Pickleball! How Would You Do Against These Players Playing For 3.5 Gold Medals At The 2024 U S Open?

In this video players playing for the gold medal at the 2024 U S Open. They are playing at the 3.5 level, players 54-59. How would you do playing against them? Let me know by leaving a comment in the comment section below.
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[@gregorygerlich6399]

Not 3.5 players

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your opinion and thanks for watching. They did play at the 3.5 level in the US Open in Naples, Florida and we're playing for the gold medal.

[@jondoh9025]

I'm glad you shared this Rory, I've played rec for about 2 years and after seeing this I think I'm a 3.75 because I do believe that I play better most of the time. I always wonder about that though, and I never had the context of the US Open to judge against.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Maybe you should play in it! Thanks for watching.

[@Ed1956K]

As a 3.0-3.5 player the biggest problem I have is consistency. One day I can play great and the next day horrible. As I watch these players on this day, I could probably play better even on a bad day, but I’m willing to cut them a break and assume they are having a bad day.

[@margaretsmilligan9393]

I’m with you, I also lack consistency, very frustrating

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Yes, you don't always have your a game.

[@mikesprau6149]

Same here. My hands don't always do what my mind tells them to do.

[@Riker-ER]

Thanks

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@steveiannazzo5451]

I don't think these guys are playing at the 3.5 level in this game but they got to the gold medal round at 3.5. I won't judge them based on this one and only game I've seen them play. Could I have beaten them in this game? I'd like to think so. Could I have beaten them earlier in the day? I don't know. I didn't see those games.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

The other two games were very similar to this one. I think they only played two other matches to get the gold medal match. There were 12 teams in the bracket.

[@MrBrad777c]

Im 51 and started this January. I just entered my first 3.0 mixed tournament and won 1st. One of the teams complained that I wasnt 3.0 and I felt bad but Im truly just starting out. I cant imagine overall that Im better than these guys but their play today…looking tired and slow…wud give me a def chance. The player in white on the near courts serve is suspect but I cant see it clear enough to be sure. It seems he makes contact near almost shoulder level. He def foot faults some. That said he seemed to be the best of the four that day. I think we need to remember this was a legit US Open Gold Medal game and that they were probably extremely tired by that point.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I think they only played three other games in the tournament to get to the gold medal match. Not sure they were that exhausted. Thanks for watching.

[@MrBrad777c]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 Odd then. Sometimes players have off days. Hard to criticize when they beat out the competition for this skill level!

[@robschaffer4369]

This match answers my Q: US Gold is only for those who buy the plane tickets to enter. These guys aren’t even good 3.5 players.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

It can be a considerable expense. Thanks for watching.

[@Vanessa-pe2xs]

People forget the "video effect." When watching pickleball, the play always appears 0.5 to 1.0 levels lower than real life. Watching myself, I look like a 3.0 player, but in real life, I'd like to think I'm at worst, a solid 3.7.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You're right! Sometimes the video doesn't translate properly. Thanks for watching.

[@AndrewVierling]

You can't blame video for drop shots that didn't even make it back to the net.

[@Vanessa-pe2xs]

​@AndrewVierling Cut them some slack, It's 3.5 level..3.5 is considered beginner/ intermediate. You'd expect inconsistent play, especially with all the wind . I think we're so used to watching pros online, we forget what beginner level play looks like.

[@Hawkin.H]

Great video commentary. Kudos to the finalists! I don't see any knee brace so I think these fellas are in their best condition for 55-59 age bracket.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I'm not a good judge of age, but I would think a couple of the players are older than 59. Thanks for watching.

[@Hawkin.H]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 Thank you. That's was my first impression but was afraid to ask.

[@tomfowlerwrites919]

Props to these 2 teams for competing in the finals. My doubles partner and I are both in the 3.7 range, and I think we could hang with (and probably beat) both of these teams. We do have a bit of an age advantage--I'm 50; he's 42--but I like our odds.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You probably could. Thanks for watching.

[@iKumala]

They look tired maybe? Could be combo of hot sun and a long day because I'm 3.5 and would do better than the losing team at least.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

It is Florida in May. I think they only played three matches to get where they are. So it's not like they play all day long.

[@keithchasteen8593]

I think I could compete with either of these teams. Great for them both getting medals!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You probably could! Thanks for watching.

[@elliottfletcher4830]

To answer your question, like yourself, and probably most people watching this match...I would annihilate them! As an advanced player in his mid 40's, not sure they could even return my serves. Good on them though for playing this great sport and doing so well in their division!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You must have a heck of a serve!! Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.

[@ALABOUTPICKLEBALL]

I kind of had the same feeling, I hit 3 different serves and they would have a problem with each one(Topspin, extreme topsin, and side spin)

[@elliottfletcher4830]

I think even a short serve just past the kitchen and towards the sideline would probably even work due to the limited mobility on display. 😅. (Age and fatigue being taken into consideration here).

[@danjulius3887]

Can someone explain a reason for stacking on odd? Far team, left side (as playing) player serves as one?

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

One player prefers to play on one side of the court than the other.

[@robertogarcia-ox4xz]

3.0 max on my opinion

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your opinion.

[@jondoh9025]

Looks more like 3.25 max but 3.0 average IMO. It's so variable based on where you are at, so I can see how they would be 3.5, although I play a lot better and I often wonder if I'm a 3.5...

[@michaelnoe1195]

So to be fair it's always hard to judge players when you are not playing against them. I also feel that the heat, other games the same day and just other circumstances may be in play. With that said, our group plays at roughly a 3.0-4.0 at a similar age and I do feel like any of our players in any combination would give these players good games if not win. To be fair, we're going off local DUPR vs them at the US Gold Medal match. My congratulations to both teams on getting to that point!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Yes. They do need to be congratulated. Thanks for watching.

[@phoenixeasyrider6026]

I'm 72 and have been playing drop in recreational pickleball for 2+ years. Never played tournaments or DUPR events. This really looked like a pickup game at the park. I could ahve played in this match and been ok. It's funny how weird ratings can be. I have no idea what mine is, especially after watching so many of your videos? Maybe thats your point sometimes? No matter it's always fun!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That is one of my points! The rating system is flawed. You're only as good as the players you play against. Thanks for watching.

[@rowdstar]

I'm unsure. I'm 50+ in age and play my clubs 3.0 to 3.5 courts and do very well. But all my tournaments at 3.0 I have an absolutely horrible record. And my dupr is 2.8, all set when I had only been playing a few months. So who knows what heat, tiredness, mental pressure and other factors took them to where the game does seem kind of "meh" for 3.5, gold medal play. Congrats to them for getting there!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Yep! Thanks for watching!

[@jhayes67]

I think I would be able to play against these teams and maybe even beat them depending on how well I play for I also have games like this where it doesn’t go as well expected.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I totally understand what you're saying. Thanks for watching.

[@user-mk3ks7sh1q]

This group is deceptively better than they look on this video. Probably a little tired from a long day in the heat. But they constantly attempt to angle the ball sharply at every opening, the also deliver put aways on most sitters. Both of the guys in white hats are pretty good players and their partners are a lot better than your typical 3.5 player.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your opinion. I think they only played three matches on this day. There were 12 teams in the bracket.

[@jaimetarne9436]

They seem to be playing quite tired, which makes sense at this stage.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You mean age?

[@jaimetarne9436]

No, I was thinking the end of the tournament, outside, probably warm and humid. I can't tell their age but I don't think they were 18 year olds but other than that everyone looks younger to me.😊

[@nelsoni5390]

Hey Rory, I am interested in playing tournaments. Do you have to play your age group? Or in other words, can I play with younger players?

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

You can play with younger players. You cannot sign up for age groups that are above your age.

[@silverdc5]

i think both players near courts are using gearbox pro, in which they have no business using it, they have 0 control over it,11:31 the poacher was in the nvz, should have been a foot fault.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That's a great point! Those paddles are designed for players at the 4.5 plus level. They are too difficult for lower level players to control just as you pointed out.

[@ericbooya]

I noticed the foot fault too.. watched it about 4 times.

[@CWK090]

The Ref in in a much better position to see a foot fault and didn't call it.

[@gongloui]

That is a low quantity us open tournament if this guys can get to the gold medal round.i played for 9 months and consider myself a 3.5 player, i think i can easily beat these guys.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Well, it is what it is and these were the two teams left standing. Thanks for watching.

[@shasta824]

This video came up in my feed and I thought the same thing. I asked my son if he thought I could compete with them. He said for sure, they look slow and make a lot of mistakes. Exactly what i thought. Still brings up my consistent question of is there a difference between levels at different ages? Are 3.5 18-35 players better than this? For sure! But how many 55-59 true 4.0+ players are there in relation to total p[layers in that age range.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I have no idea. There are players in that age group and that are 4.0 players and are much better than this. I know. I play with and against them.

[@mrg7821]

When I see that backhand serve (13:52) I wonder who they're copying. There's no particular spin on it and it's always short and weak. It doesn't win points at any level above 3.0.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Very true. Not a good serve.

[@davebaker3241]

I play in The Villages (Florida). I suspect our ratings may be a bit conservative. That said, they look like our 3.0 players.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I would think that's probably right! Thanks for watching.

[@JerseyPickles]

Hello, is there a way to send you a video I’d like you to pick apart? (Namely: “Men’s Friday Championship - Game 2 - June 21, 2024”)

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I found it and will be happy to do it. However, I am leaving town this week to play in a tournament. I'll try to get to it next week.

[@JerseyPickles]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 - fantastic and thank you! Best of luck with your tournament.

[@Hawkin.H]

Was this video recorded or played at normal speed? It looked slow to me????

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Haha! Normal speed!

[@Hawkin.H]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 Thank you. Maybe, the video was recorded at a rate where it wasn't as smooth. I don't know the technical term. But, kudos for the submitter.

[@thecontralawrian7575]

How bad was the play in this tourney if this is a 3.5 mens Gold medal match?

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Good question. I thought the play here would have been much, much better. Thanks for watching.

[@davidsanders5063]

Looks a lot like my game! Maybe I am a 3.5? Maybe????

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Maybe so! Thanks for watching.

[@dm11554]

You would expect longer rallies in a 3.5 gold medal match, instead of serve, return, net..

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Yes, I agree. I would have thought so as well. Thanks for watching.

[@tysonhartle2439]

I don't know.... I played pickleball in PE in high school and we had a net at our house and played almost daily, late spring to early fall. I have been to a few clubs where they play and to parks where these yahoos in matching shirts and shorts act like they are pro tennis players and honestly, they all would get smoked by any one of my friends or myself. I don't know what the ratings are or how this works but if this is supposed to be competitive top level pickleball, it's pretty sad.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I just think the rating system is flawed. The play did not look like 3.5 to me.

[@GunnerstahlY]

I think I could have won this medal game. I would consider myself a 3.0 player though. Maybe 3.3. A lot of unforced errors, very easy ones. No ready position, and very questionable play up until the 6-6 score line.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I guess you had to be involved in the game to see how you would do. Thanks for watching.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@armstrongclan2]

Maybe by the time they got to the finals both teams were very tired and didn’t play their best…

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

They only played three games to get to the gold medal match. Couldn't have been that tired Thanks for watching.

[@dmills7375]

Game seemed to be pretty low energy. Like many have said, it’s easy to judge. We all think we look better until we see ourselves on camera. Let’s just say that the group (especially the guys in the near court) didn’t play with much sense of urgency. Never would have guessed a gold medal was on the line.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

It was! Thanks for watching!

[@acarter2072]

I'm a 3.5 and I'm pretty sure I could play with these guys.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@classsupport5678]

I guess because of their age they are 3.5. I would rate them under 3.0 just based on this performance

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Well, they were playing at 3.5. You're right though. Looked more like 3.0.

[@tatianderson911]

3,5????🤔They are younger than me, but not better. If they are the best in the group then how do the others play? 🤔

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Just goggle U. S. Open Pickleball final results and check it out.

[@jerryridder2062]

I'm 68 and feel I can beat these guys any day of the week.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Maybe so! Thanks for watching!

[@brianlane9534]

I guess 3.5 isn't as good as I thought.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Maybe not.

[@Zooweebob903]

These guys are 3.0s due no type of consistency or strategy. It’s just 4 dudes smacking the ball around.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Thanks for your opinion and thanks for watching.

[@blombidobadila8084]

Terrible court, no room to move. Who made them?, quite bizarre!

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

No idea. Thanks for watching.

[@ralphparker]

If there was 12 teams in the bracket, then have they already played 10 games. They may be worn out.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

It wasn't round robin. They played three games to get to the gold medal match.

[@ralphparker]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 I got in a tournament, men's doubles and then mixed doubles. I played 6 games in the first and 9 in the second. I was dead on the last two games.

[@Vanessa-pe2xs]

​@pickleballpick-apart9787 it's 2 of 3 at the Open. They played between 6 and 9 games to get to gold. Also 4+ hours in the sun.

[@vincek7227]

Is this really 3.5?

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

That's the level they were playing in. They only had 12 teams.

[@adamwilliams78]

There is no consistency in any of these guys games. I’d put them at 3.0. If they are 3.5 then I’m a 4.0, and I don’t think I am.

[@adamwilliams78]

Actually they did start making some better shots toward the end, but i still think I’d do well against them

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I'm sure you would. I think they lack some of the skills to be considered 3.5. But, that's the rating's system. Thanks for watching.

[@ALABOUTPICKLEBALL]

No way this is the gold medal in a 3.5 tourney. These guys are barely 3.0 players.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Sorry, but it was! It was at the U. S. Open in Naples, Florida. Goggle it.

[@ALABOUTPICKLEBALL]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 I’m not doubting you. I’m just saying they need a lot of work to get close to 3.5.

[@bobelsholz5894]

Guy in black could elevate is game by simply getting into a ready position quickly. He’s lazy.

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

Not sure he's lazy. I just don't think he's not the most athletic. Thanks for watching.

[@bobelsholz5894]

@@pickleballpick-apart9787 strikes me as just doing enough to get by.

[@Cacheola]

Painful, cannot watch. Watching this puts me at a solid 5

[@pickleballpick-apart9787]

I hear you. Thanks for watching!