There’s a very popular pickleball theory that goes something like this:
“I’ll get better by playing with better players.”
Maybe. Or maybe you'll just get a schooling on how far you have to go!
But just because you want to play up a notch - and believe you’ll play better because you’re on the court with better players - coach Mindy Yoder would like a word.
Yes, you may look better playing with better players because they tend to be consistent, to hit more predictable balls. Their paddles are mostly under their control and they make fewer bizarre decisions about when/where/how to hit the ball. Unlike the intermediate or advanced beginners you usually play with, the better players are less likely to send you scrambling after something that looks like it was hit during a minor electrical malfunction.
But before you take that as permission to slide your paddle into the advanced rack, does that mean you are actually getting better?
Not necessarily.
In this episode, Mindy and Tracie get into the occasionally touchy subject of “playing up,” including:
Why playing with stronger players can make your own game feel better than it really is
The difference between open play, leveled play and organized leagues
How to ask stronger players for a game without acting like you’ll always be welcome
Why “I’m here to learn” doesn’t automatically make it fair to anybody else on the court
The etiquette rule nobody talks about: if you expect better players to play with you, then you have to occasionally play with people below your level, too
Why advanced players are allowed to say, “Not right now”
There’s also an important distinction in when you slide into a more advanced level of play.
If it’s open play, it’s open play. As Mindy says, it may be “potpourri day,” so anything goes. Better players don’t get to declare a public court off-limits because somebody isn’t at their level. However, even though you're eager to be on that court to learn, you need to consider how you’ll be affecting the level of play for the other players. “Playing up” needs to be something you do with humility - and perhaps a verbal acknowledgement that you appreciate being included and hope you won’t be adversely affecting the quality of play for the others.
However, if the courts are designated by rating, or you’ve joined a competitive ladder or league, skill level does matter and the problem will have been handled by "management." You really don’t want your desire to “play up” to become a problem for other players to solve.
The big takeaway:
Playing up is a privilege, not a right. Approach it with some humility, say thank you when a group gives you the opportunity, and remember that pickleball karma works both ways.
Sometimes you’re the person hoping for a shot with the better players.
Sometimes you’ll be the better player who needs to welcome those coming up.
Be a good human in both situations.
Share this with a player who keeps saying, “But I play better with 4.0s.” and tell them to SUBSCRIBE.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
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