It has been just about a year since I first picked up a Pickleball paddle. It took me some time to become familiar with the bounce or should I say non-bounce of the Pickleball. I have really enjoyed playing and learning the game even though I am just an “average” player with a moment of flourishes every now and then.

I play in environments where there are players from many levels; beginners to 4.5 or perhaps even 5 (which is the best). One thing that has impressed me is the way that most players accept the others regardless of their skill level. Sometimes we play a “round robin” system where teams are paired at random, at other times the sides are selected by the players and often a more experienced player will ask a beginner to pair with them. Of course there are those times when the “better” players elect to play among themselves. At no time are any players made to feel bad because they have made an error or, as we all do from time-to-time, look foolish. Everyone is trying their best!

Here is how my Personal Pickleball Philosophy (PPP) has evolved. When I play with players of my own ability or better, anything goes. I have been in some matches where I was the weakest player and my anything goes philosophy degrades into one of survival.

I am always eager to teach others how to play Pickleball and thus I naturally become part of a beginner’s game. I do have a pretty good serve which varies from the high, soft lob to a much faster, just over the net shot which I can usually use to score an ace or two during a game. Of course when I do try my “harder, trickier” serve, I miss once in a while, but not often.

When playing with beginners or players of significantly lesser ability, I serve the ball so they will be able to return it. A mild serve that will bounce about waist high with no spin. Beginners do sometimes have trouble with this serve, but less so than other types. There would be no fun in trying to spin the ball or hit a hard shot to them. In some cases we also allow beginners to serve on a “first in” basis. This takes some of the pressure off of them, gives them more practice, and makes the game more competitive.

I also try to avoid slamming shots at the beginning players. If I can, I try to use placement rather than power to score points and some of the time, I hit it right to beginners just so they can practice and gain confidence.

Speaking of being more competitive, whenever we select sides, we try to arrange for a competitive match. Once again, what would be the point of pitting two strong players against two weak players? As it is, in many games, one side will often “target” the weaker player which I don’t mind if its me because that is great practice and every once in a while I surprise everyone!

If you watch many of the online videos introducing Pickleball, the statement is generally made that the game is much fun if everyone plays with players of near equal ability. This is very true. We are not talking about tournaments, we are talking about everyday exercise and play.

What is your PPP?