Is an “Organization” Camp or a “Coach” Camp Right for Me?

Which Pickleball Camp is Right For Me?

Thinking about choosing a pickleball camp? Many players look for a camp to help improve their game. But not sure what sort of pickleball camp is right for you? Read on.

When choosing a camp there are many factors to consider.  What is the coach to player ratio? Is the camp for beginning players or more advanced players? How many hours of instruction are included?

Yet, there is another pickleball camp option that you may have not thought of.

Some pickleball camps and clinics are “organization” camps and others are “coach” camps. Keep reading for help in choosing the right camp for you.

Choosing an Organization Pickleball Camp

An “organization” camp is one where the teaching coaches are not the camp’s central feature. When you choose an organization camp, you are signing up with the camp organizer.

The coaches who actually teach the camp sessions will depend on who the organizer sends to that location and date. Sometimes you will know beforehand who your coaches will be. Other times you may not. And even when a coach is designated as the coach for the camp, things may change between sign up and the camp date.  Choosing a pickleball camp based on the organization means you are placing you trust in the organization.

It is possible that the coach at your camp will be able to teach you what you need. But you will know this only after the camp (in hindsight if you will). There is no way to know before you get there about the experience you will have.

While there are exceptions – more on that below – a telltale sign that you are looking at an Organization Camp is the name of the camp.

Level Up, Nike, and Gamma are all names of the companies organizing their respective camps. The focus is on the name of the organizer. They will sometimes list the head pro who they have slotted to be at your camp.

Questions to Ask When Considering an Organization Camp

Do you know the pro who is listed for the camp you are selecting and do you want to be taught by that coach? If you do, then great. That said, confirm with the camp organizer whether the listed pro is “locked in,” that you will be notified if your camp coach changes, and that you can cancel your camp registration if there is a coaching change (dealing with cancelling your travel arrangements will still be up to you).

When you are reading Organization Camp testimonials, keep in mind that a camp experience is dictated by the coaches who are teaching you – not the organization behind the camp. A testimonial about a camp delivered by Coach A tells you nothing about what it is like to attend the camp delivered by Coach B.

Organization Camps may be a good choice when you cannot find a coach camp that fits your schedule. We can only say “may be” because it is an unknown whether you will end up with an awesome coach or a coach who perhaps you wish was otherwise.

Choosing a Coach Pickleball Camp

A ”coach” camp is driven by the coach offering the camp. The coach is considered a pickleball expert and is the central feature to choosing the pickleball camp.

Oftentimes it is easy to suss these out.  The coach often puts their name on the camp.  Wes Gabrielsen, pickleball Hall of Fame member, for example who is very knowledgeable – would be a clear indicator of the quality of the camp and thus the primary reason when choosing his pickleball camp.

Another example are the Better Pickleball camps taught by CJ Johnson. She may have assistant coaches supporting your learning, but you will be assured with a coach camp the teaching is always based on the expertise of the coach.

Whether you choose an organization camp or a coach camp always check carefully who is teaching the camp and what you can expect to learn.