I show up to a local open play with 3.0 to 4.0 players. While there are some competitive players, most of us are there to have fun. But there is a guy who keeps coming with one of the banned paddles, and a few of us have gotten hurt.
Do you say anything to players who show up to rec play with a banned paddle or do you just let them play? (And - how would you approach the subject?)
- Jessie, Spokane
Hi Jessie, I’m so glad you asked this question as it’s something that is weighing on the pickleball world and the joy of the players who have to deal with these players. Here are a few suggestions to help you when you next encounter this guy… (let’s just call him Mr. MOD for simplicity sake ;-)
I think understanding his motivation is crucial for dealing with him appropriately. It’s easy to simply assume he is an over competitive person that needs rec pickleball success to fuel his ego, but that may not be the case. He may be oblivious to the fact that his paddle is banned or believes the rule only applies to tournament play. Either way, addressing the issue is important as ultimately, one person shouldn’t be allowed to risk the safety and enjoyment of others with their actions.
Mr. MOD’s motivation for using the paddle will determine their response to criticism so let’s look at a few possible outcomes following the basic request:
“Could you please stop using that paddle? It’s banned for a reason.”
The Insecure Competitor
"But this is the only paddle I can really play well with. I just started improving and I don’t want to go back to the beginner courts.”
Comeback: We totally get that, no one wants to feel like they’re taking a step back. That said, the rest of us are trying to grow too, and the paddle is giving you a huge edge that just isn’t legal anymore. We’re not trying to punish you, we just want to keep a level playing field.
The Ego-Driven Alpha
"It’s just rec play! If you people can’t handle it, maybe you just need to get better.”
Comeback: “Who you calling YOU PEOPLE??? Australians!!?? Why don’t we take you out back, beat you with cricket balls and see how you like being delaminated!!
Ummm, sorry, that got personal (we have some of these people at our club).
I’m back.
Try this instead: “Yeah, but rec play is also where people learn and build confidence and when people are getting hurt or discouraged then the issue becomes about safety and enjoyment of the whole group."
The Oblivious Player
"Wait, really? I didn’t know that. I thought it was just for tournament play.
Comeback: “Yeah, totally understand, it’s been confusing with all the changes. The thing is, Gerald still has a black eye and Margaret may never walk again, so we kinda need you to switch paddles.”
The Rebel
“I don’t follow USA Pickleball's rules, they’re a joke. They just ban paddles to protect big brands.”
Comeback: “For sure, the politics are frustrating but at the end of the day, this isn’t about a governing body, it’s about us. The paddle is clearly hard to control and few people have been injured. Whether you agree with the rule or not, we’re asking out of respect for the people playing here, not for USA Pickleball.”
These responses all address the issue based on the kind of personality and reasoning Mr. MOD has. However, if this person is also someone who takes lessons and is truly interested in improving, then I suggest you appeal to them by outlining the developmental flaw with using the paddle.
When a player uses a hot paddle, they disrupt the feedback loop — the ball speed they generate can falsely tell them that they have great mechanics and as such there is no need to make any changes with their stroke. The player will also become dependent on the paddle to do much of the work for them, so when it comes tournament time and they must use a legal paddle, their performance will take such a hit that their confidence will also suffer greatly.
When you do confront this person, I think it would help if it comes from a small group of players that know him quite well. This will help him feel like it’s a group request and not an individual attack. Stop just short of putting up an “INTERVENTION” sign and you have a real chance of getting him on board.
Thanks again for the great question Jessie, hope this helps and please let me know how it goes, or if I need to break out the cricket balls ;-)
- Morgan Evans
