Pickleball Therapy Ep. 259 - Not-So-Nice Pickleball Interactions - the Critic
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Aug 29, 2025 Navigating the ups and downs of pickleball, this discussion dives deep into the challenge of handling critics on the court. Players share personal stories about facing negativity and unsolicited advice, which can overshadow their love for the game. The importance of community support and maintaining confidence is highlighted as essential for keeping the joy alive. Plus, tips are offered to help players protect their mental game while dealing with adversities from both peers and younger competitors.
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Elder Player's Frustrating Experience
- A 77-year-old player shared younger, better friends who now 'bark' at him and make him consider quitting pickleball.
- He wonders how to keep his spirits and whether relationships have become secondary to gameplay.
Stay Involved By Helping Others
- Help new players or volunteer as a referee to stay engaged with pickleball beyond playing with a difficult group.
- Shifting roles preserves enjoyment and connects you with like-minded people.
Open-Play Critic Who Can't Keep Score
- A stranger in open play tried to instruct a player and criticized them while not even knowing how to keep score.
- The commenter compares open-play personalities to middle-school cliques and struggles to tell critics to back off.