Engage

Engage 3.0-4.0 Camp

Oct 2023 - Foster City, CA.

Venue: Leo Ryan Park - 650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City, CA

This was a 3 day camp, so that differentiates it from the other two since it gives students more time to assimilate the information. The third day was short and consisted of lobbing and lob defense and then king/queen of the hill open play. The courts at Leo Ryan Park were okay, but a little slippery. I slipped 3 times and went for a bad fall during an Ernie. It's not as if they are worn down and need repair. Not sure if it's due to them being dirty? Anyways, be careful. Cool extras: Energy bars, water, and bananas were provided, 1.5 hours was given for our lunch break and there are plenty of places to eat in Foster City. 

I submitted my skill level at 4.0 and was emailed back that I would be the highest rated player. After the first day of camp where the coach told me not to poach or smash and so other players get their touches, yeah, it was clear that almost all the campers were level 2.5-3.5. I even played one pair 2 on 1 full court and still beat them easily. When we did king and queen of the hill, I would experience the usual opponents hitting to my partner to increase their chances of winning. I lost more than I won, but I worked on the shots I was weak on and got a lot out of it. Drilling is great, but you have to do the shot in an actual game. The person that was closest to my level was unfortunately the most annoying in the entire group. Oh well. Some players go for consistency above all else. They win by attrition waiting for an unforced error from their opponents. I find them important to play against, but also rather boring. We learned some good drills and some other points. There was also a good deal of info that I disagreed with, like you should dink to the person in front of you and not cross court. Another one was only lob when you and your opponent are at the kitchen line. I lob when they are at the kitchen and I'm at the baseline. After 2 hard drives, I lob it deep and can move all the way up to the kitchen line. This has been an effective strategy. Is it since the audience was 3.0-3.5? 🤔 Still, I had a productive and fun camp. I learned some drills I didn't know about.

Includes a $100 paddle or $100 off of a paddle of your choice

Engage 4.0+ Camp

May 10-12 2024. Corral De Tierra, CA Between Salinas and Monterey.

Venue: Chamisal Tennis and Fitness Club

This was a totally different experience from the other Engage camp. There were 2 players who were definitely above the rest of the group, 4.5-5.0 I'd guess. The camp was at Chamisal in Corral De Tierra, CA between Salinas and Monterey. There were only 12 students in the class. It can get hot out there with no breeze so be prepared with a cooler and plenty of fluids. Also, check the Laguna Seca schedule since if it is a race day, traffic getting into and out of the venue may be really bad.

We didn't play ANY games, mostly drilling and then playing out a point to practice what we drilled in a game type situation, then rotating the server. This is a really effective strategy. Being concerned about the score actually detracts from learning and practicing what was just taught. It's easy to fall into back into your bad habits instead of applying what you just learned.

Sure, this may seem like an oversimplification of pickleball strategy and obviously there is much more to improving and getting to the next level, but this is really a great saying to keep in mind.

Note they don't allow video recording, but taking notes on my phone and snapping pix was good enough for me to remember the drills and points brought up in the camp

Engage https://engagepickleball.com/pages/campdetails

32 people in the camp

Includes a $100 paddle

Video record? No, only note taking.

Discount code now to order? No since customers change their mind after they receive the paddle.

Get rated $40 and am evaluated throughout the course. (this is probably a waste of money. Any pro seeing you at the camp can give you a pretty accurate rating)

(3) DAY CAMPS (TOTAL OF 16 HOURS OF TRAINING)

NOTE:  These camps include a FREE paddle.

Snacks and water will be available during the day.

THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE PICKLEBALL CAMP WILL BE ON STRATEGY...WITH A KEY FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING:

The Net Game. Dinking Strategies and moving the ball around.

Coming to the Net. 3rd Shots. Transition Zone. When to drop and when to drive.

How to defend against the hard hitters (slowing the ball down)

How to attack when at the net (volleys, roll-shots and put-aways)

How to hit the ball when at the baseline

How to use the serve & return as a weapon.

When and how to lob. How to defend against the lobbers.

Court positioning and how to use your positioning to your advantage.

You will be assigned a court at registration with others of similar skill level. At the end of each Pro Session the Pro will rotate to the next set of courts. You along with the others on your court will remain on your assigned court for each of the Pro Sessions (and Practice Play) during the 3-days..

BELOW IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE FOR MOST OF OUR 3-DAY CAMPS

**Check with Camp Director to confirm camp hours

Days 1 and 2:

8:30 - 12:00     (3) 1 - hour Pro Sessions

12:00 - 1:00     Lunch

1:00 - 2:00       (1) 1 - hour Pro Session

2:00 - 4:00       Play with the Pros/Practice Play/Pro Exhibition

Day 3:

8:30 - 12:00     (3) 1 - hour Pro Sessions

ALL DAYS:

Arrive 30 minutes early for registration/introductions (Day 1) and warm up (Days 2 & 3)