Home / News / Club 509 Pickleball Survey Summary (Fall, 2021)
The fall survey was conducted to assess how well Club 509 is achieving its Mission. The Mission as stated in the by-laws is “to grow the sport through the promotion and teaching of the game to individuals of all ages and skill levels while encouraging sportsmanship, fellowship, fun and exercise.” In addition, the Club Purpose is to “provide an opportunity for all members to learn and improve their play; to implement instructional lessons; to schedule open and skill level play; league (ladder) play and tournaments; to encourage the highest standards of safe play; and to promote social pickleball activities within the community.” How well did we do? A total of 87 Club 509 members responded to the fall, 2021, survey, out of roughly 200 (a 41% return rate, not a bad return rate but higher would have been better). Club membership is definitely on the mature side (average age was 58.2), with about 17% in the 50-60 year age range, 33% in the 60-70 range, and another 20% were 70+. About 40% live in Richland, 40% in Kennewick, and 10% in Pasco, with the remainder in West Richland and smaller towns in the area. Of those responding to the survey, 52% were males, 48% female. In terms of how long members have been playing pickleball, most are fairly new to the game. Nearly 42% have played 2 years or less, 31% from 2 to 4 years, 12% from 4 to 6 years, and 15% 6 or more years. Regarding level of play, most are beginner or low-intermediate players. Nearly 15% play at the 2.5 level or lower, 41% are 3.0s, 24% are 3.5s, about 14% are 4.0s, and about 6% are 4.5 or 5.0 level players. Overall, about 55% are 3.0 or lower in skill level.The main findings from the survey are summarized below:
Most players expressed a desire to improve their game and move up 1 or more levels. Most 2.0-3.0 players wanted to improve by a full level. For the 3.5 players, about 50% desire to move up 1 level, while another 30% want to move up to the 4.5 level. For the 4.0 level players, about 82% wanted to move up to the 4.5 level. Only 2 respondents play at the 4.5 level and both wanted to move to the 5.0 level.
Another survey question asked for ratings of skill level for a variety of pickleball shots. Perhaps not surprisingly, higher-level rated their skill levels as being higher. The ratings suggest that players below the 4.0 level often struggle with backhands, dinks, and drives. In addition, as players move to higher levels, their skills levels increase on all types of shots, not just one or two. For example, the 3.5 players indicated higher skill levels for all shots compared to the 3.0s. Similarly, the 4.0s had higher skill levels than the 3.5s, especially for returns, forehands, and dinks.
In terms of the perceived effectiveness of Club 509, there were mixed results. Overall, the Club was rated as highly effective, no doubt due at least in part to successes in obtaining new courts for next year. The Club received a moderately positive rating for keeping members informed of upcoming events and activities. However, it received overall low ratings for creating opportunities for members to play and very low ratings for providing pickleball instruction and helping members find people to play with.
Members were asked to provide the main reasons they play pickleball. Most answered that it is a lot of fun, good exercise, and a great opportunity to meet people and socialize. Others mentioned that they enjoyed improving their skills, the competition, and that it is fun because age is not a big factor in being able to play.
When asked to describe their pickleball strengths, common answers included quick hands, mobility, strong serve, strong forehands, and ability to focus/consistency.
When asked to describe their pickleball weaknesses, common answers included a weak backhand, inconsistent 3rd shot drops, not understanding good court strategy, poor dinking skills, lack of mobility/poor physical conditioning, and “lots of stupid mistakes”.
When Club members were asked what kinds of instruction or assistance would most help them improve their games, many suggested clinics and lessons to help them improve in specific areas, such as learning to hit with spin or to hit 3rd shot drops. Many requested opportunities to play with others of higher skill levels and to receive feedback and suggestions on their play. A number of people wanted a chance to drill on specific shots and strategies.
Club members were also asked to explain the strategies they use when playing. There were a variety of answers, including: trying to be consistent, getting to the net, resetting balls unless they can counterattack, using 3rd shot drops regularly, adding topspin to dinks, watching the ball closely (including seeing the ball hit the paddle and “seeing the holes in the ball”), figuring out opponents’ weaknesses and focusing on them, keeping the ball deep, hitting at the opponents’ feet, using good ball placement, not trying to hit too difficult a shot, getting the opponents moving and then hitting to open spaces, and communicating with their partners during the point.
In short, a large number of strategies were mentioned, reflecting the complexity of playing smart pickleball. A number of people admitted that they did not really have strategy and acknowledged that the lack of strategy was hurting their ability to improve their game.
Club members were also asked for their recommendations for things that the Club 509 Board could do to better meet their needs as a pickleball player. There were a number of comments thanking the Club for the efforts to build new courts and to organize play. However, there were many suggestions for improvement. In general, members were not satisfied with the types and amount of instruction organized by the Club and with the opportunities available to meet other players and, in particular, to play against better players to improve their skills. Clearly, the Club needs to become much more effective in the areas of instruction and organizing play.
