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
ADVANCED Beginner Camp in raleigh, nc
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
2.5 - 3.0 (Advanced Beginner) - Having a DUPR is not necessary
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
Hi, I’m Russ, Your Guide To Building The Right Pickleball Foundation
I’m a PCI Certified instructor and USA Pickleball Ambassador who’s dedicated my career to one mission: helping beginners discover their love for pickleball and build the right foundation from day one.
What I bring to your game:
- PCI Certified Professional Coach
- USA Pickleball Ambassador – promoting and growing the sport
- 40+ years of racquet sport experience (Racquetball)
- Deep expertise in explaining the “how” and “why” behind every skill
- Patient, encouraging teaching style that makes learning fun and non-threatening
- Strategic modifications based on individual needs and physical restrictions
- Extensive coaching experience with beginners learning the game from scratch
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 fun, social, and competitive sport. My four decades of racquet sport experience gave me immediate insight into the fundamentals that every beginner needs to build a solid foundation.
My approach: I bring years of racquet sport experience combined with a gift for explaining things clearly and simply. I excel at breaking down complex skills into easy-to-understand steps. I enjoy explaining and demonstrating the “how” and “why” behind every shot, and I’m able to work with and suggest modifications based on your skill level and possible restrictions. Most importantly, I want you to have fun and feel good about playing pickleball.
Here's what makes my approach unstoppable:
I bring 40+ years of racquet sport knowledge combined with PCI Certification and USA Pickleball Ambassador credentials. I understand fundamentals, court positioning, and shot mechanics from decades of competitive play, and I know exactly how to teach them to beginners in a way that makes sense.
But here’s what I’m MOST focused on: Beginner-friendly drilling that builds confidence.
Not overwhelming drilling—but patient, structured drilling where you practice the same skill until it clicks. The kind where you hit balls in succession focusing on one fundamental at a time. The kind that builds proper technique and muscle memory from day one.
We don’t rush through skills you haven’t mastered yet. We build your foundation, practice with patience, and celebrate every breakthrough. You learn. You practice. You improve.
On May 3rd, I’m bringing this beginner-focused approach to new players ready to start their pickleball journey the right way.
Schedule
YOUR 4-HOUR TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Meet the Coach and Players
- Review Objectives and Expectations for the session
- Outline clinic structure, safety reminders, and engagement rules
Dinking (20 minutes)
- Using the proper Grip and Swing
- Catch & Throw technique
- Straight-on and diagonal dinks
- Where and why to hit to gain advantage
- When and why to apply pressure
- Dink Contest – Longest Rally Challenge
Serving (30 minutes)
- Precision, Targeted Serving
- Effective body position
- Hitting Faster, Lower Serves
- Adding a Slice
- Live reps with coaching feedback
Returns (30 minutes)
- Effective body positions
- Reading the Serve
- Precision and proper decision-making
- Drills with Coach
Transition Zone & Resets (30 minutes)
- Mastering the toughest area on the court
- Reset fundamentals under pressure
- Paddle angle control
- Footwork – Using the Split Step
Break (10 minutes)
Third Shot Drops & Drives (30 minutes)
- Depth & margin control
- When to drop vs. when to drive at advanced level
- Slinky Drill
- 7-11 Competition
Volleys (30 minutes)
- Blocks, Punches & Flicks
- Paddle angle control
- Soft hands under pressure
- Reset into controlled dink exchanges
- Speed Volley Drill
Game Time (40 minutes)
- Real-time coaching corrections
- Shot selection analysis
- Court positioning adjustments
- Pattern execution feedback
- Mental composure in tight points
Wrap Up (10 minutes)
- SWOT Review
- Drill assignments. Homework.
- Q&A
Why We Are Obsessed WITH BEGINNER-FRIENDLY DRILLING (AND WHY YOU WILL BE TOO)
Most beginner camps overwhelm you with too much information.
I’m different.
Here’s my philosophy: Repetition = Confidence
You don’t learn pickleball by watching demonstrations. You learn by actually doing it… over and over and over… with a patient coach guiding you every step of the way.
And here’s the truth about why I’m obsessed with beginner-friendly drilling:
Because let’s be honest… we all love that moment when we try something new and it actually WORKS, don’t we?
That moment when your first dink lands softly in the kitchen.
That rush when your serve finally goes in… three times in a row!
That feeling when you rally back and forth without missing.
You don’t have to wait weeks to see progress. You see it immediately. Right there on the court.
That’s why drilling is the heartbeat of my beginner 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 can’t do this” to “I just did that!” in a single afternoon.
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 FEELING INTIMIDATED WATCHING PICKLEBALL PLAYERS?
You know that moment when you see people playing pickleball and think…
…“I can’t reach that level”?
…“I’m not athletic enough”?
…“Everyone else can rally better than me”?
That feeling ends on May 3rd.
Because by the time you walk off the court at 6:00 PM, you’ll be playing pickleball at a higher level. You’ll understand the rules better. You’ll know how to position yourself. And you’ll have a clear path to becoming the player you’ve been watching from the sidelines.
IMAGINE THIS: It's Tuesday, May 5th (Two Days After Camp)
You’re at your local Raleigh park and you see a group playing pickleball.
But this time, instead of watching from the sidelines, you walk up confidently.
“Mind if I join?”
They welcome you in. You step onto the court. You call out the score correctly. Your serves go in consistently. Your positioning is already better. You dink the ball back and forth. You’re playing pickleball better than you thought you would—and holding your own.
By the end of the games, they’re asking if you want to join their regular group. They’re exchanging phone numbers. You’re already a part of the community.
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 Actually Immerse Yourself in Pickleball
I’ll teach you every fundamental skill you need to step onto any court and simply play better. You won’t just understand the theory… you’ll have actually done it, repeatedly, with patient coaching from a PCI certified instructor.
By the end of camp, you’ll be able to do all of these things better: serve, return, dink, volley, keep score, and rally. You’ll understand the rules better. You’ll know the etiquette with more nuance. You’ll be a real pickleball player.
You'll Meet Your New Raleigh Pickleball Family
I’ll connect you with other beginners 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 with the entire group through our community platform.
After camp, the group chat starts buzzing with practice invites. By next month, you’ll have a regular crew of fellow beginners who understand your journey, no more feeling intimidated or alone.
You'll Have Confidence to Play Anywhere
I’ll eliminate the fear that’s been keeping you on the sidelines. Not sure about the rules? You’ll know them. Worried about looking foolish? You’ll have practiced hundreds of shots. Intimidated by the scoring? You’ll be calling it out confidently.
When you step onto courts the following week, you’ll walk on with your head held high. You’re not a beginner hoping to just get by—you’re a trained player ready to learn, improve and get to the next level.
You'll Understand Your Path to 3.0 and Beyond
I’ll show you exactly what to practice and how to improve. You won’t be wandering aimlessly… you’ll have a clear roadmap from beginner to intermediate to advanced.
Most beginners spend months or years developing bad habits. You’ll learn the right way from day one, setting yourself up for rapid improvement.
You'll Fall in Love with This Amazing Sport
I’ll show you why millions of people are obsessed with pickleball. You’ll leave energized, excited, and already planning your next time on the court.
Remember feeling unsure if you’d be able to play pickleball with the confidence other play it with?
On May 3rd, that question gets answered.
Because when you experience what it feels like to actually maintain a rally—when you’re laughing, competing, and connecting with new friends… that’s when you catch the pickleball bug.
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
- Clear diagrams and explanations
- Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
- Practice drills you can do with your new camp friends
- Your roadmap from 2.5 to 3.0 to 3.5 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 3rd
- 24/7 Access to Ask Beginner Questions – No question is too basic. Post videos, ask for help, get feedback from coaches and experienced players
- Complete Video Library with beginner-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 beginner 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?
This camp is designed specifically for beginners—players at the 2.5-3.0 level or anyone who’s brand new to pickleball. If you’ve never played before or you’ve only played a few times, this camp is perfect for you.
I don't have a DUPR rating, and I've never played pickleball. Would I be eligible?
Absolutely! You don’t need a DUPR rating or any prior experience. This camp is designed for complete beginners. The DUPR range (2.0-3.0) is simply to help you understand that this is a beginner-focused camp. If you’re new to pickleball or still learning the basics, you’re in exactly the right place.
I'm not very athletic. Will I be able to keep up?
Yes! Pickleball is one of the most accessible sports out there. As a PCI Certified coach with 40+ years of racquet sport experience, I know how to make learning accessible and fun for everyone. I’m able to work with and suggest modifications based on your skill level and possible restrictions. The pace is designed for learning, not competition. You’ll be challenged appropriately but never overwhelmed. Most importantly, I want you to have fun and feel good about playing pickleball.
What should I bring?
Just bring your paddle, court shoes, athletic wear, sunscreen, water, some snacks, and a towel.
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 coaching experience, I excel at breaking down skills into easy-to-understand steps and explaining the “how” and “why” behind every shot. You’ll receive patient, encouraging instruction that builds your confidence from the ground up.
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 learning before you even arrive.
The SURPRISE bonus will be sent to you after the camp.
I'm nervous about being a complete beginner. Is that normal?
Completely normal! Every single person at this camp is either a beginner or was a beginner not long ago. I create a supportive, encouraging environment where questions are welcomed and mistakes are part of learning. You’ll feel comfortable within the first 5 minutes. Most importantly, I want you to have fun and feel good about playing pickleball.
READY FOR YOUR PICKLEBALL JOURNEY TO BEGIN?
This is your moment.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. 2:00 PM. Raleigh, NC
People will walk in super passionate about their pickleball journey.
People will learn, laugh, and have their first real drilling experience.
People will walk out as confident pickleball players with new friends and a clear path to 3.0 and beyond.
The question is: Will you be one of them?
All rights reserved 2026. This product is brought to you and copyrighted by Obsessed Pickleballers