In the thrilling world of pickleball, one player’s candid post on the subreddit caught the attention of many: “I lose almost all games I play at open play. What am I doing wrong?” Authored by Always_Hungry79, the post expresses a mix of frustration, humor, and a desire to improve. Despite her active lifestyle and experience with other sports, she finds herself grappling with the basics of pickleball—her serves are inconsistent, her dinks lack coordination, and she feels caught in a downward spiral during games. This post resonated with many, sparking an insightful conversation on game improvement, camaraderie, and most importantly, having fun on the court.
Summary
- The post reflects the challenges of a newer pickleball player who feels overwhelmed and struggles against more experienced opponents.
- Community responses emphasize the importance of relaxing, having fun, and focusing on foundational skills.
- Many users suggested taking lessons, drilling technique, and playing against players of similar skill levels.
- The supportive responses highlight the sense of community within the pickleball world, where everyone has been a beginner at some point.
The Struggles of a New Player
Everyone can relate to the feeling of being a fish out of water, and for Always_Hungry79, that feeling is amplified during pickleball open play. Despite her enthusiastic participation in activities such as softball and running, she finds herself up against players who seem to have an innate grasp of the game’s nuances. She writes, “I see people’s reactions when they get paired with me for open play – and it’s not a smile of happiness lol.” Her vulnerability in admitting these struggles garnered a plethora of responses from fellow pickleball enthusiasts who offered both practical advice and emotional support. Players know that pickleball is no walk in the park, especially when facing seasoned players. Without a strategy in play, as she notes, she often feels like she’s just trying not to drown—a relatable sentiment echoed by many in the comments.
Advice from the Community
What’s fascinating about community platforms like this is the diverse pool of wisdom available. Commenter akwatica humorously advised Always_Hungry79 to “take off for a few weeks” and play just for the joy of it. This puts into perspective a crucial factor in sports: the importance of joy and relaxation. Too much pressure can often lead to decreased performance. Several commenters suggested focusing on the basics, stressing the importance of hitting deep, consistent serves and solid returns. For instance, tr1p13a shared insightful tips like, “bend your legs, and more than you think necessary,” a simple but essential reminder about technique that resonates across athletic disciplines. This highlights how the fundamentals remain the bedrock of improvement in any sport, including pickleball.
The Importance of Drilling and Lessons
A recurring theme in the comments is the necessity of practice—drilling specific skills until they become second nature. User Jonvilliers articulated a realistic perspective: “You need to drill, drill, drill. Stop playing and start drilling.” There’s wisdom there; focusing on the specific areas of difficulty can make a substantial difference. Taking a lesson with a coach to receive tailored feedback is yet another suggestion echoed throughout the thread. As commenter 2obvious4real wisely pointed out, a professional’s eye can help identify and remedy critical mechanical flaws. Investing in a couple of lessons can pay off in the long run, potentially leading to a clearer understanding of her gameplay and technique. The community consensus is that while peer support is valuable, personalized coaching could take her game to the next level.
Finding the Right Play Environment
One surprising yet valuable piece of advice shared was to seek out players of similar skill levels. Public-Necessary-761 highlights that if you are “struggling just to keep the ball in play,” it might be time to play with individuals closer to your level. This suggestion underscores the importance of maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere while playing. Getting consistently thrashed by better players can be discouraging and may lead to burnout. By finding a more suitable environment where the pressure is less, Always_Hungry79 can focus on learning without the looming shadow of defeat hovering over her every serve.
Ultimately, responses in this thread serve as a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of a community. While not every player may have the hidden talent or experience level they hope for, the willingness of others to lend a guiding hand showcases the supportiveness of pickleball culture. From heartfelt encouragements to practical tips, the community clearly wants to ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy the game of pickleball, regardless of their current skill level. Whether it’s through individual practice, engaging in fun play, or seeking out tailored feedback from coaches, the pathway to improvement is rich with opportunities. Always_Hungry79’s journey reflects a universal truth: everyone starts somewhere, and with persistence, support, and heaps of fun, improvement is inevitable.