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 Intermediate Camp In Chicago, IL
Focused Classes
8:1 Ratio
Venue
Slate Pickleball Club - 569 Waukegan Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
Date & Time
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Age
40 and over
Skill Levels
3.0 - 3.5 (Intermediate) - Having a DUPR is not necessary
Pro Instructors
Coach Macey Brooks
🎁 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 Coach Macey – Your NFL Pro Turned Pickleball Champion
I’m a PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor, former NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, and I’ve dedicated my coaching career to one mission: helping intermediate players unlock their athletic potential, break through their plateau, and discover what they’re truly capable of on the pickleball court, especially players in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond.
I bring something most coaches simply can’t offer: 20 years of elite athletic experience at the highest level of professional sport, combined with a genuine passion for pickleball that started when I heard former NFL quarterback Drew Brees was buying a professional pickleball team. That was all I needed to know. I fell in love with the sport immediately and haven’t looked back since.
What I bring to your game:
PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor — the official certification partner of USA Pickleball
20 years of athletic coaching and instruction experience
400+ students introduced to and taught pickleball
Senior Development Advocate — organizes tournaments and programs at Oswego Senior & Community Center
Known throughout the western Chicago suburbs for growing pickleball communities from the ground up
Former NFL Wide Receiver — Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys
4.0 Mixed Doubles Champion — inaugural Pickleball Kingdom North Aurora Tournament (April 2026, with partner Shanny K)
Primary instructor for the Oswegoland Park District
Creator of the "PB 101" program — features a money-back guarantee for beginners
My story: I spent years competing at the highest level of professional football as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. When my playing career ended, I channeled those same competitive instincts into coaching, building 20 years of athletic instruction experience across multiple sports. Then pickleball found me.
A former NFL associate told me Drew Brees was buying a team. I naturally assumed he meant football. It was pickleball. And that was the beginning of everything. I fell in love with the sport immediately — the strategy, the competition, the community, and most importantly, the way it brings people together at every age and level. Today I have introduced over 400 students to this incredible game.
In April 2026, I won the 4.0 Mixed Doubles title at the inaugural Pickleball Kingdom North Aurora Tournament, competing and winning while coaching. That’s the kind of coach I am.
My approach: I believe the athlete-to-coach relationship can be transcending — at any age or level of competition. My coaching philosophy centers on Mindset, Holistic Development, and Failure Exploration, applying the principles of professional athletic performance to recreational and competitive pickleball players. I aim to inspire confidence and help every individual grow toward their potential. I bring the discipline and mental framework of an NFL professional to every session — combined with a genuine love for this sport and the community it creates.
Here's what makes my approach unstoppable:
I bring NFL-level competitive discipline, PPR certification, 20 years of coaching experience, and a championship mindset — combined with a genuine passion for helping intermediate players discover exactly what they’re capable of.
But here’s what I’m MOST focused on: Purposeful, improvement-driven drilling.
Not boring, repetitive drilling, but strategically designed drilling that mirrors what you’ll face in real match situations. The kind where you hit balls repeatedly with a former NFL pro and tournament champion watching and correcting every rep. The kind that creates those immediate “a-ha!” moments that show up in your very next game.
I don’t waste time talking. We drill. You improve. You feel it immediately.
On May 16th, I’m bringing this elite athletic discipline and community-first coaching to intermediate players ready to break through in Chicago.
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 while a PPR Certified coach who just won a tournament championship 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 camps. Not because I think it’s good for you (though it is), but because it’s incredibly satisfying to watch yourself go from “I keep making that mistake” to “I just fixed it!” in a single session.
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 May 16th.
Because by the time you walk off the court at 8:00 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 Monday, May 18th (Two Days After Camp)
You walk onto your regular pickleball 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 work 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+ 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 Playing Crew (And Stay Connected For Life)
I’ll connect you with other passionate players at your exact skill level. You’ll exchange numbers, join the Obsessed Pickleballers Community together, and stay permanently connected with everyone you meet.
No one gets left behind. Whether you’re naturally social or more reserved, you’ll be welcomed and seamlessly connected through our community platform.
After camp, the group chat starts buzzing with game invites and practice sessions. By next month, you’ll have a regular crew of players 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 player who moves with confidence and certainty — someone who’s always one step ahead.
You'll Stop Making The Same Mistakes That Have Been Holding You Back
I’ll help you identify the 2-3 technical flaws that are currently limiting your game. When I show you exactly how to fix them — with the precision of a PPR Certified coach who brings 20 years of elite athletic instruction and an NFL competitive mindset to every session — the shots that used to frustrate you suddenly become your strengths.
Most players spend years fighting the same weaknesses. You’ll correct yours in a single session.
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 May 16th, 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 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 May 16th
- 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 faces to play with
- The Group Chat on Steroids – Your camp crew is chatting, but so is the entire national community. You’re part of something massive.
Real benefit: Your camp crew just became a nationwide 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?
I'm right at 3.0. Will I be able to keep up?
What should I bring?
Will I get one-on-one attention?
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?
Ready For Your Breakthrough?
This is your moment.
Saturday, May 16th, 2026. 4:00 PM, Slate Pickleball Club, Chicago, IL
Players will walk in at the 3.0-3.5 level.
Players will learn, drill, and experience real game-changing breakthroughs.
Players 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