The Ball-Feeding Camp, the Entertainment Camp, and the Learning Camp: Finding the Type of Pickleball Camp that will meet your goals
For most pickleball players, attending a camp is a big step in their journey. How do you pick the type of pickleball camp that is right for you?
In a previous article we covered the differences between how camps are taught: organization camps and coach camps. Organization camps are those run by an entity (Level Up, Nike, etc.). Coach camps are run by the coaches who teach them (Rob Davidson, Wes Gabrielsen, Better Pickleball – CJ and yours truly). You can read more about the pros and cons of each here.
In this article we cover the distinction in the camp experience you can expect from the variety of pickleball camps. By better understanding what each camp will, and will not, deliver, you can make a more informed decision about the type of pickleball camp that will best suit your goals.
The Ball-Feeding Camp
Based on player feedback, this is the most common camp offered. This camp is organized primarily around the players doing drills and playing. The drills are designed to work for a range of skills.
What you will get. You will get to hit lots of balls. That said, do not confuse the number of balls you will hit with long-term honing of your pickleball skills.
What you will NOT get. A better understanding of the sport of pickleball. We refer to this bigger picture as the framework of the game. At a ball-feeding camp you will drive lots of miles in a car without learning anything about how the car works.
This camp is right for you if … you cannot find a learning camp that works for you. No offense to ball-feeding camps, but from our perspective they do not deliver an experience that you cannot otherwise get with the more convenient option of a local clinic or even with ball machine drills. The way you can tell if your camp is a ball-feeding camp is by asking questions of the camp organizer: What can you expect to learn at camp?
The Entertainment Camp
Entertainment camps (or clinics) come in two flavors: the travel/destination camp and the celebrity player camp. There is nothing wrong with either of these camps. But it is good to be clear on our motivation for joining the camp and what we can expect in return in terms of improving our pickleball game.
What you will get. An experience. Perhaps it is visiting a location you have wanted to visit – with the added benefit of some pickleball. Or perhaps you have wanted to meet a pro player you like (rub shoulders, if you will). It is a fun, social event where you will play with players who have a variety of pickleball skill levels.
What you will NOT get. A better understanding of the sport of pickleball. We refer to this bigger picture as the framework of the game. Just as with a ball-feeding camp, these camps are not primarily designed around your growing your pickleball knowledge.
This camp is right for you if … you are primarily interested in an enjoyable (hopefully) experience either at a destination or with a personality. Have fun and soak it all in.
The Learning Camp
The purpose of this camp is probably apparent to you: growing your knowledge as a pickleball player. This sort of camp is designed around transferring knowledge from the pickleball expert coach to you as the player. You should expect to leave a learning camp as a more competent and confident player.
What you will get. A deeper understanding of the game you play. With this deeper understanding comes increased confidence and the ability to grow as a player. Think of it like going to pickleball college – that sort of learning.
What you will NOT get. A bunch of balls hit at you by a pro – you will get some, but not the whole camp as it does not leave sufficient time for you to gain new knowledge. While you play pickleball, the focus is on your learning experience. Play for play’s sake is great (it is why we love pickleball after all), but it is not the purpose of a learning camp. Your learning is.
This camp is right for you if … you want to learn from professional instructors and experience real growth as a player. These camps are fun and you meet other players who, like you, are interested in a deeper pickleball experience. But their primary focus is learning. If that sounds like you, then you are at the right place.
Next Steps in Choosing a Pickleball Camp
If you want additional guidance on selecting the camp that is right for you, click here.
A camp is a significant investment of time, money, and energy. You are also entrusting your pickleball journey to the coaches at camp. Take the time to make sure that the type of pickleball camp you are selecting is right for you.
If you are unsure, ask questions of the camp organizers. Ask the camp organizers what type of camp they are offering so that you can determine if it is what you are looking for. If you are looking for a learning camp, request a copy of the camp curriculum or outline so that you will know what it is that you can reasonably expect at the camp.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)