Let's Get Back to PLAYING Pickleball

Pickleball is the best sport I have ever encountered. EVER. In all aspects - I have more good friends, I am in better shape, my mind is sharper, and my life is more rewarding. For me, pickleball is LIFE.

So why do so many people spend so much time obsessing with trying to define and predict things they see happening, instead of just getting out there and playing? Except for a few fine-tuning rule changes, the core game has barely changed since 1965.
What has changed dramatically though are the people who play pickleball. There has recently been a huge influx of young, athletic, ex-tennis players who bring their own styles and beliefs to the game. But as long as I have played the game there have been bangers to contend with. I've played against spin-masters, I've played against lobbers. I've played against young, fast players. So how is today any different?

Every time I step on the court I contend with different styles and skill levels. And I adjust. It is 100% my choice and responsibility to make adjustments and deal with the situation. Just recently I had to talk a friend down off a ledge - she wanted to quit playing pickleball because the young players hit the ball so hard at her. I tactfully explained that she just needed to get a little bit better at handling them and that it was well within her capabilities. And off she went.

So there is no major revolution underway. There is no train at the station that we have to board or get left behind. It is just pickleball. And the ever-growing number of lives we are touching every day.

Now get out there and PLAY!

Have a great day.

​Michael Gauthier