Need Help? help@obsessedpickleballers.com
Or call us at (332) 456 1091
Need Help? help@obsessedpickleballers.com
Or call us at (332) 456 1091
CAMP DETAILS
Obsessed Pickleballers Women's Intermediate Camp In Branford, CT
Focused Classes
8:1 Ratio
Venue
Serve & Smash Pickleball - 61 E Industrial Rd, Branford, CT 06405
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7th, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Age
40 and over
Skill Levels
3.0 - 3.5 (Intermediate) - Having a DUPR is not necessary
Pro Instructors
Coach Melinda Alcosser
🎁 Bonus #1:
The Perfect Guide To Acing Pickleball eBook ($47 value)
🎁 Bonus #2:
Obsessed Pickleballers Lifetime Community Membership ($360/year value)
🎁 Bonus #3:
That’s a surprise and you’ll get that after the camp
MEET YOUR COACH
Hi, I am Coach Melinda – The Educator, Community Builder, and Women's Game Specialist Who Has Been Playing Since 2012
I’m an IPTPA Level 2 Certified Coach, a 30-year educator, and one of the most community-focused women’s pickleball coaches you’ll ever meet. I’ve dedicated my coaching career to one mission: helping women at the intermediate level truly understand the game — the strategy, the partnerships, the purpose behind every shot — so that pickleball becomes a joyful and exciting experience they carry for life.
I’ve been playing pickleball since 2012 and coaching for four years. I run pickleball experiences across the country and internationally — from Connecticut to Cancún — building women’s communities around this sport everywhere I go. My background isn’t just in coaching technique. It’s in 30+ years of education, experiential learning, and community building — and every one of those years shows up in how I teach.
What I bring to your game:
IPTPA Level 2 Certified Coach — internationally recognized coaching standard
6 years of competitive pickleball experience — 3.5-4.0 level player
Founder of the Carpe Dink'em Pickleball Sisterhood
Pickleball With Heart advocate — using pickleball as a force for good and community connection worldwide
Students consistently describe her as patient, thorough, and genuinely invested in their improvement
30+ years as an educator — deep expertise in how adults learn, retain, and apply new skills
4 years of dedicated pickleball coaching experience
Founding Board Member, CT Center for Nonviolence
Known for personalized instruction, exceptional patience, and a thorough, strategy-first coaching approach
My story: I started playing pickleball in 2012 and fell in love with the sport’s unique combination of strategy, community, and pure fun. My background in education and experiential learning meant I was always drawn to the teaching side — and after years of playing and coaching alongside professionals through my travel ventures, I earned my IPTPA Level 2 certification and formalized what I’d always been doing naturally: helping women understand the game at a deeper level.
I founded Carpe Dink’em Pickleball Vacation Adventures and the Carpe Dink’em Pickleball Sisterhood because I believe pickleball is one of the most powerful forces for connection in the world today. I’ve run clinics and immersive experiences internationally — partnering with elite pros, building women’s communities, and watching players discover what this sport can mean for their lives. That mission is what brings me to every camp I run.
My approach: Strategy is the name of the game. I work to level up players’ understanding of pickleball so it becomes joyful and exciting — not just drilling the same shot, but understanding why it works. I develop clarity around the serving team’s role, the returning team’s role, and what it means to get to the kitchen well. I focus heavily on partner play — how to be the best doubles partner — because so much of intermediate improvement happens in the relationship between players, not just individual mechanics.
Here's what makes my approach unstoppable for women:
I bring IPTPA Level 2 certification, 30 years of master educator experience, 6 years of competitive pickleball play, international coaching experience, and a community-first coaching philosophy — all focused on helping intermediate women truly understand the game at the strategic level that creates permanent, joyful improvement.
But here’s what I’m MOST focused on: Purposeful, strategy-driven drilling.
Not drilling for the sake of repetition — but drilling with purpose and understanding — so every rep builds muscle memory and genuine game intelligence simultaneously. The kind where you hit balls repeatedly with a certified educator and community builder watching and correcting every rep — and explaining the why behind every correction.
I don’t waste time talking. We drill. You improve. You feel it immediately.
On June 7th, I’m bringing this uniquely holistic coaching expertise to intermediate women ready to break through in Branford.
Schedule
Your 4-Hour Transformation Journey
I. Introduction & Warm-Up (20 minutes)
- Introduction (20 minutes)
- Meet the Coach and Players
- Review Objectives and Expectations for the session
- Outline clinic structure, safety reminders, and engagement rules
II. Warm-Up & Stretching (15 minutes)
- Static Stretching: Loosen key muscle groups (shoulders, calves, hamstrings, wrists)
- Dynamic Movements: Light footwork, lateral slides, shadow swings
- Hydration Break: Brief pause to hydrate before drills begin
III. The Two Most Important Shots (30 minutes)
Focus: Serve and Return
- Principles: In, deep, and toward the non-dominant side
- Serve Drill: Placement and consistency practice
- Serve & Return Drill: Controlled rallies emphasizing depth and accuracy
IV. Third Shot Drop & Drive (30 minutes)
Focus: Transition control and shot variation
- Down-the-line and diagonal execution
- Partner Challenge: Third shot drive contest
- Drive-only rallies (forehand/backhand)
- Drills:
-Slinky Drill
-7/11 Drill
-Slinky & 7/11 Contest
- Skinny Singles: Precision-based gameplay segment
V. Dinking Mastery (20 minutes)
Focus: Control, patience, and net play
- Straight-on and diagonal dinks
- Games:
-Dingle Drill
-Dink Contest / Longest Rally Challenge
- Advanced Techniques:
-Erne from the dink
-Shuffle dinks, volley/half-volley transitions
VI. Lobs – Offense & Defense (20 minutes)
Focus: Recognizing and responding to lobs
- Lob from the NVZ (non-volley zone)
- Offensive vs. Defensive lob scenarios
- Plus One Drill: Practicing “Now What?” follow-up after the lob
VII. Reset & Transition (30 minutes)
Focus: Movement and recovery under pressure
- All 4 in transition vs. 2 in transition / 2 at NVZ
- 2-on-1 and 2-on-2 reset drills
- Transition to NV Drill: Building confidence approaching the net
VIII. Roll & Flick (30 minutes)
Focus: Adding variety and deception
- Technique fundamentals
- Timing — when to roll vs. when to flick
- 1-on-1 Drill: Controlled exchanges focusing on grip and paddle angle
IX. Games & Tactical Play (45 minutes)
Focus: Real-game application
- Play games up to 7 points, rotating partners
- Coach Feedback:
-Shot selection analysis
-Point debrief and situational discussion
X. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (10 minutes)
- SWOT Message: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
- Drill Assignments: At-home or follow-up exercises
WHY WE'RE OBSESSED WITH DRILLING (AND WHY YOU WILL BE TOO)
Most intermediate camps spend too much time talking and not enough time executing.
I’m different.
Here’s my philosophy: Drilling = Transformation
You don’t get better by listening to lectures about the third shot drop. You get better by hitting third shot drops repeatedly — with a clear understanding of why you’re hitting them that way — while a certified educator and IPTPA Level 2 coach watches and corrects every rep.
And here’s the truth about why I’m obsessed with drilling:
Because let’s be honest — we all love that moment when we implement something new and it actually WORKS, don’t we?
That moment when you adjust your paddle angle and suddenly your third shot lands exactly where you want it.
That rush when you hit serves in a row to the same spot.
That feeling when your opponent fires a fast ball at you and you put it away cleanly.
You don’t have to wait weeks to see if the coaching worked. You see it immediately. Right there on the court.
That’s why drilling is the heartbeat of my intermediate women’s camps. Not because I think it’s good for you (though it is), but because it’s incredibly satisfying to watch a woman go from “I keep making that mistake” to “I just fixed it!” in a single afternoon.
Player Stories
See why 98% of our campers recommend this camp.
Hi, I’m Debbie from Oklahoma. I really enjoyed today’s drill. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it exceeded my expectations. I got plenty of reps, learned many new aspects of the game, and added to my toolbox. It was a great experience.
– Debbie
Hi, I’m Linda. I’m from Iowa. I joined the camp today. It was great to touch on all different aspects. We’re able to drill enough that we got good at all the different aspects. So I’m ready to hit the courts.
– Linda
Hi. I just finished an Obsessed
Pickleballers clinic, and I would
recommend it to anyone who wants to get better. Mark has a great way of explaining things, and he teaches in a way that anyone can get better in the four hour session.
– Camp Attendee
REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU WALKED OFF THE COURT FRUSTRATED?
You know that moment when you replay the match in your head…
…thinking about all the shots you should have made?
…watching players you know you should beat walk away with the win?
…feeling that gap between the player you are and the player you know you could be?
That feeling ends on June 7th.
Because by the time you walk off the court at 6:00 PM, something fundamental will have changed. Your body will respond differently. Your mind will read the game differently. And the next time you play, your regular partners will immediately notice something has shifted.
IMAGINE THIS: It's Tuesday, June 9th (Two Days After Camp)
You walk onto your regular Branford court for your weekly game.
As soon as you start warming up, your playing partners stop and stare.
“What happened to you?”
Your serves are landing deep and consistent — no more shanks, no more pop-ups. When they return, you’re already reading where the ball is going. Your third shot drop is pulling them out of position. At the kitchen line, you’re controlling rallies with patience and precision they’ve never seen from you before.
By the third game, they’re asking what you did. By the fifth game, they’re asking where you learned it. By the time you leave, they’re asking if you can teach them.
That’s the difference between who you are right now and who you’ll be after the camp.
And it all starts the moment you register — because the transformation begins before you even arrive.
WHAT YOU'LL ACTUALLY WALK AWAY WITH (The Real Outcomes)
You'll Dominate Points Without Exhausting Yourself
I’ll teach you how to control rallies through intelligent positioning and shot selection — not power. You’ll start winning more points while using less energy.
Soon after camp, your opponents will be working twice as hard for half the results. While they’re scrambling, you’ll be composed and ready for the next point. This is especially important for us 40+ women players: you’ll learn to play smarter, not harder, which means you can play multiple times a week without wearing yourself out or risking injury.
You'll Meet Your New Branford Women's Playing Crew (And Stay Connected For Life)
I’ll connect you with other passionate women at your exact skill level. You’ll exchange numbers, join the Obsessed Pickleballers Community together, and stay permanently connected with every woman you meet.
No one gets left behind. Whether you’re naturally social or more reserved, you’ll be welcomed and connected through our community platform.
After camp, the group chat starts buzzing with match invitations and practice sessions. By next month, you’ll have a regular crew of women who understand your goals, your schedule, and your commitment to improvement.
You'll Know Exactly What To Do In Every Situation
I’ll eliminate the hesitation that’s been costing you points. Should you drive or drop? Your body knows. When do you move to the kitchen? You’re already moving. How do you handle the lob? You’re executing before you finish thinking about it.
When you step into matches the following week, your opponents will watch you differently. They’ll see a woman who moves with confidence and certainty — someone who is always one step ahead.
You'll Stop Making The Same Mistakes That Have Been Holding You Back
I’ll help you identify the technical flaws that are currently limiting your game. When I show you exactly how to fix them — with the precision of a 30-year educator and IPTPA Level 2 coach who understands both the strategic and technical dimensions of improvement — the shots that used to frustrate you suddenly become your strengths.
Most women spend years fighting the same weaknesses. You’ll correct yours in a single afternoon.
You'll Reignite The Passion You Had When You First Discovered This Game
I’ll show you how good you can actually be. You’ll leave energized, excited, and already planning your next time on the court.
Remember when you first fell in love with pickleball? When you couldn’t wait to play? If that feeling has been fading lately…
On June 7th, it comes roaring back.
Because when you experience what it feels like to play at your true potential, when you finally break through that plateau, that’s when the obsession returns.
The Bonus Package That Keeps You Improving For Life
Most camps charge such hefty prices and send you home with nothing but memories. We’re giving you a complete transformation system for life:
🎁 Bonus #1: The Perfect Guide To Acing Pickleball eBook ($47 value)
Written by Obsessed Pickleballers head coach Mark Ianni, it captures everything we teach on the court — and then goes even deeper — so you’re never guessing what to do next.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Every pickleball concept explained in detail for 40+ players
- Smart play strategies that win without exhausting you
- Injury prevention techniques for sustainable play
- Drill progressions you can work through with your new camp friends
- Your roadmap from 3.0 to 3.5 to 4.0 and beyond
Over 500 five-star reviews from players just like you who use it as their ongoing playbook.
🎁 Bonus #2: Obsessed Pickleballers Community Membership ($360/year value)
Imagine having access to hundreds of passionate women players AND coaches from across the entire US.
Here’s what happens in the community:
- Weekly Live Coaching Sessions from coaches across the US — your camp friends join these sessions too, so you’re learning together even after June 7th
- 24/7 Access to Ask Questions – Post videos, ask for help, get feedback from coaches and experienced players
- Complete Video Library with intermediate-focused content you can work through with your new partners
- Nationwide Network – When you travel, you already have friendly women to play with
- The Group Chat on Steroids – Your camp crew is chatting, but so is the entire national women’s community. You’re part of something massive.
Real benefit: Your camp crew just became a nationwide women’s family. Continuous coaching, continuous connection, continuous improvement — forever.
Bonus #3: That’s a SURPRISE! And a little hint: It’s another perfect guide for 40 and over players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this camp for?
I don't have a DUPR rating, but I play at the intermediate level. Would I be eligible?
Absolutely! You don’t need a DUPR rating. The DUPR range (3.0-3.5) is simply to help you understand who this camp is designed for. If you consider yourself an intermediate player who’s comfortable with basic strokes and ready to take your game to the next level, you’re in the right place.
I'm right at 3.0. Will I be able to keep up?
What should I bring?
Will I get one-on-one attention?
Definitely. With a maximum of 8 women, you’ll receive plenty of personalized feedback and individual attention throughout the camp. Personalized instruction is central to everything I do — I pay close attention to each woman’s specific patterns and learning style, and I adapt in real time to make sure every player gets the corrections that matter most for her game.
When do I get the bonuses?
Immediately upon registration:
- Perfect Guide eBook (instant download)
- Community access (login credentials sent to your email)
You can start learning even before you arrive.
The SURPRISE bonus will be sent to you after the camp.
What if I can't make it and need to cancel?
We understand that life happens, and we always aim to be as fair and flexible as possible.
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, the following refund and credit options apply based on how much notice we receive:
30+ Days’ Notice
You may choose between:
• A 90% refund, or
• 100% credit toward a future Obsessed Pickleballers camp
15–30 Days’ Notice
You may choose between:
• A 90% refund, or
• 100% credit toward a future Obsessed Pickleballers camp
8–14 Days’ Notice
You may choose between:
• A 50% refund, or
• 100% credit toward a future Obsessed Pickleballers camp
0–7 Days’ Notice
While we’re unable to offer refunds within this window, we’re happy to provide 100% credit toward a future Obsessed Pickleballers camp so you don’t miss out.
To request a refund or credit, please email us in writing. Once received, requests are typically processed within 10–15 business days.
Thank you for your understanding—we truly appreciate being part of your pickleball journey and look forward to welcoming you on the court soon.
I've done camps before and didn't improve much. Why will this be different?
Because I don’t just teach shots — I teach strategy, doubles partnership, and the purpose behind every decision on the court. As a 30-year educator and IPTPA Level 2 certified coach who has been building women’s pickleball communities internationally since 2012, I know exactly what holds intermediate women back — and I make corrections that stick. Every drill has a purpose. Every session builds genuine game intelligence. And you walk away with lifetime community access and ongoing coaching support.
Ready For Your Breakthrough?
This is your moment.
Sunday, June 7th, 2026. 2:00 PM. Serve & Smash Pickleball, Branford, CT
Women will walk in at the 3.0-3.5 level.
Women will learn, drill, and experience real game-changing breakthroughs.
Women will walk out with a clear path to 4.0 and the tools to get there.
The question is: Will you be one of them?
All rights reserved 2026. This product is brought to you and copyrighted by Obsessed Pickleballers