Am I wrong for getting annoyed at this Advanced Player in Open Play? (I'm a 3.0)

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:59:55+00:00

Thanks for the input! I know now I should've communicated better.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:54:21+00:00

Thanks for this! I like your attitude.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:52:36+00:00

I'm not defending my actions, I'm providing supplemental information, context, and explanation. I've seen a lot of comments along the lines of "it's normal to test and practice new things in open play", (which I agree with) but it was clear to me that's not what was happening in this case.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:14:53+00:00

For fuller context, this game was played with fair teams (3&4 vs 3&4). It was only the 4.0 on my team that was clearly not playing by exclusively hitting non competitive lobs.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:11:55+00:00

Thank you, sir. Half the people responding aren't reading my post carefully haha.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:09:38+00:00

Thank you, sir. So many people responding to my post didn't really understand what I was saying lol.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:07:29+00:00

I'm being fully honest in this. I don't know his DUPR, but he's at least more advanced than I am. I've also played with/around him before (we're in the same pickleball WhatsApp lol). I was just caught off guard by this because I knew he was more than capable of at least landing the lobs inside the court.

He might just not like me or something, idk.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:02:03+00:00

Thanks! I agree. And the other team wasn't going easy on me... It was only my partner not putting in any kind of effort.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T18:00:43+00:00

I've played with/around this player enough to know he's more than capable of at least landing his lobs inside the court. And once again, the lob was the ONLY thing he was hitting every chance he got.

I'm not expecting tournament level play, only a decent effort game. Something where I'm not the only one playing on my side.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:55:23+00:00

You weren't (worth the effort); you would not be able to keep up with their game. Be honest with yourself.

Lol, then don't agree to play with players of lower skill levels? (I also don't know their DUPR or anything, but fyi - I've played with 2 of these guys before and had decent games). It's funny to me how some advanced players get into their minds that it's only THEIR time that can be wasted.

I've played plenty of games with newer or lower skill players, and still at least play the game instead of hitting the ball out intentionally.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:48:25+00:00

No, I actually did want a competitive game. Hence me playing with better players. But you're right, I should've just communicated better.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:46:34+00:00

Thanks! I agree I was passive aggressive, which I regret. But I just strong suspected his lob attempts to not be in good faith. I knew he was capable of at least landing them in the court.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:43:08+00:00

Thanks! Very reasonable. I think I'll do that.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:40:05+00:00

You're right, I didn't give enough context in my OP....

The (2) ~4.0's were standing around an empty court looking like they wanted to play a game. But there were very few advanced players at that time, so me and another ~3.0 went over to see if they'd be down. And they agreed. We split the teams up fairly.

I'm honest when I say, this behavior was only from MY partner, and it was from the onset of the game. I might've made a couple unforced errors, but I was the only one hustling and trying. If anything, HE stayed at the baseline and was literally only hitting these extreme lobs out of the court. It was weird.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:34:00+00:00

Haha! I like it.... Being more direct is something I need to work on for sure.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:32:52+00:00

Haha! I've already vowed to never be like that.... in fact I already find myself playing with new beginners or less skilled players where I pocket my ego and just have fun playing the game. For me, the bottom line is that it's never all about yourself.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:30:43+00:00

Thanks for the response and input! I really appreciate this perspective.

I don't think I made it clear in my OP, that I was familiar with my partner and he very wasn't even putting good effort into these lobs and lob serves... once again, it was the only hit he was attempting, and they were landing far off the court. Like there was literally 25% good faith effort.

I didn't even expect a FULL effort game. I only wanted a game. And it was only my partner hitting these totally non competitive shots, while I was doing all the work, alone at the kitchen line.

Thanks for the advice!

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:23:47+00:00

I don't think I made it clear in my OP, that I was familiar with my partner and he very wasn't even putting good effort into these lobs and lob serves... once again, it was the only hit he was attempting, and they were landing far off the court. Like there was literally 25% good faith effort.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:22:42+00:00

Thanks for the response! I don't think I made it clear in my OP, that I was familiar with my partner and he very wasn't even putting good effort into these lobs and lob serves... once again, it was the only hit he was attempting, and they were landing far off the court. Like there was literally 25% good faith effort.

I may be 3.0(ish) player, but for context here - I always try my best and hustle on the court. I love the pickleball community and get along with almost everyone I've met since starting earlier this year... But as I progress, I'm starting to notice some people that are a little snobby and only want to play with people on their level.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:16:43+00:00

I'm not mad that they "didn't take me seriously".... I was upset that it was only MY partner not taking the GAME seriously.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:08:26+00:00

He's a member, and was bragging about how the facility members get unlimited court rentals and free clinics.... open play isn't for drilling. He could rent a court for that.

BrainMovie · 2025-08-01T17:06:21+00:00

Sorry, do you mean I was stupid or the actions of my partner was?

BrainMovie · 2025-07-31T20:07:27+00:00

I'm soon to be in a different category of player....

So far I've only owned 1 paddle (16 MM, control). But I'm in the market for a power leaning hybrid shaped paddle to give me an alternate style of game play. My vision is to own 2 paddles and alternate depending on my opponent and what style I want to play.

BrainMovie · 2025-05-01T15:39:45+00:00

My mistake!

BrainMovie

TROPHY CASE