Billy Pickles
Playing pickleball offers a unique opportunity to compete against players of various skill levels, unlike other sports such as tennis where players typically stick to their own skill group. This diversity in competition not only adds excitement to the sport but also provides valuable benefits for improving your own game.
In this article, we will explore why playing with players of all levels can be advantageous and how it can enhance your skills on the pickleball court.
Adapting to Different Styles of Play
When facing lower-level players, you may notice that the ball tends to go higher over the net and is slower in pace. Surprisingly, this style of play can present challenges even for experienced players. It reminds me of a fascinating interview I conducted with Laura Fenton Kovanda on the Pickleball Fire podcast. Laura, a former top professional women’s racquetball player, shared her strategy of always identifying her opponents’ weaknesses.
In a match against the world’s number one player, she discovered an unexpected weakness – a serve off the side wall. Laura recognized that this shot would typically be an easy put-away opportunity for players at that level, but her opponent was clearly unaccustomed to it. This allowed Laura to exploit the weakness and gain an advantage.
This is why playing against players who consistently hit the ball higher and softer can be beneficial. It forces you to adapt to a different style of play and helps you overcome any discomfort or weaknesses you may have in handling such shots. Personally, I prefer facing opponents who hit the ball low and fast over the net, as it aligns more with my playing style.
However, playing “down” against lower-level players gives me the opportunity to practice and improve my skills in dealing with higher and slower shots. It ensures that this style of play doesn’t become a weakness in my game.
Expanding Your Shot Repertoire
Moreover, playing against players of all levels allows you to explore and practice shots that you may not typically use. For instance, hitting a lob over your opponent’s head is a shot that can be challenging to practice with a lobster ball machine.
The dynamics of hitting it against a real person are different, and playing against lower-level players gives you the chance to work on this skill during the course of a game. It’s an opportunity to expand your repertoire and become more versatile on the court.
Contributing to the Growth of the Sport
As mentioned earlier, playing against players of all levels not only benefits your individual game but also contributes to the growth and development of the sport itself. Embracing the diversity of competition fosters a sense of inclusivity and encourages players of all skill levels to participate and enjoy the game. It creates a vibrant and supportive pickleball community where players can learn from one another and push their boundaries.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is playing pickleball with players of all levels beneficial?
Playing with players of all levels helps you adapt to different styles of play, overcome weaknesses, and practice shots that may not be as prevalent in higher-level matches. It also contributes to the growth and inclusivity of the sport.
Q: How does playing against lower-level players improve my game?
Facing lower-level players challenges you to adjust to a different style of play, such as higher and slower shots. This helps you overcome discomfort and weaknesses in handling such shots, ultimately enhancing your skills on the pickleball court.
Q: Can playing against players of all levels help me expand my shot repertoire?
Absolutely! Playing against players of all levels provides an opportunity to practice shots that you may not typically use. For example, hitting lobs over your opponent’s head can be challenging to practice with a machine, but playing against real people allows you to work on this skill during a game.
Q: How does playing with players of all levels contribute to the growth of the sport?
Embracing players of all skill levels fosters inclusivity and encourages more individuals to participate in pickleball. It creates a supportive community where players can learn from one another and contribute to the overall development of the sport.
Q: Should I continue playing with players of all levels even as I improve in skill?
Absolutely! Playing with players of all levels keeps you adaptable and versatile on the court. It allows you to continuously challenge yourself, learn from different playing styles, and contribute to the growth of the sport.
In conclusion, playing pickleball with players of all levels is a valuable experience that offers numerous benefits. It helps you adapt, improve, and expand your skills while contributing to the overall growth and inclusivity of the sport. So, embrace the opportunity to compete against players of all skill levels and watch your pickleball game reach new heights.
