Have you had the chance to witness Dave Weinbach in action? To put it differently, if you’ve had the pleasure of watching him play, you’d certainly remember. He affectionately refers to himself as “The Badger,” and his on-court demeanor is more vibrant than a Saturday morning cartoon.
Witty One-Liners
Weinbach leaps around, exclaims, and bursts into laughter. He cheers and motivates himself with a barrage of witty one-liners akin to a stand-up comedy routine at a local club.
In summary, Dave Weinbach’s presence on the court leaves a lasting impression. Some people appreciate his spirited approach, while others may have a different perspective.
Weinbach says, “That kind of stuff makes me and my partner play better. It’s OK to do that. I wish there was more color in the game.”
Weinbach injects a vibrant energy into the game, much like a toddler joyfully splattering finger paint in every direction. It’s a presence that can be polarizing. What some may view as adding “color” to the game, others might find it a tad irksome.
Friendly Banter
However, what some label as friendly banter, others interpret as spirited trash-talking.
One universal truth is that talking, cheering, and engaging in such on-court antics are integral components of a certain kind of mind game, which are capable of providing a distinct advantage.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to pickleball but extends to various sports like football, basketball, baseball, and virtually any competition where opponents are in close proximity and earshot.
As the sport of pickleball continues to grow and attracts players from diverse backgrounds, mastering the mental aspect of the game will emerge as a crucial skill for all participants.
What’s some good pickleball trash talk?
— Chino (@D_RadioGuy) July 13, 2022
A Delicate Balance
Weinbach plays senior and regular pro events and says, “We’re seeing a lot more personalities come into the game. A lot of these players aren’t trash-talking necessarily.
They are doing lots of other things, like talking to themselves to pump themselves up. I’m one of those kinds of players, too. I would never trash-talk another team.”
The delicate balance between self-motivation and potentially crossing the line to display one’s superiority over the opposing team certainly exists. However, when an approach proves effective, it’s only natural that players will strategically employ those tactics to gain an edge.
“It Takes A Lot To Get Under My Skin”
Veteran pro Pat Smith is adamant: “I don’t do it,” he said. “It takes a lot to get under my skin, so long as no boundaries are crossed.”
Indeed, crossing that line is likely to result in warnings or more serious actions from referees. Nevertheless, it’s almost inevitable that some level of verbal exchange will take place.
Experienced referee Ron Ponder points out, “These players might not trash-talk you, but they might look right at you and scream, ‘Let’s Go!’”
They’ll do it again and again until they get a reaction, too, so I’ve reffed a few matches where there has been some good-natured back-and-forth talking, but then it escalates. It doesn’t happen often, but yes, sometimes you need to step in and talk about some sportsmanship. At some point, it can be a distraction.”
Razor-Thin Margins Between Victory And Defeat
In the high-stakes world of professional competition, where significant money is on the line and the margin between victory and defeat can be razor-thin, any opportunity to momentarily distract an opponent might be considered worth pursuing.
Unlike casual Tuesday morning matches at the local recreational courts, professional players are often willing to bend the rules to gain that crucial edge.
Jeff Warnick is popularly seen as an expert when it comes to talking. He says, “It’s mainly trying to have fun and maybe trying to get under someone’s skin,”
“I just say what’s on my mind. Sometimes, it comes out, and I don’t even know what happened. I’m never trying to be personal, but if your actions and talk can affect someone else and make them play worse or differently, then do it.”
Blurring The Lines
Professional athletes, including pickleball pros, are well aware that on-court talk and banter are typically not personal but part of the competitive spirit. However, the intensity of the moment can sometimes blur the lines between competition and personal feelings.
Tyson McGuffin‘s admission he flipped off a player during a live TV tournament shows how emotions can occasionally run high in the heat of competition, even among seasoned professionals.
“If I don’t like someone, I may chirp a little bit,” he said.
It’s interesting to note the differing approaches of PPA pro Julian Arnold and Dave Weinbach when it comes to on-court interactions. Arnold seems to adopt a more reserved stance, opting not to be antagonistic unless provoked by his opponent.
On the other hand, Weinbach acknowledges that hearing an opponent engage in trash-talk can serve as a catalyst, igniting his competitive spirit and emotions.
“I use it to my advantage,” Weinbach said. “I like the energy.”
Affecting The Players And The Crowd
The energy that passionate and competitive players generate can have a significant impact not only on the players themselves but also on the spectators in the crowd.
However, it’s important to remember that the intense competitiveness displayed on the court doesn’t necessarily reflect the players’ personalities off the court. Many athletes are able to separate their on-court personas from their everyday lives, emphasizing that what you see during a match is just one facet of who they are as individuals.
Jeff Warnick expands on this, “The fans might believe I’m sort of a bad guy. But most of them come from tennis or a country club background. They don’t know this is what happens in all sorts of sports.”
“Boys Being Boys”
When it all comes down to it, players must determine what approach works best for their game and their mental state. Some may find that being demonstrative and engaging in on-court talk fuels their performance, while others may excel by blocking out external distractions and focusing solely on their game.
McGuffin sums it all up, “Mostly, it’s just boys being boys. All the talk is just on the court, and it stays there. I’m usually dialed in and focused. I generally don’t engage and let them get a rise out of me.
“There are plenty of players out there with bad reputations. I don’t worry about them. I do me. That’s what’s important. I got a family to feed and a bag to make.”
Click here to read more of our articles about players currently starring on the pickleball circuits.
