From Drop Shots to Lifelong Friends: Why Pickleball Camps Deliver More Than Drills
Build Skills, Boost Confidence, and Leave With More Than Just a Better Backhand
Is it just me, or do pickleball camps sound a little too good to be true? Travel somewhere new, get coached by top pros, meet fun people, and somehow level up your game in just a few days? It feels like the adult version of summer camp… only with better shoes and a lot more ice packs.
So, are they worth it?
First off, yes—if you pick the right camp for your goals and vibe. Camps like LevelUp Pickleball and Engage Pickleball Camps, are well-known for their structured, high-quality coaching. You’ll get instruction tailored to your level, with a solid balance of technical drilling and strategy, usually taught by current or former touring pros. Most camps group players by ability so you’re learning (and competing) with others in your skill range.
But it’s not just about improving your dink game.
About 20 years ago, I went on a mountaineering trip that included a glacier travel skills clinic. I made one of my best friends there—we climbed together for years, and had many memorable experiences. That same kind of connection can absolutely happen at a pickleball camp. When you’re spending a few days with people who love the same quirky sport, cheering each other on through drills, eating meals together, and laughing over missed shots, real friendships form. You may even leave with a new go-to partner or travel buddy.
If you’re up for combining pickleball with a little luxury, destination retreats bring even more to the table. One to check out: the Women’s Pickleball Retreat in Turks & Caicos, October 14–21, 2025. Hosted by experienced coaches and geared toward intermediate players, it’s a week of on-court instruction, off-court connection, and barefoot walks to dinner.
Of course, not every camp is created equal. Look for ones that cap group size, offer structured court time (not just open play), and give you clear takeaways to work on after you leave.
And don’t forget to bring your favorite paddle—and maybe a few extra balls in case you lose one in the ocean.
In the end, what you get from a pickleball camp isn’t just better footwork or a smoother third-shot drop. It’s time carved out for joy, growth, and new connections. Which, if you ask us, sounds pretty worth it.
