You know that moment when you're scrolling through pickleball content online and everyone's ranting about third-shot drops, DUPR rankings, and advanced drilling techniques? Yeah, that's not me.

In the Glorious Realm of 2.5

I'm a 2.5 player. Which means I'm in that magical zone between "I know which end of the paddle to hold" and "I'm still figuring out what the hell I'm doing." And you know what? I've made peace with it.

1. I Don't Warm Up

I need all 11 points to figure out what's happening. Warming up implies I have some idea of what my body is about to do. Spoiler: I don't. By point 3, I'm starting to understand my arm. By point 7, maybe I know where the ball is going. By point 11, I've figured out it's time to go home.

2. I Don't Drill

I prefer to make the same mistake organically. Drills are for people who want to improve in a structured way. I'm more of a "learn through repetitive failure in real game situations" kind of player. Why practice the same shot 50 times in isolation when I can mess it up during an actual game?

3. I Don't Run for Lobs

That point belongs to God now. When someone hits that lob over my head, I watch it go up and make peace with my life choices. I save my knees for the rallies that matter.

4. I Don't Know My DUPR

I don't need that kind of negativity in my life. DUPR ratings are a numerical reminder that someone, somewhere, is keeping score of my incompetence. Hard pass.

5. I Don't Call Balls Out Confidently

I look around and wait for an adult. The beauty of being a 2.5 player in a casual game? We're all guessing. Someone older and more sure of themselves will eventually make the call.

6. I Don't Have a Third-Shot Drop

I have a third-shot idea. My third shot is more of a suggestion to the ball. "Hey, soft shot, I know we talked about this. Please land in the kitchen." Sometimes it listens. Mostly it doesn't.

7. I Don't Bend My Knees

I'm 45. We have to prioritize. Proper pickleball form requires bending your knees. My knees have other plans. We've negotiated a compromise.

8. I Don't Remember the Score

I barely remember why I walked into the kitchen. Is it 7-5 or 5-7? Did we just win that point or did they? I have no idea. I'm here for the experience, the friends, and the excuse to be outside.

9. I Don't Play the Percentages

I see a 3-inch opening and think, "Absolutely." Strategic pickleball is about hitting to the weaknesses, moving your opponent, playing the high-percentage shots. I hit it anyway.

10. I Don't Let an Overhead Bounce

If it's above my head, I'm swinging. Overhead smashes are my kryptonite, which means I'm definitely going to attempt every single one.

11. I Don't Apologize for Net Cords

Finally, the net and I are on the same team. When my shot clips the tape and drops on their side, that's not luck—that's partnership.

12. I Don't Save People as "Name/Pickleball" in My Phone

The Dink & Dash app allows me to save my memories, courts and friends in one place. This is the real one. Pickleball isn't just a game—it's a community.

Look, I posted about this on Instagram — go watch it

The Real 2.5 Player Truth

Being a 2.5 isn't about being bad at pickleball. It's about being honest about why you play. You're out there because it's fun, because the community is real, and because nothing beats the feeling of hitting a good shot and high-fiving your partner.

In the end, it's not about how many things you do or don't do. It's about enjoying the chaos and camaraderie. And hey, if you're looking for courts or friends, Dink and Dash has you covered.

See you on the court, where none of us knows the score, but we're all having a blast.