I began last month with a goal: to learn how to play pickleball (the current fastest-growing sport). I was hooked when I enjoyed an hour-long game on Kiawah Island in February with my dear friends Tim, Susan, Jen, Maureen, and Jeanne. Then I enjoyed a pro lesson from Greg, here in Dallas, which inspired me to get serious about the sport. I bought equipment, clothes (you must look good while playing!), and court shoes. I watched videos, read the rule book, and joined an online group of players, where I met Chris, my cool, super-star friend, and playmate.
Now, it’s September and I LOVE playing the game. I taught my friend Beth how to play (she picked it up quickly and kicked my butt) AND my husband learned last weekend; he has great moves, skills, and concentration. Can you tell I’m recruiting players?
Yesterday, another coach came into my life. Her name is Lisa and she’s an A-MAZ-ING coach and player!! She’s tough and tender; honest and fair; insightful and realistic. She used drills to help me and I think it worked: backhand swings, ball placement, dinks, and serves. After the lesson part, Chris, Lisa, and I played real games. What a treat! She is right: you get better by playing advanced players.
OOPS, NO PHOTO OF LISA
Here’s the skinny about Pickleball: 🏓
It was invented in 1965 just outside Seattle on Bainbridge Island by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – who, as dads often do, decided to create some summertime fun for their kids. To me, it’s a hybrid of racket sports, ping-pong, handball, and other multi-directional sports.
- Pickleball is one of the most popular sports in the country
- It’s been around for 50 Years
- It all started with three men, a few bored kids, and a dream
- Not your average ball is used, rather a ball similar to a whiffle ball
- The best picklers are never “pickled”
- Rule #1: The ball must stay in bounds
- Rule #2: There should be one bounce per side
- Rule #3: Serving must be done at the baseline
- Rule #4: The serve can’t land in the no-volley zone
- Rule #5: The game ends at 11 or 15 points
My Rule #6: Always have FUN!!
This fast-moving sport will fit in nicely with my biking, hiking, yoga, and walking. I’m unsure what happens when the weather changes to cold (you know how I feel about cold 🥶), yet optimistic I’ll figure it out, (JFIO). I’m never bored; I’m always seeking more FUN. I hope you will too.
What new thing have YOU done lately???
Aloha🌺,
Denise