levels. One Reddit user, ‘envenome,’ shared their perspective as a less than 3.0 player who enjoys challenging themselves by playing with more advanced competitors. They noted that while they have taken this approach to improve their game, they have faced pushback from other players who get annoyed by their presence. The subsequent comments illustrated a range of sentiments, from empathy towards beginners to frustration from those who feel their competitive play is compromised because of the less skilled players joining their sessions.
Summary
- Mixed skill level play can offer valuable learning experiences for beginners but may lead to frustration for more experienced players.
- Players express a desire for competitive integrity, arguing that games designed for specific skill levels should be adhered to.
- Empathy and nostalgia appear prominently as many experienced players acknowledge they were beginners once.
- Some feel that allowing lower-level players in advanced games ultimately hampers overall enjoyment and can be detrimental to developing competitive dynamics.
The Desire for Improvement
‘Envenome’ openly acknowledged that shifting to play with stronger peers has vastly improved their own game. They articulated how valuable it has been to observe more skilled players, stating, “Ever since I started doing that, I’ve noticed that I play better now.” This perspective resonated with several commenters who remembered their own paths from novice to more skilled players. However, many experienced players remain skeptical. A commenter, ‘gobluetwo,’ remarked, “Honestly, if you’re a sub-3.0 player, you have no business in a 3.5-4.0 rated play.” This sentiment points to a belief that while striving for self-betterment is admirable, it’s often at the expense of players who aim for competitive games and a level playing field.
The Frustration of Losing
The frustration of being paired with a lower-level player was a recurring theme in the comments. A user named ‘garyt1957’ put it plainly: “Frankly, it’s selfish. Sure it’s good for you but ruins the other player’s games.” When seasoned players find themselves losing due to the skills disparity, it can lead to resentment. There’s a strong feeling that when the competition isn’t on par, it not only dampens the spirit of the game but also makes it near-impossible for experienced players to enjoy their time on the court. Another frequent sentiment echoed by ‘gciorty’ was about how lower-level players often become the target, preventing their more skilled partners from getting any quality play since all the shots are directed at their weaker teammate.
Balancing Open Play and Competitive Integrity
Questions arise about the nature of “open play” sessions versus rated play. Certain patrons claimed that open play should indeed welcome all levels, while rated play should not. ‘DolphinRodeo’ articulated that joining a session meant for a certain skill level without meeting that level would likely push others away from that session. This notion of “competitive integrity” resonates strongly with many who share that their time and enjoyment playing should not be compromised by mismatched skill levels. Conversely, a few participants argued that perhaps the anger over lower-level players’ presence is mostly rooted in a form of gatekeeping. ‘Plenty-Peak-6783’ expressed concerns about the more skilled players being unfair, suggesting it wasn’t moral to forget their own humble beginnings when they were simply trying to learn.
Where Do We Draw the Line?
The concluding sentiment in the Reddit discussion is the necessity of setting boundaries. Many users suggest that lower-level players ought to play up occasionally but should also recognize when they are out of their depth. A user named ‘NorcalRobtheBarber’ advised that there’s nothing wrong with playing up for one game, provided the player understands their skill level and recognizes when to take a break. It’s apparent that many players favor inclusivity but feel that within specific contexts—like dedicated games targeting a skill range—players should adhere to the indicated levels. An insightful comment by ‘Lazza33312’ pointed out, “If there is 4.0+ open play I expect players to be of that level.” This clarion call for maintaining standards highlights how nuanced and complex the discussion on skill levels truly is, emphasizing that there is a fine line between nurturing new talent and ensuring everyone’s fun.
The conversation surrounding whether lower-level players should join higher-rated games demonstrates the pickleball community’s diverse viewpoints. While there’s a strong push for inclusivity and learning, it often must be weighed against the need for competitive integrity and enjoyment for all players involved. This ongoing dialogue showcases the balance between nurturing growth and recognizing the dynamics that create enjoyable matches—challenging but fair for players of all skill levels. With an ever-evolving community, it’s clear that finding harmony within the court remains a priority for many pickleball enthusiasts.