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
The Raleigh Obsessed Pickleballers Advanced Camp
Focused Classes
8:1 Ratio
Venue
Pin Point Indoor Pickleball & Golf - 2201 S Wilmington St Suite 145, Raleigh, NC 27603
Date
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Age
40 and over
Skill Levels
3.6 - 4.0 (Advanced)
Pro Instructors
Coach Russ Lombardo
🎁 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
Hi, I'm Coach Russ Lombardo
Meet Coach Russ – Your Path To Elite-Level Performance
I’m a PCI Certified instructor and USA Pickleball Ambassador who specializes in unlocking competitive potential for serious 3.6-4.0 players ready to dominate at 4.0+. I work with athletes who understand the fundamentals but need precision coaching, advanced court awareness, and mental fortitude to break through performance plateaus.
My methodology centers on tactical systems, strategic shot placement, and pressure-tested decision-making engineered to help competitive players execute consistently when championships are on the line.
What I bring to your game:
- PCI Certified Professional Coach
- USA Pickleball Ambassador – promoting and growing the sport at elite levels
- 40+ years of racquet sport experience.
- Deep expertise in explaining the “how” and “why” behind advanced techniques
- Proven ability to diagnose and fix technical issues that have held players back for years
- Strategic modifications based on individual playing styles and competitive needs
- Extensive coaching experience across all skill levels with focus on advanced player development
My story? I’ve been playing racquetball for over 40 years and still compete actively. When Covid hit and the gyms all closed, I was faced with a choice: sit on the couch or learn a new outdoor sport. I chose pickleball, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this competitive, strategic sport. My four decades of racquet sport experience gave me immediate insight into the advanced tactics and court positioning that separate good players from champions.
My approach: I bring years of high-level racquet sport experience combined with a deep understanding of the technical and tactical nuances that matter at advanced levels. I excel at explaining and demonstrating not just the “how” but the “why” behind every shot, strategy, and positioning decision. Whether you’re working to refine advanced techniques or fix issues that have plagued your game for years, I’m able to diagnose the root cause and provide strategic modifications tailored to your competitive goals.
Here's what makes my approach unstoppable:
I have a PCI Certification and USA Pickleball Ambassador credentials. I don’t just teach pickleball… I understand court positioning, shot angles, and strategic decision-making at the highest levels from decades of competitive play.
But here’s what I’m MOST focused on: Championship-level drilling with strategic precision.
Not basic drilling—but high-intensity, tactically-focused drilling where every rep has a purpose and every decision matters. The kind where you execute balls nonstop at match speed while I analyze your shot selection and court positioning in real-time. The kind that builds the tactical awareness and competitive consistency required to compete at 4.0+.
We don’t revisit basics you’ve mastered. We refine technique, sharpen strategy, and elevate competitive execution. You compete. You break through. You feel the difference immediately.
On May 3rd, I’m bringing this championship-focused approach to serious competitors ready to break through to elite-level play.
Schedule
YOUR 4-HOUR ADVANCED TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY
I. Introduction & Competitive Warm-Up (20 minutes)
- Player introductions and competitive goals
- Quick connection exchange
- Dynamic warm-up for experienced players
- Controlled dink exchanges progressing into speed-ups
- Cooperative-to-competitive transition drill
II. Third Shot Mechanics Breakdown (15 minutes)
- Focus: Precision and decision-making
- Drop mechanics from different court positions
- Drive mechanics with controlled aggression
- Hybrid drop-drive concepts
- Reading opponent positioning before contact
- When to drop vs. when to drive at advanced level
III. Third Shot “Take the Line” Drill (20 minutes)
Focus: Offensive pressure and court positioning
- Third shot execution followed by aggressive court positioning
- Taking away sideline options
- Controlled advancement into the kitchen
- Live reps with coaching feedback
IV. Third Shot Application Gameplay (30 minutes)
Structured points where every rally emphasizes third shot intention
- Coaching focus:
- Depth and margin control
- Recognizing weak blocks
- Transition timing
- Partner communication
BREAK (5 minutes)
V. Transition Zone Reset Demo & Mechanics (15 minutes)
Focus: Mastering the toughest area of the court
- Reset fundamentals under pace
- Paddle angle control
- Footwork in the transition zone
- Soft hands under pressure
VI. Transition Zone Reset Practice (20 minutes)
High-repetition reset drills
- Fast-feed pressure balls
- Two-ball reset sequences
- Transition battles to neutral
- Reset into controlled dink exchanges
BREAK (5 minutes)
VII. Assertive Dinking Strategies (45 minutes)
Focus: Turning neutral dinks into offensive opportunities
- Understanding when and why to apply pressure while dinking
- Using angle, depth, pace changes, and spin to create advantage
- Volley redirects and offensive dink placements
- Recognizing attackable balls during dink exchanges
- Drills focused on controlled aggression from the kitchen line
- Competitive dink scenarios emphasizing strategic point construction
VIII. Advanced Strategy & Pattern Recognition (15 minutes)
Focus: Playing with intention
- Identifying opponent tendencies
- Creating repeatable point patterns
- Setting up speed-ups
- Risk management in competitive play
- Doubles communication at advanced level
IX. Game Analysis & Competitive Play (40 minutes)
Extended structured gameplay
- Games with tactical assignments
- Real-time coaching corrections
- Shot selection analysis
- Court positioning adjustments
- Pattern execution feedback
- Mental composure in tight points
X. Closing & Performance Debrief (10 minutes)
Advanced SWOT review
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Opportunities
- Threats
Why We Are Obsessed WITH CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL DRILLING
Most advanced camps still waste time on fundamentals you’ve already mastered.
I’m different.
Here’s my philosophy: Elite Drilling = Championship Performance
You don’t reach 4.0+ by listening to lectures. You get there by drilling at match speed with precision and intensity… guided by a coach with 40+ years of competitive racquet sport experience who understands exactly what separates good players from champions.
And here’s the truth about why I’m obsessed with championship-level drilling:
Because at 3.6-4.0, you already know what to do. Now it’s about executing under pressure.
That moment when your third shot drop lands perfectly… even when you’re exhausted.
That rush when you read your opponent’s pattern and counter it three shots ahead.
That feeling when you execute a championship-level erne that wins the point.
You don’t wait weeks to see if elite training works. You feel the difference immediately. Right there on the court.
That’s why high-intensity drilling is the heartbeat of my advanced camps. Not because I think it’s good for you (though it is), but because it’s the only way to build the muscle memory and mental toughness required at championship levels.
Player Stories
See why 98% of our campers recommend this camp.
Yeah. I’m Gene Justman out of, Denver, Colorado, and, good nuts and bolts program on, playing pickleball. I learned to get low.
I learned to hit the ball long and towards the back line. Great program.
– Gene Justman
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
A super helpful tip today thatI know I can apply immediatelyand some really great drills that my wife, who’s my playing partner, and I can can put to use this week as well. It was a great clinic.
– Camp Attendee
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 LOST TO A PLAYER YOU SHOULD HAVE BEATEN?
You know that moment when you replay the tournament match in your head…
…thinking about the tactical errors that cost you the game?
…watching players at your skill level execute strategies you haven’t mastered?
…feeling that gap between your current performance and your true potential?
That ends on May 3rd.
Because by the time you walk off the court at 6:00 PM, something fundamental will have changed. Your shot selection will be sharper. Your court positioning will be more aggressive. Your mental game will be unshakeable. And the next time you compete, your opponents will immediately recognize they’re facing a different caliber of player.
IMAGINE THIS: It's Tuesday, May 5th (Two Days After Camp)
You walk into your regular competitive game or local tournament.
As soon as warm-ups begin, the advanced players take notice.
“What happened to your game?”
Your serves are placing opponents in defensive positions before the rally even starts. Your third shot drops are landing within inches of the kitchen line. At the net, you’re controlling rallies with surgical precision and putting away balls that used to give you trouble.
By the third game, they’re asking who you’ve been training with. By the fifth game, they’re asking if they can join you next time. By the end of the session, they’re treating you like the competitive threat you’ve become.
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 Advanced Competition Through Superior Strategy
I’ll teach you how to control matches through pattern recognition, opponent analysis, and strategic shot selection perfected through 40+ years of competitive racquet sport experience. You’ll start winning more points through intelligence, not just athleticism.
Soon after camp, your opponents will be scrambling to keep up. While they’re reacting, you’ll be dictating. While they’re guessing, you’ll be executing your game plan.
This is especially important for advanced players 40+. We focus on helping you compete smarter and more strategically, so you can defeat younger, more athletic opponents through superior court IQ.
You'll Meet Your New Competitive Network
I’ll connect you with other serious competitors at the 3.6-4.0 level. You’ll exchange numbers, tournament schedules, join the Obsessed Pickleballers Community together, and build lasting competitive partnerships.
After camp, the group chat buzzes with tournament invites and training sessions. By next month, you’ll have a crew of competitive players who push you to improve—no more training alone or settling for recreational games when you’re ready to compete.
You'll Execute Championship Shots Under Pressure
I’ll eliminate the mental errors costing you tournament matches. Third shot decision-making becomes instinctive. Net positioning becomes aggressive. Shot selection becomes surgical. Mental toughness becomes unshakeable.
When you step into your next tournament, opponents will see the difference. They’ll see a player who moves with championship-level confidence… someone who executes under pressure.
You'll Identify and Eliminate Advanced-Level Weaknesses
I’ll help you identify the technical or tactical gaps keeping you from 4.0+. Once I show you exactly how to address them, your game will move forward leaps and bounds.
Most advanced players spend years plateauing at 3.6-4.0. You’ll break through in a single afternoon.
That inconsistent third shot? Now a reliable weapon.
The speed volleys that flustered you? Now automatic putaways.
The mental game that crumbled under pressure? Now your competitive advantage.
You'll Reignite Your Championship Fire
I’ll show you what’s possible when you train with a coach who has 40+ years of competitive racquet sport experience and deep expertise in advanced tactical play. You’ll leave energized, focused, and ready to compete at levels you previously thought were out of reach.
Remember when you first got serious about competitive pickleball—when tournament wins felt possible? If that fire has been dimming lately…
On May 3rd, it comes roaring back.
Because when you train with a PCI Certified coach and USA Pickleball Ambassador with four decades of racquet sport mastery, when you finally break through that 4.0 ceiling… that’s when the championship 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
- Advanced concepts for competitive players
- Drill progressions you can work through with your training partners
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
- 24/7 Access to Ask Questions – Post a video of any of your shots, get feedback from coaches and experienced players
- Complete Video Library with advanced tournament-focused content
- Nationwide Network – When someone from camp travels to tournaments, they connect with Obsessed Pickleballers there
- The Group Chat on Steroids – Your camp crew is chatting, but so is the entire national competitive community
Real benefit: Your camp crew just became a nationwide championship network. Continuous elite coaching, continuous competitive opportunities, 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?
This camp is designed for 3.6-4.0 DUPR players who are serious about competing and ready to make the leap to 4.0+. You should have solid fundamentals, competitive experience, and be ready for high-intensity championship-level training. If you’re unsure about your level, reach out and we’ll help you determine if this advanced camp is right for you.
I don't have a DUPR rating, but I compete regularly at the advanced level. Would I be eligible?
Absolutely! You don’t need a DUPR rating to attend. The DUPR range (3.6-4.0) is simply to help you understand this is an advanced camp designed for competitive players. If you compete regularly, have solid fundamentals, and are ready to train at championship intensity, you’re in the right place.
I'm right at 3.6—will I be able to keep up?
Absolutely! The camp is designed to challenge you while meeting you where you are. As a PCI Certified coach with 40+ years of competitive racquet sport experience, I excel at scaling coaching to each player’s level within the 3.6-4.0 range, while maintaining championship-level standards. You’ll be pushed to your competitive edge but never left behind.
What should I bring?
Just bring your paddle, court shoes, athletic wear, sunscreen, water, some snacks, and a towel. Come mentally prepared for championship-level drilling intensity.
Will I get one-on-one attention?
Definitely, you’ll get plenty of personalized feedback and individual attention throughout the day. With a maximum of 8 students and my 40+ years of racquet sport experience and deep expertise in diagnosing technical issues, you’ll receive championship-caliber corrections that often transform multiple aspects of your game in a single session.
What if I can't make it and need to cancel?
We understand 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 Full refund
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.
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 studying championship strategies before you even arrive.
The SURPRISE bonus will be sent to you after the camp.
I've done advanced camps before and plateaued. Why will this be different?
Great question! This camp is specifically designed for 3.6-4.0 players, taught by a PCI Certified coach with 40+ years of competitive racquet sport experience. I bring deep expertise in explaining not just the “how” but the “why” behind advanced techniques, and I excel at diagnosing and fixing issues that have held players back for years.
We focus exclusively on championship-level training: 20% advanced instruction, 80% high-intensity drilling at match speed. Plus, you get lifetime community access for ongoing support. It’s a completely different experience.
READY FOR YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKTHROUGH?
This is your moment.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. 2:00 PM. Pin Point Indoor Pickleball & Golf
Advanced players will walk in at 3.6-4.0 level.
Competitors will perform championship-level drilling and refine their technique.
Championship-caliber players will walk out with a clear path to 4.0+.
The question is: Will you be one of them?
All rights reserved 2026. This product is brought to you and copyrighted by Obsessed Pickleballers