Facebook Post is Changing Pickleball Communication: A Facebook post by Nick Brames, a guitarist from Indiana, has recently gone viral, shedding light on the importance of communication between pickleball partners. The post urges pickleball players to avoid the “silent treatment” during games, especially when one partner misses a shot or hits a ball out of bounds. Brames, reflecting on his experience, emphasized that withholding communication during these moments can worsen the situation, making the partner play even worse.
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The Detrimental Impact of Silent Treatment
In his post, Brames explained that remaining silent when a partner fails to perform as expected only serves to frustrate both players. He noted that such behavior doesn’t help the situation but instead contributes to a downward spiral, impacting performance.
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you give your partner the silent treatment when he or she isn’t playing up to the level you would like, hits a string of balls in the net or out, etc, you are not helping the situation.” – (Nick Brames)
“I guarantee you a lot of them will play worse. I am telling you from experience. This has happened to me in a tournament and happens in rec play.” – (Nick Brames)
A Call for Supportive Communication
Brames further shared that this issue isn’t just limited to recreational play but extends to tournament settings as well. Drawing from personal experience, he revealed how he would respond to a partner’s silent treatment.
“I’ve even told my partner, if you give me the silent treatment, I guarantee you I will play worse.” – (Nick Brames)
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Emphasizing the role of effective communication in sports, Brames highlighted that supportive gestures—whether it’s a paddle tap or a few encouraging words—can significantly boost a player’s performance.
“Chill the F out. Whether we win or lose this game, life will go on and it will not change your life. Be a good partner and be supportive. Something as simple as a paddle tap or word of encouragement can change your partner’s play.” – (Nick Brames)
News in Brief: Facebook Post is Changing Pickleball Communication
Nick Brames, a guitarist from Indiana, sparked a viral conversation with a Facebook post about the impact of silent treatment in pickleball games. Brames argued that communication is key to successful play, especially in doubles, and warned that ignoring a partner or staying silent after mistakes could lead to worse performance. He emphasized the importance of staying supportive and offering encouragement, regardless of whether a game is won or lost.
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