Can Anyone Play Pickleball?

Is pickleball for you? Absolutely!

Pickleball is for the athlete and the non-athlete. That doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but it’s true. Let me explain.

I’m an ex-college basketball player who turned into a senior citizen before I knew or was ready for it to happen.

I’m 71 years old now and stayed active in sports (softball, rec basketball, tennis) into my early 60s. I have always loved competition, but then my body parts weren’t agreeing with my brain. My brain was saying, ”Let’s play a doubleheader.” And my body was saying, “Get ready to blow a hamstring.”

I was stuck. Retired with body part issues but wanting to stay active. I saw a notification in my neighborhood paper that senior pickleball was being played on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the local recreation center. I didn’t know what pickleball was. My grandson, Zack, and I went to the rec center to see what pickleball was. We watched 3 courts of doubles being played. I looked at Zack and asked if he thought grandpa could play pickleball. His answer? ”Yes.”

So I borrowed a paddle and went to the next open play session. There were men and women of all sizes and shapes.

I did okay. Actually I did very well considering I didn’t know the rules or the strategies. It reminded me of tennis and ping-pong. Some players were very competitive and some were there for exercise, but what I noticed was that both groups were enjoying themselves.

The more I played, the more I enjoyed it. I started getting better, started playing 3-4 times a week and with stronger players. It was satisfying my competitive juices and getting me all the exercise I needed. The quickness of the game, the strategy, and the teamwork were all right up my alley.

I fell in love with the game. Now I’ve become an ambassador of pickleball.

I’ve read it’s the fastest growing game in America and that’s because it really is for everyone to enjoy. Try it! You’ll love it!