Need Help? help@obsessedpickleballers.com

Or call us at (430) 297 1026

Need Help? help@obsessedpickleballers.com

Or call us at (430) 297 1026

⚡️ Only a Few Spots Left — Reserve Yours Before It’s Sold Out.

Obsessed Pickleballers Lower Intermediate Camp in Raleigh, NC

Where You Finally Become The Player You’ve Been Watching Others Be

Focused Classes

8:1 Ratio

Venue

The Underground Pickleball and Recovery Cave – 2806 Suite P, Gresham Lake Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

(INDOOR FACILITY)

Date

Monday, September 21, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Age

50 and over

Skill Level

2.5-3.0 (Lower Intermediate) - Having a DUPR is not necessary

Pro Instructor

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 – Your Guide To The Right Pickleball Foundation

I’m a PCI Certified instructor and USA Pickleball Ambassador who’s dedicated my career to one mission: helping passionate pickleball players unlock their true potential… especially players in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond.

My Credentials:

  • USA Pickleball Ambassador — promoting and growing the sport
  • 40+ years of racquet sport experience 
  • Deep expertise in explaining the “how” and “why” behind every skill
  • Patient, encouraging teaching style that makes learning structured and effective
  • Strategic modifications based on individual needs and physical restrictions
  • Extensive coaching experience with advanced beginner players breaking through to the next level

My approach: 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 any physical restrictions. 

My goal is to help you play smarter, improve your consistency, and break through the plateau that’s been holding you back.

Whether you want to improve your fitness, develop your skills, compete in tournaments, improve your DUPR, or simply have more fun on the court… I’ll help you play with confidence and consistency while preventing injuries.

Players who train with me experience complete game transformations.

They win through intelligent positioning and shot selection, not exhausting power.

They understand the mental game.

They play multiple times a week with energy.

They build lasting friendships while improving their game together.

 

Your 4-Hour Transformation Journey

I. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Meet the Coach and Players
  • Review Objectives and Expectations for the session
  • Outline clinic structure, safety reminders, and engagement rules

II. Learning the Landscape (15 Minutes)

  • Baseline, NVZ (Non-Volley Zone), service boxes
  • Where beginners lose the most points

Rules of the Game (Simplified)

  • Double bounce rule
  • Faults
  • Scoring basics
  • Serve rotation & positioning

Paddle Grip Fundamentals

  • Continental grip
  • Grip pressure: 3/10 for control
  • Adjusting angles for consistency

III. Basic Dinking Fundamentals (30 Minutes)

  • Straight-on dinks
  • Diagonal dinks
  • NVZ positioning basics

Drills & Mini-Games

  • Crosscourt Dink Challenge
  • Longest Rally Contest (Beginner version)

IV. Serve Essentials (30 Minutes)

  • Drop vs Volley Serves
  • In, deep, simple
  • Repeatable motion
  • Live reps with coaching feedback

V. Return Principles (30 Minutes)

  • Effective body positions
  • Reading the Serve
  • The Ground Stroke
  • Allow time to reach the kitchen

Mini Drills

  • Target zones
  • Serve/return consistency challenge
  • Drills with Coach

BREAK (10 Minutes)

VI. Drop Shots (30 Minutes)

  • Purpose of the Drop Shot
  • Proper body and swing position, and grip
  • Depth and Margin control
  • Slinky Drill

VII. Volley Shots (30 Minutes)

  • Effective body position
  • Blocks vs Punches
  • Paddle angle control
  • Soft hands under pressure
  • Reset into controlled dink exchanges
  • Volley Drill

VIII. Game Time (40 Minutes)

  • Real-time coaching corrections
  • Shot selection analysis
  • Court positioning adjustments
  • Pattern execution feedback
  • Mental composure in tight points

IX. Closing (15 Minutes)

  • Stretch & Recover
  • Recap: Key skills learned
  • Key Takeaways: What you improved, what to work on next week
  • Homework Drills: Wall drills, serve targets, soft hands exercise

Why I AM Obsessed WITH DRILLING (AND WHY YOU WILL BE TOO)

Most advanced beginner camps overwhelm you with too much too fast.

I’m different.

Here’s my philosophy: Repetition = Confidence

You don’t learn pickleball by watching demonstrations. You learn by actually doing it repeatedly, with correct form, with a PCI certified coach watching your reps, and building the kind of muscle memory that holds up in real games.

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 dink lands softly in the kitchen… every time.

That rush when your serve goes in deep and consistently.

That feeling when you rally back and forth with real control.

You don’t have to wait weeks to see progress. You see it immediately. Right there on the court.

That’s why purposeful drilling is the heartbeat of my advanced beginner camps. Not because I think it’s good for you (though it is), but because it’s incredibly satisfying to watch someone 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.

REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU WALKED OFF THE COURT FRUSTRATED?

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 September 21.

Because by the time you walk off the court, 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 Wednesday, September 23 (Two Days After Camp)

You walk onto your local pickleball court for a game.

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 Dominate Points Without Exhausting Yourself

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 certified pickleball instructor.

You'll Meet Your New Playing Crew (And Stay Connected For Life)

I’ll connect you with other passionate players at your exact skill level. You’ll exchange numbers, join the Obsessed Pickleballers Community together, and stay permanently connected with everyone you meet.

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.

You'll Understand Your Path to 3.0 and Beyond

I’ll show you exactly what to practice and how to improve after camp. You won’t be wandering aimlessly, you’ll have a clear roadmap from beginner to intermediate and beyond.

Most lower intermediate players spend months or years developing bad habits. You’ll learn the right way from day one, setting yourself up for rapid improvement in one afternoon. 

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 others play it with?

On September 21, it comes roaring back.

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 yours truly, 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 50+ 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 September 21
  • 24/7 Access to Ask Questions – 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 camp 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 50 and over players.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is this camp for?

This camp is designed specifically for advanced beginner players at the 2.5-3.0 level. The drills, strategy lessons, and coaching are all calibrated for players who understand the basics and are ready to break through to the next level.

Absolutely! You don’t need a DUPR rating. The DUPR range (2.5-3.0 ) is simply to help you understand who this camp is designed for. If you consider yourself an intermediate player who’s comfortable with basic strokes and ready to take your game to the next level, you’re in the right place.

Absolutely! The camp is designed to challenge you while meeting you where you are. As a PCI Certified coach with 40+ years of racquet sport experience, I know how to scale instruction to each player’s level. I’m able to suggest modifications based on your skill level and any physical restrictions. You’ll be challenged appropriately but never overwhelmed.

Just bring your paddle, court shoes, athletic wear, protective eyewear (optional) water, some snacks, and a towel. 

Definitely. With a maximum of 8 students, you’ll receive plenty of personalized feedback and individual attention throughout the camp. I excel at breaking down skills into easy-to-understand steps and explaining the “how” and “why” behind every shot. You’ll receive patient, focused instruction that gets to the root of what’s holding your game back.

We understand that 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
You may choose between:
• A 90% refund, or
• 100% credit toward a future Obsessed Pickleballers camp

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.

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.

Because every drill in this camp has a specific purpose tied to the exact skills that hold advanced beginner players back, and I explain the “how” and “why” behind every single one of them. With 40+ years of experience and a PCI Certification, I know exactly what separates 2.5 players from 3.0 players. Plus, you walk away with lifetime community access and ongoing coaching support. It’s a completely different experience.

This camp is held in a fully indoor facility.

READY FOR YOUR BREAKTHROUGH?

This is your moment.

Monday, September 21, 2026. 12:00 PM. The Underground Pickleball and Recovery Cave, Raleigh, NC

Players will walk in at the 2.5-3.0 level.

Players will learn, drill, and experience real game-changing breakthroughs.

Players will walk out with a clear path to 3.0 and the tools to get beyond that.

The question is: Will you be one of them?

All rights reserved 2026. This product is brought to you and copyrighted by Obsessed Pickleballers

You Are One Step Away From Playing Smarter Pickleball.


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