I was patiently waiting my turn at open play pickleball the other day, and as soon as I stepped on the court with a new group, I immediately wanted to give up my spot. 

Stacy was there. 

Stacy drives everyone bananas because even though she’s a good player, she also thinks she’s a coach. No matter who you are, whether you’re her partner or her opponent, she’s coaching you. Your stance, your footwork, your dinks, and your third shot drops, among other things, are all being analyzed.

Sure, sometimes her tips can be helpful, but the overwhelming majority of the time, it’s downright annoying.

Bottom line, Stacy comes across as a condescending know-it-all. 

So, how do you tell Stacy to relax with her instructional tips?

Players from across the country shared solutions on the Pickleball Facebook Forum.

“Privately, just be honest with her,” said Jim McGrady.

Honesty is the best policy under the circumstances. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Don’t make a big public scene. Discuss the issue in a nice way.

“I had someone take me off the court and tell me this, ‘Look, I know you don’t mean to bother anyone, but I have to tell you, you really need to control yourself. Everybody that plays with you is talking about it and I don’t want you to be the person that nobody wants to play with.’ It wasn’t painless, but it did the trick for me,” wrote Rebeca Hose. 

“I came up with a phrase, ‘Thank you, but directions distract me,’” explained Melissa Sawyer Hill.

It's a little blunt, but being direct is a good thing. 

Sometimes, Stacy’s tips are helpful.

Even pro pickleball players employ this strategy when training or in the middle of a match because an outsider might see things that you can’t see. 

If you’re new to the game, friendly advice can be extremely helpful.

But, it all comes at a cost. 

“How about, ‘I appreciate your observations, but it’s impossible to absorb mid-game. Would love to chat afterward,’” suggested Lisa Cool. 

I’m a big fan of being direct, but kind. And in the midst of a competitive pickleball session, grace and respect can fall by the wayside.

If you're like Stacy, please take your fellow player’s advice and keep the guidance to a minimum.

Don't be the player who can't get a game. 

Do you have advice for how to handle a player like Stacy? Leave us a comment on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).