Last week I wrote about “pickleball advice”. Today let me expound on this point with my thoughts on pickleball mentors.
Open / Rec Play
Last week was not the first time I wrote about how we treat one another during open play. Certainly, every pickleball community must decide how they will deal with players of varying skill levels.
But we need to remember that pickleball is a tight-knit community and as such we all influence one another. We are all mentors to those around us … how we behave is often mimicked by those on the sidelines.
Pickleball tournaments
Our actions are not only observed during recreational play. I was recently walking throw a crowd at a pickleball tournament. I wanted to watch a particular match. As I passed a neighboring court one of the players was having a bit of an outburst. Frankly, they were disrespectful to the other players, the referee and the spectators. I could overhear many of the spectators’ comments on the player’s actions and I was embarrassed.
respect the sport
As a player, I try always to be a good representative of the sport. If I am frustrated, I try to use that to help me rather than hinder me. I try to motivate myself when another player’s behavior gets out of control. Of course, it doesn’t always work. I was at a tournament some time back and it was heated. I have let things get to me and not played my best. At one particular event, I was thankful we had a trained, experienced referee to keep it from getting too far out of hand.
Pickleball Mentor
Whether it is a big tournament, an organized round-robin or simply open play, I try to display good body language and I try to compliment my opponents and support my partner. Sometimes the only thing I can do is set a good example for those around me. To me, that is perhaps the best way I can be a pickleball mentor.
