3 Tricks to Make Playing Pickleball with Strangers Not-So Strange
Our recent survey gave us another interesting look into you all-the pickleball community! Apparently, comfort levels of spontaneous play situations differ across gender. What do we mean by that?
Well, the data showed that men generally appear to show up and are comfortable playing with anyone who’s there while we saw some trepidation and discomfort from our female respondents.
We also understand how addicting pickleball is, and we don’t want anything to hold players back from getting out onto the court. So, here we have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you play with whoever, even strangers, and wherever!
First, we have Global Pickleball Network. This is exactly what it sounds like! On this platform, pickleball players can find other players that are close to them geographically. You create a profile where you fill out the city you’re located in as well as your playing level! This network also is a hub for finding pickleball tournaments, leagues, and you can even register pickleball courts to play on!
This is the perfect place to go and meet new pickleball friends! That way, when you all get to the court to dink it out, you aren’t really strangers.
Another platform that is perfect for making playing with strangers not-so-strange is from our friends at Pickleheads! Essentially, this is a court finder that uses your geographic location to help you find a place to play! So, say you’re nervous about playing with someone you’ve never met before, this application allows for the initial stress to go down with finding a place to play.
The platform also recently added a few more fun expansions, our source from Pickleheads told us. Now, you have the ability to schedule and organize games! He said, “As an organizer, you can create a group for your players, post weekly playtimes and automatically send invitations and collect RSVPs. We even support waitlist and guest functionality. And as a player, you can easily access open play sessions and discover pick-up games at courts near you.”
A platform like this brings strangers together, with a common love for pickleball! Pickleheads source also told us, “With one click, you can sign-up for a session and meet local players at your skill level.”
Join a Local Club
We also talked to a friend on this subject. Mitch, President, and Cofounder of the Cincinnati Pickleball Club gave us more insight into the Pickleball Club dynamics.
Pickleball clubs are a great way to get involved in your local pickleball community. Mitch told us, “Speaking from personal experience, players new to our club are very often early-stage players. We offer them a way to better understand the sport…”
Being a part of a pickleball club introduces players to unique, and important, parts of the game. Mitch said, “One of the best things about pickleball is its historical foundation in Open Play. This is fundamentally different than tennis, golf, paddle tennis, or just about any other sport.”
Clubs are also a great way to be introduced to new people, without having to be nervous about your skill level. This is an important aspect for Mitch at his Cincinnati Pickleball Club. “We work hard in our club to encourage our members to welcome everybody regardless of their level of play.
This commitment, along with a regular calendar of social, lightly competitive events and well-organized Open Play delineated by skill level are the keys to making early-stage players feel comfortable and welcomed.”
So, a local pickleball club can be a fantastic way to make playing with strangers less nerve-racking, and even increase the fun in playing! Isn’t that what pickleball is all about, having fun and even meeting new people!
For more tips and tricks, check out our other blog that discusses smartphone apps that have the sole purpose of connecting pickleball players, making your next match easier to plan!
