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Not A "Cookie Cutter" Camp
THE WE ARE PICKLEBALL CAMP EXPERIENCE
Designed by top coaches CJ Johnson-Better Pickleball and Tony Roig-In2Pickle
to help you understand pickleball technique, strategy, and shot selection in an entirely new way.
The camp schedule for 2022 is complete.
Camps will be conducted in Tampa FL in the first quarter of 2023 and Lake Tahoe later in the year.
2023 dates will be announced in the fall via the weekly newsletter.
Notify Me When Camps Are Scheduled
The Immersive WeArePickleball Camp Experience
To play your best pickleball, you need:
- The ability to hit the shots necessary to construct an effective rally.
- The knowledge of what shot to hit at each stage during a rally.
- The physical ability and mindset to focus on the rally at hand.
WeArePickleball Immersive Camps are designed around these core pillars, Mechanical, Strategic, and Athletic.
You will improve your shot-making and importantly, shot decision-making. As a result, you'll leave camp feeling more comfortable and confident on the court, and playing better pickleball.
WeArePickleball camps are different from ordinary camps
Besides the WeArePickleball Camp Guarantee*?
- 8:1 player to head pro ratio (not to assistant instructors). WeArePickleball camps are close-knit affairs. We get to know you and you get to know us. This allows us to customize your experience to what will most help you along your path. This is your camp experience.
- WeArePickleball camps are the only ones teaching the Three Pillars of Pickleball™ - Mechanical, Strategic, and Athletic. We respect your intelligence and the curiosity to learn that brings you to a pickleball camp. The camp is not just about drills and hitting. We share with you pickleball’s framework. You will learn the pieces that have been missing from your game.
- We approach you as a pickleball athlete and will give you the tools you need not just to hit a better ball, but also to have a fuller relationship with our sport. You will learn how to move better on the court, minimize injury, and even think about the game differently.
- You will head back to your local courts a changed player and, indeed, person. You will see the game differently than you did before camp, with a fuller understanding of what you (and the other players on the court) are trying to accomplish on the court. You will be more confident and comfortable knowing that you now know the game. And the next steps on your improvement path will be laid before you.
PLUS...You Already KNOW and Trust Your Coaches
Why would you trust a stranger with your game?
CJ
Hey, I'm CJ — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential.
You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Besides being a coach, I'm a personal trainer and weight management specialist. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)
Tony
Hola. My name is Tony. I’m a former tennis player – 40+ years and a Senior Pro player. But more importantly, I’m an IPTPA Certified Master Professional. I’m focused on helping players see what I see and to know the game the way I know the game.
In 2016, shortly after learning pickleball, I played with my friend Tom in the Open division at the first US Open in Naples, Florida. That morning we learned just how complicated the game can be and how far we still had to go.
Since then, I have been on a quest to learn everything; figure out each angle to this sport. Then to pass it down to others so they can enjoy the game and achieve the level they desire.
When not thinking about or studying pickleball, I like to travel with my wife Jill, especially if it's in Matilda (our RV).
*WeArePickleball Camp Guarantee
Just like every product that we offer, we are 100% confident that our camps will improve your game.
If you don't agree, we'll refund your camp entry fee. No Questions Asked.
The Details
Tampa FL
HCC Tennis Center
3901 W Tampa Bay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33614
Incline Village NV
Incline Tennis and Pickleball Center
964 Incline Way
Incline Village, NV 89451
3 day camps include-15 hours of instruction. 4 hours on court time & 1 hour in the classroom daily.
Weekend camps-12 hours of instruction. 6 hours each day. The pacing is slightly different but the content is the same for a 3-day and a 2-day camp.
Start Times
Cincinnati Camps
9 am - 2 pm
Tampa Camps
March and April are all 8 AM
Incline Village
June 6-8
Monday and Tuesday 10 AM
Wednesday 8 AM
June 8-10
Wednesday 1:30 PM
Thursday and Friday 10 AM
June 13-15
Monday and Tuesday 10 AM
Wednesday 8 AM
June 15-17
Wednesday 1:30 PM
Thursday and Friday 10 AM
If you have a late start time on your first day, lunch will be available if you choose to eat prior to the start or during the camp.
All other 2022 are currently TBD. If a camp start time is NOT listed, please plan your travel to be on the courts by 8 am
There is an 8:1 student to head pro ratio.
The small sessions are designed to provide maximum interaction between each player and both CJ and Tony.
This camp is not just about drills because we teach you so much more than shot mechanics.
Each day you will have a session of coached play where CJ and Tony will walk you through the game, sharing with you how to see the game and improve not just your shots but your shot IQ.
There will also be sessions where CJ and Tony join you on the court to help you understand best practices for executing the the pillars.
These sessions are designed to help you apply the strategies discussed during the camp.
Paddle, shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, towel, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and work hard during our time together.
It is not necessary to bring chairs to the Tampa or Incline Village locations.
It may be beneficial to bring a chair to some locations. We'll make an effort to notify you ahead of time.
Courts, balls, unparalleled instruction, WeArePickleball Camp Workbook, lunch daily, positive energy, smiles, and a fun experience. There will be water onsite to fill your container.
We'll be scheduling a pre-camp zoom call around 4 weeks prior to the camp.
They'll be one call for all camps in one location. We'll give you a chance to meet some of your fellow attendees, gain a great understanding of the camp format and ask questions.
Details will be sent via email. Please add [email protected] to your contact list so these emails don't end up in your spam folder
The camp address is listed under location so you can find centrally located accommodations.
Other than a daily camp lunch, accommodations, meals, and travel expenses are not included in the price of the camp.
CJ lives in Lake Tahoe and Tampa is Tony's home. Since we are more familiar with the areas we are able to list some additional resources for those locations to assist you with travel planning.
Tahoe is CJ's home so we're able to provide you with a few additional details about the area.
The courts are located at the Incline Village Tennis and Pickleball Center, 964 Incline Way, Incline Village NV. 89451
Maps of the area and airports other than Reno, NV
Lodging on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe
- The Tennis and Pickleball Center is walking distance from the Hyatt Regency and the Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe.
- Incline Village has a limited number of hotels but numerous vacation rentals through sites such as Airbnb and VRBO.
- Tahoe Vista is on Hwy 28 and about a 10 minute drive. There are several nice hotels in Tahoe Vista often with competitive rates.
- Tahoe City is on Hwy 28 about 30 minutes.
- Northstar ski resort is on Hwy 267 between Incline Village and Truckee and is about 20 minutes.
- Truckee CA is on Hwy 267 and Interstate 80 about 30 minutes from Incline Village and 50 minutes from the Reno Airport.
Lodging on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
- South Lake Tahoe is approximately 45 minutes from Incline Village. There are 4 major casinos in South Lake with ample lodging: Harrah’s, Hard Rock, Mountblu and Harveys.
Weather:
Incline Village is located at 6200 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Temperature averages for September in Lake Tahoe are High 74/ Low 46.
Mornings and evenings will be cool.
We’ve chosen this location during an optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as COVID, or weather-imposed restrictions. If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp-related expenses.
Tampa is Tony's home so we are able to provide you with a few additional details about the area
The camps are located at the HCC Tennis & Pickleball Center located at:
3901 W. Tampa Bay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33614
The courts are located at Hillsborough Community College towards the back (NE corner) of the main campus on Dale Mabry. They are across from Raymond James Stadium and South of the New York Yankees Spring Training Stadium.
There are restrooms and limited locker rooms at the camp facilities. There is water available, but if you are sensitive to water taste, we recommend you bring your own water.
You will be required by the facility to sign a waiver to participate at the camps. You will receive an email where you can do it online. If you do not complete it before the first day of camp, you will need to complete it at the facility.
Getting to Tampa
Easiest way to get to Tampa is through flights in and out of Tampa International Airport. The airport is only 10 minutes from the camp location. You can also come by train or car – your choice.
Lodging
There are numerus hotels in the area. Near the camp are the following (all of these are approximately 10 minutes from the camp site):
- Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore
- Home 2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Westshore Airport
- Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore
- AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa Airport
- Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
- Aloft Tampa Midtown
- Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport
If you are looking for a beach experience, you can stay at Clearwater or St. Pete beach (there are plenty of other smaller beach communities in between the two as well). You can also opt to stay in the Dunedin area if you want to experience some small town Florida charm while you are in the area. Ybor City is another interesting area with a historical flavor to it.
Things to Do
The Tampa Bay area is known for its beaches and water activities: sailing, fishing, dolphin viewing, manatees, kayaking, you name it. A canoe or kayak trip down the Hillsborough River is a great experience.
You can visit Busch Gardens for roller coasters and a Jeep safari. If you like art, the Dali museum is in St. Petersburg. You can also visit the Chihuly Art Gallery while in St. Petersburg.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a fairly recent addition and is worth the visit – you can stop at Armature Works for some food and, perhaps even entertainment. The Channelside District has an open-concept eating area and you can visit the Florida Aquarium.
There are plenty of other things to do in the Tampa Bay area. You can find these in Tripadvisor or
Eating
There are plenty of good restaurants in the area. A few notable ones are Ulele, Bern’s Steakhouse (the dessert room alone is worth it), and the Columbia Restaurant (can check out the flamenco show while there).
Right down the road from the camps is Columbus Blvd, which features many Cuban and Spanish-style restaurants. You can also find plenty of Peruvian, Colombian, and Venezuelan fare on Armenia Avenue, not far from the camps. Some food choices include Happy Fish (Peruvian), La Pequeña Colombia, and Nico’s Arepas (Venezuelan).
If you want to try out a small Uruguayan steakhouse, you can visit Renzo’s on Kennedy. For Ramen we like Dosunco, also on Kennedy. For breakfast you can find several Cuban bakeries in the area where you can get a Café con Leche and pastry or toast.
We also have several local breweries (Seventh Sun, Big Storm, Cigar City, and Coppertail Brewing among many more).
Weather
Tampa Bay is generally warm to mild weather. There may be some cold in the morning or evenings but generally not so during the day once the sun peaks out.
Conditions Outside Our Control
We’ve chosen this location during an optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as COVID, or weather-imposed restrictions. If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp-related expenses.
We’ve chosen these locations during an optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as COVID, or weather-imposed restrictions. If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp related expenses.
You are considered *registered or the camp, once we have received all information and payment, has been made.
Cancellation policy-Updated 4.19.22
If you cancel at least 61 days prior to the first day of camp, you can opt to receive 100% credit to a future camp or you can receive a refund of your camp fee (less $85 for payment processing fee).
If you cancel less than 60 days prior to the camp, you will receive 100% credit to a future camp.
Credits must be used within 12 months after the first date of the original camp. You may use the dollar amount of your credit towards any camp including Destination Camps but will be responsible for any difference in cost.
We chose locations during the optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as facility issues, COVID, or weather-imposed restrictions.
Refunds are for camp fees only not travel-related expenses.
If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp-related expenses.
Your game improvement and satisfaction are of paramount importance to CJ and Tony.
If you take a WeArePickleball Camp and don't believe that your learning experience was worth the price paid for the camp, tell us. Like all other WeArePickleball products, we'll refund your entry fee.
From The Wildwood Independent
by Margee Lopez
I recently had the good fortune to attend a three-day-long pickleball camp in Incline Village, NV hosted by two fabulous coaches with VIPickleball. From the enthusiasm and energy displayed by CJ and Tony, one would never guess that we were the third group in under ten days to benefit from this great experience. CJ and Tony started VIPickleball one year ago, streamlining it to be an online outreach for individuals interested in improving their game. They have some novel techniques and approaches which I will share as I describe my camp experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The camp is most suitable for players from 2.0 up to a 4.5.
Our focus will be ensuring fundamentals are there, getting past 4 on average, correcting mechanical stroke errors, and providing game strategy.
The objective is that a player mastering these skills will have the tools to play at a benchmark 4.0 level and beyond.
If you can play a game you're ready camp!
We’ve found that it’s better to learn the correct habits from the beginning than unlearn bad habits. When you understand the strategies and concepts you’ll make real progress and won’t get distracted by all the bad information online and on the courts.
As to ability, our camps are perfect from novice players to 4.0/4.5. One of the reasons we keep the camp sizes small is so that we can personalize the experience to each participant. We customize the camp as much as possible so that each player can continue improving.
That said, we cover the basics. Pickleball is a game of fundamentals. Nothing particularly fancy. Just executing better than your opponent over and over. We spend the majority of time on the first four shots of the game.
Don't pass up this experience because you don't think you are good enough. YOU ARE! You've taken the most challenging step reading this far. Now take the next one and come and join us at camp.
If you have more specific ability questions email us at [email protected]
It is hard to say 100%. We're sure there are concepts that we will cover that are different than how you may be seeing the game. These concepts will expand your view of playing pickleball, constructing rallies, etc.
That said, we also cover the basics. Pickleball is a game of fundamentals. Nothing particularly fancy. Just executing better than your opponent over and over.
We've had several solid 4.0-4.5 players at our camps and they've always walked away with an expanded knowledge of the game and some tips to improve her play.
We customize the camp as much as possible so that each player can continue improving.
For example, when explaining the concept of where to hit a return of serve, it may sound one way to a 2.0-3.0 level player and when working with the 4.0-4.5 player we give instruction appropriate for the level - threat identification and movement.
Please don’t give up. VIPickleball camp's small intimate class size is designed to give you time to interact with both CJ and Tony and provide you the instruction you need to improve as a player.
We make it easy to understand by breaking our instruction down into the We Are Pickleball Success Path Pillars, Mechanical, Strategic, and Athletic.
During the camp, we'll help you understand the technique, strategy and develop a plan to improve after you leave the camp.
Our previous Camps have included beginner players (started playing 3 months before camp) up to seasoned 4.5 players – all in the same camp. Here are a few examples of how they each benefited from their Camp experience:
- Both players learned how to improve their footwork – this is a skill that helps you play better regardless of your incoming level of play and something that almost no players have any experience with.
- Both players learned constructive techniques to determine the effectiveness of their play. The results sought might be different for each player (“hit a deep return” for the beginner vs. “pinned the serve team back with my fourth shots” for the 4.5 player), but the framework for determining their success is the same.
- The beginner player learned the importance of getting up to the NVZ line (this is something that the 4.5 player already knew).
- The 4.5 player learned techniques to better maintain the advantage of the return team (improving the defensive play of the 4.5 player).
Even though the skills and concepts are consistent, each player takes from them what they need to improve based on where they are in the game.
Rather than catering to a certain level, the key is that each player leaves Camp with the tools needed to continue their growth.
We’ve chosen these locations during an optimal time of the year to help ensure the best chance of good weather. However, it is an outdoor camp. While we don’t anticipate issues, camps are subject to cancellation or change based on circumstances beyond our control, such as COVID, or weather-imposed restrictions.
If a camp must move indoors due to weather-related issues, we will need to comply with local and state COVID guidelines.
If you have any concerns, we suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-camp related expenses.
Your game improvement and satisfaction are of paramount importance to CJ and Tony.
If you take a WeArePickleball Camp and don't believe that your learning experience was worth the price paid for the camp, tell us. Like all other WeArePickleball products, we'll refund your money.
$849.00 including lunch daily and a WeArePickleball Camp Workbook
More questions??
Email us at [email protected]