FROM THE USAPA
Make the Best of a
Good Situation
BY MORGAN EVANS
T
he backbone of our great game lies not in the cat-like
reflexes of the Lucores and Hamners, forever basking at
the east end of the winners bracket. No, the meat of this game
is the RV-driving, tote bag-wielding journeyman, armed with
nothing but a dodgy paddle and a $9 folding chair. The weekend
warrior turned daily battler, once tied to a day job but now free
to violate kitchens all across the land.
The pickleball population explosion
is a runaway freight train of
addiction, and with the majority
of players entering the game
between the 2.5 and 3.5 level,
it does pose a slight dilemma to
those believing they can only
improve by competing against
better players. This mindset can both
limit the growth of the player, and
dishearten all those snubbed in favor of
better competition.
While it is true to a certain degree that a
player of lesser ability may not be able to teach
you as much as a stronger one, this certainly
doesn’t mean that you can’t keep developing
your skills within a game with one. Here are
some things to consider at zero-zero — get me
outta here!
First, understand that pickleball is about
movement well before it’s about hitting the ball. During
this type of game, you are likely to be excluded. It’s
OK, don’t feel bad. The will to win inspires him/
her to avoid hitting the ball to you like avoiding the
plague. Does this stop you from practicing your split
steps? No, it does not! Does it stop you from staying
low and side‑stepping across the kitchen line like an NFL
running back to protect the middle? No, it does not!
Consistency should be your priority in this game, which
means two things: good footwork and good shot selection. Yes,
you could probably win the game moving at half pace but you
would be doing yourself a disservice and you’d risk insulting
your opponent with your clear lack of motivation. Be nice and
keep moving!
Explore new ways to win — you never know when they will
come in handy. Are you a notorious banger? Great, use these
types of games to practice your dinking. Decide that you \