Frequently Asked Pickleball Camp Questions
What skill level is this camp targeted toward?
Our camps are most suitable for players from 2.5 up to 4.0 plus.
While newer players are welcome, these are not beginner camps. We do not teach scoring and the other absolute basics of the game. Ideally, players should have played pickleball for at least 6 months (or have a combination of prior racket experience and played a lot prior to camp) and have a basic understanding of the game.
Our focus is on providing the correct mechanics for repeatable, consistent strokes that get the job done – no frills as well as teaching you the core game strategies that are consistent with a sound and efficient approach to pickleball.
The concepts taught are those that are required to be able to play against any player on any court. From this solid foundation, a player can reach almost any level in the game.
Our camp has included 4.0 plus-level players in the past who have been able to fix holes and further strengthen their game. Individualized coaching and feedback are provided based on where each camper is in their game and what will help them make the greatest progress.
I’m relatively new to pickleball. Is camp right for me?
While newer players are welcome, these are not beginner camps. We do not teach scoring and the other absolute basics of the game. Ideally, players should have played pickleball for at least 6 months (or have a combination of prior racket experience and played a lot prior to camp) and have a basic understanding of the game.
That said, it is best to learn the correct habits from the beginning than unlearn bad habits later on. When you learn the relevant pickleball shots and correct strategies, you’ll be able to make real progress and won’t get distracted by all the bad information online and on the courts.
As to ability, our camps are perfect for players from 2.5 to 4.0 plus. Our camp pros personalize the experience for each camper to provide each player with what they need most for their individual game.
Am I good enough to come to a pickleball camp?
Pickleball is a game built on sound stroke mechanics, consistency, and good decision-making. Success comes from executing the right shots and strategies repeatedly and efficiently—not from flashy techniques or complicated tactics.
Our camp curriculum is designed around the parts of the game that matter most. The concepts, skills, and strategies are those that help players build confidence, improve their performance, and enjoy the game at a higher level. Every player can learn and apply the principles we teach, regardless of where they are on their pickleball journey.
Don't pass up this experience because you are not sure whether you’re good enough. If you can play a game and understand the basics of scoring and rules, then you are ready to join us at camp!
If you have more specific ability questions, email us: [email protected]
How do you divide skill levels?
Your individual improvement is the primary focus of a Better Pickleball Camp. To achieve that objective, we do two things:
- We work on the most important and impactful parts of pickleball—the shots and strategies that will actually make a difference to your game.
- We provide individual feedback appropriate to where you are along your journey. We are not all the same, and treating you as merely one in a group—say, Intermediates—is not as effective (or fun) as treating you as you.
This is quite different from other camps in which the goal is to separate players into "skill-level" camps—Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced—and then treat the players as a collective rather than as individuals.
Here's why our approach is more impactful: our IMMERSIVE camps are personalized to your needs as an individual player. We provide instruction based on universal actionable pickleball principles that apply to every player regardless of skill level. We then work with each player individually to ensure you get the training you need along these principles. Players leave camp with greater confidence, a deeper understanding of the game, and a clear path for continued growth and improvement.
The advantage of learning in a camp with players of varied skill levels is that you'll learn to improve your game while practicing with players at a similar skill level and other players who are more advanced and some less advanced. This method ensures that you learn to focus on what's most important in improving your own game... and not just adapting to whatever the "level group" is trying to do. You'll be better prepared to re-engage at your local courts and play the best you ever have.
Still Unsure About our Approach to Blended Skill Levels? Here's How It Works in Practice
Our previous camps have included newer players up to seasoned tournament 4.0 plus players – all in the same camp. Both the newer player and the more advanced player got what they needed to improve their games. Here are just a few examples of how they each benefited from their camp experience:
- Both players worked on improving their footwork – this is a skill that helps you play better regardless of your level of play and something that almost no players have any experience with, and it is an area of the game that is “level-neutral”.
- Both players learned constructive techniques to determine the effectiveness of their play. The results sought by each player might be different (“hit a deep return” for the newer player vs. “effectively pinned the serve team in the transition zone with my fourth shots” for the 4.0 plus player), but their success is determined according to the same framework: how effective were you at accomplishing your return team objectives.
- The newer player learned the importance of getting up to the NVZ line (this is something that the more advanced player may have already known, but execution can oftentimes be improved, even at higher levels. There are countless 4.0+ players who still can improve this part of their games).
Even though the underlying framework and objectives are the same, each player works at our camp based on where they are in the game.
The key is that each player leaves camp with the tools THEY need to continue their personal growth and improvement as a pickleball player.
I’ve taken other camps and haven’t improved how is this different?
A Better Pickleball Camp is a completely different experience from other camps. For one, we are not a “ball feeding” camp where you hit shot after shot with no real understanding how to apply the shots as part of a bigger framework. We also do not jump from shot to shot with no curriculum or rationale. We show you how to use the framework of the game to apply the shots to your strategies.
Our camps are guided by the Three Pillars of Pickleball (all 3) to provide you with a complete picture of the game. We follow a well-designed and effective curriculum to take you through the different elements of pickleball, starting with the Mechanical, then flowing into the Strategic, all the time working on the Athletic Pillar.
You will learn the tools you need to:
- Improve or change your shot technique as needed to have repeatable, consistent strokes.
- Know the correct strategies to apply when you are playing – serve and return side (these two are vastly different).
- Be able to make decisions in real-time when you are playing pickleball – this is “where the rubber meets the road,” so to speak.
At the same time, you'll learn more about how your body and mind affect your play and discover practical steps you can take to become a more confident, consistent, and effective player.
Another major advantage of a Better Pickleball Camp is the opportunity to receive personalized coaching built around The Pickleball System and the Three Pillars of Pickleball. Every camper receives individualized feedback, practical instruction, and a clear framework they can continue applying long after camp ends.
I've attended a previous Pickleball System Camp. Will another camp be different?
Without a doubt, “Yes.”
Here is why. While our pickleball camp curriculum does not change from camp to camp – more on this below – you will be a different player.
Our camp curriculum will always focus on frameworks and how to apply the shots and strategies that contribute to success on the courts. As an example, the return side is the most important strategic component of pickleball. Thus, every camp will always begin its strategic discussion focused on the return side. This is how we play pickleball, and thus, this is how we coach pickleball.
The difference from camp to camp is you as a player. Each time you apply the concepts we teach at our camp, you apply them from a different, more advanced place. This is proven out – again and again – by players who come to our camps more than once. Each time their camp experience and what they take away from it is different, and each time they grow as players.
One last option for you is to attend a Graduate or Specialty camp. Please reach out to [email protected] to get the details.
I'm Coming To Camp Alone. Will I Feel Comfortable?
Absolutely! Many campers attend on their own, and it's completely normal to feel a little nervous before arriving. That's also one of the reasons that we have a pre-camp Zoom call and an online community so you can meet your fellow players before coming to camp.
One of the things participants consistently tell us is how welcoming and supportive the camp environment feels. Everyone is there for the same reason—to learn, improve, and enjoy pickleball—and that shared experience tends to create connections very quickly.
Whether you're attending with a spouse, a group of friends, or traveling solo, you'll have opportunities to interact with other players throughout the camp experience, both on and off the court.
In fact, many campers arrive knowing no one and leave with new friendships, practice partners, and connections that continue long after camp ends.
If you're coming alone, you won't be the only one, and chances are you'll leave feeling like part of the Better Pickleball community.
What is the Unconditional Better Pickleball Money-Back Guarantee?
Your game improvement and satisfaction are of paramount importance to Better Pickleball.
If you take a Better Pickleball Camp and don't believe that your learning experience was worth the price paid for the camp, tell us. Like all other Better Pickleball products, we'll refund your camp tuition.
Travel costs and associated camp expenses are not included in the Unconditional Better Pickleball Money-Back Guarantee.
Refunds and Cancellations
You are considered registered for the camp once we have received all information and payment has been made.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel at least 61 days prior to the first day of camp, you will receive a refund, less an $85 administration fee.
If you cancel less than 61 days prior to the camp: (a) AND we are able to refill your spot, you will receive a refund, less a $125 administration fee, or (b) If we are unable to fill your spot, we will issue a credit applicable to a future camp, less the $125 administration fee. Camp credits expire within 12 months of the start date of the scheduled camp.
We chose locations during the optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather and conditions. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as facility issues, or weather-imposed restrictions.
Refunds are for camp fees only, not travel-related expenses. If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp-related expenses.