camaraderie and fun . While they like to win , they have a relatively casual attitude toward the game . Sporty Socializers want to get better at pickleball , but have lots going on in their lives and see themselves as less addicted to pickleball than other players . They don ’ t have an “ I have to win ” attitude .
Sporty Socializers understand everybody is trying their best and want to keep it lighthearted and low pressure . Their relaxed , happy attitude toward pickleball means that even if they lose , they still have a great time . They enjoy off-court time and getting to know new people .
If you are playing with a Sporty Socializer : Keep it light . There is no place for negativity or extra pressure with this partner . Bring your humor and kindness . Avoid offering them tips unless they ask — they are learning at their own pace . Avoid repeating obvious advice . If you keep saying , “ Let ’ s hold them here ,” it could seem patronizing . Better to offer specific acknowledgement of their good shots and leave it at that .
4Merry Makers
Merry Makers ’ priorities are having fun and getting some exercise . The competitive aspect is the least important to these players . They will likely play with other Merry Makers and may have a group that they play with habitually . You will hear them on the courts — chatting , joking and laughing . They don ’ t mix in with players who are more competitive and addicted to the game ; they are comfortable with their group . Their skills may not be improving very much . Merry Makers are unlikely to be reading this article .
If you are playing with a Merry Maker : Tap into your lighthearted side , go with it and have fun . Maybe you can practice some new shots or refine skills you are working on .
5Blamers
What defines Blamers is how critical they are . Seeing a game slipping away , some players may devolve into a Blamer . Blamers tend to be a bit obnoxious and may be avoided during open play . Their blame can be inner-directed ( blaming themselves ) or outer-directed ( blaming their partners ). Their negativity , even when directed at themselves , infiltrates the mood and is unpleasant to all within earshot . By stressing themselves out , they can tense up and play worse .
Those who blame themselves may mutter after a lost point , slap their paddle loudly or swear at themselves .
You may see them throwing down their paddle in disgust or having a meltdown on the court . Not all Blamers are demonstrative though . Their blame may be slight ; they might just hang their head a little and draw into their shell .
Outer-directed Blamers are quick to point out a partner ’ s mistakes and more likely to contest calls . If a ball splits their defense , the Blamer may tell a partner , “ That was your shot ” or make a “ stink face .” Ironically , outer-directed Blamers are often oblivious to their own mistakes and overrate their level of competence on the court .
If you are a Blamer : Try to change . Assume your partner shares your goals and is playing with the best intentions and to the best of his or her abilities . Even if your partner makes an unforced error , the solution is not to blame ; let partners know you support them , and that together you ’ ve got it . If you think you might be a Blamer , think about how it feels to play with someone like you and work on evolving . Try to take pride in shaking your frustrations off and not ruining a fun activity for others . This is a game — let ’ s avoid pickleball drama .
If you are playing with a Blamer : Brace yourself . Remember it ’ s their burden , not yours , and simply play the best you can . If you are losing , you could try to reassure and motivate the Blamer with some upbeat chatter like , “ Don ’ t worry , we got this , we can come back , let ’ s fight ,” but they may not be receptive to your efforts . If you want to , you could try to confront them gently and diplomatically : “ Hey , we ’ re here to have fun and get some exercise , let ’ s all get along .” Be positive , force yourself to smile , be a model of good sportsmanship , and maybe they will learn .
Do you see yourself in one of these five types ? No matter which you are , work on moving toward being as supportive as possible . We all want to play with positive people . Do whatever you can to be the person everyone wants to play with . Let ’ s personify our love of the game and spread it around . •
Judith Wright identifies as a Team Player . She started playing pickleball in 2018 and plays socially with 3.5 and 4.0 players . With three pickleball friends , Judith founded PickleDillies . com . Follow on YouTube , Instagram and TikTok .
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | MAGAZINE 73