Billings MT #17 - Beneath the Rimrocks

 June 24 2020

Playing in the morning at MSU Billings with the Rimrock in the background was beautiful. While we had no qualms about the scenery, there must have been a better place for pickleball play on a Wednesday morning. When we arrived at the courts, we were disappointed. The pickleball courts were on tennis courts sharing the tennis net. This means the center of the net was 2 inches higher than the center of a pickleball net. It also means the nets were 10 feet wider on each side eliminating any chance for an around the post shot. Yes, we have both had around the post shots. There was no barrier between courts, so retrieving an errant shot could take some time. Even retrieving the ball behind the baseline was tiresome. There were some players there on one of the end courts, but it quickly became apparent they did not want to play with any other players. At the opposite end of the courts roots from nearby trees were affecting the surface of the court. I would have to say that these were the least desirable courts we've ever played on.

Eventually more players arrived.  We began playing with a mother and  daughter who were friendly enough, but we quickly realized they were beginners when it came to playing pickleball. We played a few games with them, but were desiring a higher level of play.

The skill level of other players that arrived was better, but still not at the level of play that Barb and I were accustomed to. It was interesting that one pair of players we played were also Harold and Barb although they were not husband and wife.

If we end up in Billings MT again and are looking for some pickleball play, we will definitely be looking for another location.