INSTRUCTION by JUDITH WRIGHT
FIVE TYPES OF PICKLEBALL PLAYERS — AND HOW TO PLAY WITH EACH
Whether it ’ s a first-time pairing in a round-robin or you ’ re teamed with a chosen partner in a tournament , how you communicate with your partner is vitally important . Different players have different attitudes , motivations , and communication styles , and it pays to recognize your partner ’ s style and adapt to it .
I ’ ve identified five different player types ; understanding which type you are , and which type your partner is , will help you figure out how best to communicate so you can build a more compatible style , play well together and enjoy your games more .
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Aggressive Achievers
Aggressive Achievers are the most ambitious and competitive and are likely the most addicted to pickleball . They want to win every game , love to compete in tournaments , enjoy the pressure , and are very focused on improving . Their instinct is to be the best they can be . Aggressive Achievers are willing to practice a lot , take lessons and work on their skills . They give it 100 percent and want to play with others who share the same attitude . Aggressive Achievers like to play with equal or better players since they embrace challenge and know that ’ s how to improve . They don ’ t like to play with those not at their level .
When playing , Aggressive Achievers can become so focused on what is happening , on the progress of their game , that they don ’ t communicate much with their partner . Whether they are supportive or critical varies with personality and circumstance ; what defines them is how competitive they are .
If you are playing with an Aggressive Achiever : Show respect and acknowledge how seriously they take the game . Understand that they can feel self-critical when they lose a point . Support them , maybe with a “ Nothing you could have done about that shot ” type of response .
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2Team Players
If what they say or do feels overly aggressive , remember it ’ s their personality and try not to take it personally .
Team Players are also very competitive , working to get to the next level up , and they want to win , but it ’ s very important for them to embody good sportsmanship as well . Team Players make a point to add positivity , and they believe there is no place for negativity on the pickleball court . They are good communicators — tapping paddles , talking , strategizing and supporting . Team Players see themselves and their partner as a unit that works together . They are quick to show appreciation : “ Thanks for setting that up for me .” By spreading positivity , they build their partner ’ s confidence , and help them play better .
While Team Players want to win , they are gracious in defeat . If they are playing with less-skilled players in a casual game , they will adjust their game and play easierto-return shots .
If you are playing with a Team Player : Lucky you — their positive vibe can help you become a better player . Recognize that they may value interactions that feed their desire for support . If they miss a shot , let them know you empathize and have faith in their game . If you are a focused player and feel the less said , the better , you may find Team Players verbose . If they are talking too much , ignore the chatter and stay in your head . If you are both Team Players , your superior communication will help you develop a productive relationship with a shared game strategy .
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Sporty Socializers
Sporty Socializers are the most even combination of competitive and social player . Their desire for competition is balanced with an equal desire for