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 Newport News Obsessed Pickleballers women's Beginner Camp
Focused Classes
8:1 Ratio
Venue
Hampton Roads Pickleball Club, 14346 Warwick Blvd Unit 354B, Newport News, VA 23602
Date & Time
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Age
40 & Over
Skill Levels
2.0 - 3.0 (Beginner) - Having a DUPR is not necessary
Pro Instructors
Coach Karen Holbrook
🎁 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 COACHES
Hi, I am Coach Karen Holbrook – Your Guide To Building The Right Foundation
I’m a PPA Tour Gold Medalist with a unique gift for helping beginners discover their love for pickleball and build the right foundation from day one. What makes my story special is that I started during COVID lockdown just like many of you, and within months, I was competing and winning at high levels. I bring that same patient, encouraging approach to help you start your journey the right way.
What I bring to your game:
- PPA Tour Gold Medalist – Bristol Open (Mixed Doubles 4.5, August 2025)
- PPA Tour Gold Medalist – Fasenra Virginia Beach Cup (Mixed Doubles 4.0, October 2025)
- USAP Mid-Atlantic Mixed Doubles Champion (4.0, July 2024) – First tournament ever!
- Local Tournament Champion – Gold in Women’s Singles, Silver in Mixed Doubles (4.0, December 2024)
- Started during COVID lockdown – I understand the beginner journey personally
- Known for breaking techniques into simple, practical steps
- Patient, encouraging teaching style that builds confidence
- Active involvement in students’ learning process – you identify your own mistakes and solutions
- Excellent at reading people and understanding group dynamics
- Accommodating with scheduling – genuinely invested in student success
- Consistently positive and uplifting coaching presence
My story: I began playing pickleball at the beginning of the Covid lockdown as a way to get outside, be active, and interact with others outside of my home, like so many other women did. I quickly became hooked on pickleball mostly due to the welcomed sense of community it brought me, and the quickness of the games. Pickleball was being played everywhere, and once the Covid lockdown ended, I met so many more wonderful women playing both indoor and outdoor pickleball.
I played my first tournament in July 2024 and won the gold medal. Encouraged, I decided to play in a local tournament in December 2024 and earned the gold medal in women’s singles and a silver medal in mixed doubles! Most notably, I’ve taken home gold medals at two PPA Tour events. But here’s what I want you to know: I started exactly where you are now—as a beginner learning the basics. And I remember what it felt like.
My approach: Pickleball has an amazing ability to bring women together from all walks of life. I really enjoy helping women master new skills and improve their gameplay. I respect that these ladies have chosen to invest the time required to level up and have the dedication to learning the sport, all in the name of FUN! I bring the experience, energy, enthusiasm, encouragement, and patience during the learning process; you only need to bring a smile and willingness to learn the game and have FUN!
I involve you in the learning process. After teaching the skills, I have you identify your own mistakes and what adjustments you need to make, rather than just telling you what to change. This approach helps everything click faster and makes improvements stick permanently, even for complete beginners.
Here's what makes my approach unstoppable:
I bring PPA Tour championship credentials combined with a genuine gift for creating welcoming, encouraging environments where women feel comfortable learning. I understand how to break down techniques into simple, practical steps that make improvement feel achievable—because I learned these same skills as a beginner just like you.
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 a bunch of balls and suddenly understand what you’ve been watching others do. The kind that builds proper technique from day one so you start your journey the right way.
I’m excellent at reading people and understanding group dynamics. I’ll pair you thoughtfully and adjust instruction so every woman is challenged but never overwhelmed. Most importantly, I create a consistently positive and uplifting environment where women feel empowered.
On May 17th, I’m bringing this patient, encouraging approach and championship-tested expertise to beginners ready to start their pickleball journey in Newport News.
Schedule
Your 4-Hour Transformation Journey
I. Welcome & Orientation (15 minutes)
Your Safe Space to Learn
This isn’t intimidating. Within 5 minutes, you’ll realize everyone else is a beginner too. We’ll explain exactly what to expect, introduce you to your equipment, and make sure you feel comfortable.
- Coach and participant introductions
- Camp structure overview
- Equipment basics: understanding paddles and balls
- Safety & injury prevention: warming up properly, court awareness, staying hydrated
II. Warm Up & Movement Fundamentals (15 minutes)
Learning to Move Like a Pickleball Player
- Dynamic warm-up: light jogging, lateral shuffles, arm circles, reaction drills
- Court movement basics: ready position, split step, moving to the kitchen
- Building confidence in your movement
III. Grip Fundamentals & Paddle Control (15 minutes)
The Foundation of Every Shot
- Continental grip instruction (the grip that works for everything)
- Hand positioning and paddle control basics
- Partner tap rally and soft control drills
- Feeling the ball on your paddle
IV. Dinking Fundamentals (45 minutes)
The Heart of Pickleball
- What is a dink and why it matters
- Soft touch technique that anyone can learn
- Body positioning near the non-volley zone
Drills:
- Cross-court dinking practice
- Forehand and backhand dinking
- Consistency challenges (how many in a row can you do?)
V. Volleys (30 minutes)
Controlling Balls in the Air
- What a volley is and when to use it
- Proper paddle positioning
- Punch vs swing technique (the secret beginners need to know)
Drills:
- Volley exchanges with your partner
- Reaction volleys (building your reflexes)
- Target volleys (aiming practice)
BREAK (10 minutes)
VI. Serving Fundamentals (25 minutes)
Starting Every Point with Confidence
- Legal serve rules explained simply
- Underhand motion and proper contact point
- Body positioning that makes serving easy
Drills:
- Target serving practice
- Consistency building (getting it in every time)
VII. Return of Serve (25 minutes)
The Second Most Important Shot
- Why deep returns matter
- Court positioning after your return
- Setting yourself up for success
Drills:
- Return and move drill
- Return placement practice
VIII. Game Play, Rules & Scoring (30 minutes)
Understanding the Game
- Basic rules explained clearly:
- Two bounce rule
- Non-volley zone rules
- Common faults
- How scoring works (we’ll practice until it makes sense)
- How to call the score
- Pickleball etiquette: fair calls, sportsmanship, paddle tapping
IX. Guided Gameplay (20 minutes)
Putting It All Together
- Coach-guided gameplay with gentle corrections
- Focus on serving sequence
- Moving to the kitchen confidently
- Partner communication
- Experiencing actual pickleball!
X. Wrap Up & Q&A (10 minutes)
Your Path Forward
- Recap of key skills learned
- Open Q&A—ask anything!
- Tips for continued improvement
- Community access and next steps
- Group photo + exchange of contacts with your new pickleball friends
Why We're 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.
Why Players Rave About Our Camps — Straight From Them
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 women playing pickleball and think…
…“I could never do that”?
…“I’m not athletic enough”?
…“Everyone else already knows how to play”?
That feeling ends on May 17th.
Because by the time you walk off the court at 6:00 PM, you’ll be playing actual pickleball games. You’ll understand the rules. You’ll know how to keep score. And you’ll have a clear path to becoming the player you’ve been watching from the sidelines.
IMAGINE THIS: It's Tuesday, May 19th (Two Days After Camp)
You’re at your local Newport News 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 serve goes in. You move to the kitchen. You dink the ball back and forth. You’re actually playing pickleball—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 Know How to Play Pickleball
I’ll teach you every fundamental skill you need to step onto any court and play. You won’t just understand the theory, you’ll have actually done it, repeatedly, with patient coaching from a PPA Tour Gold Medalist who started as a beginner just like you.
By the end of camp, you’ll be able to serve, return, dink, volley, keep score, and play actual games. You’ll understand the rules. You’ll know the etiquette. You’ll be a real pickleball player.
You'll Meet Your New Newport News Pickleball Family
I’ll connect you with other women 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 women Pickleballers 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 fake it, you’re a trained player ready to learn and improve.
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. My teaching method involves you in the learning process, you’ll identify your own mistakes and solutions, which makes improvements stick permanently.
You'll Fall in Love with This Amazing Sport
I’ll show you why millions of women are obsessed with pickleball. You’ll leave energized, excited, and already planning your next time on the court.
Remember feeling curious about pickleball but unsure if it was for you?
On May 17th, that question gets answered.
Because when you experience what it feels like to actually play, when you’re laughing, competing, and connecting with new friends, that’s when you catch the pickleball bug.
Pickleball has an amazing ability to bring women together from all walks of life. You’re not just learning a sport, you’re joining a true community.
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 2.0 to 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 17th.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this camp for?
This camp is designed specifically for beginners, players at the 2.0-3.0 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?
I'm not very athletic. Will I be able to keep up?
Yes! Pickleball is one of the most accessible sports out there, and it’s especially wonderful for women at any fitness level. As a PPA Tour Gold Medalist who started as a beginner during COVID lockdown, I understand how to make learning accessible and enjoyable for every woman. I’m excellent at reading people and understanding group dynamics, I’ll pair you thoughtfully and adjust my instruction so every woman is challenged but not overwhelmed. The pace is designed for learning, not competition.
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 women, I pay attention to small details and adjust my approach based on what you need in the moment. I create a welcoming, encouraging environment where you never feel rushed or overwhelmed. I’m patient, knowledgeable, and motivating, and I celebrate your wins right alongside you.
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.
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.
I'm nervous about being a complete beginner. Is that normal?
Completely normal! Every single woman 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. I started as a beginner myself during COVID lockdown… I understand exactly how you feel. From the moment you step on the court, I create an encouraging environment where every woman feels comfortable learning, improving, and even laughing at herself along the way. You’ll feel right at home within the first 5 minutes.
Ready For Your Breakthrough?
This is your moment.
Sunday, May 17th, 2026. 2:00 PM. Newport News, VA
Women will walk in having never held a paddle.
Women will learn, laugh, and play their first real games and get their first taste of Pickleball drilling.
Women will walk out as confident pickleball players with new friends, as part of a community, 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