Seven Hard Truths about Pickleball [stuff I wish I knew when I started]
As a retired army colonel who loves pickleball, I can attest to the fact that this sport has been exploding exponentially in popularity. This is kinda good because I love seeing so many new faces but all these noobs have some rather rosy ideas about what the sport can be. While many people enjoy playing and improving their skills, there are some hard truths about the sport that many are not ready to hear. Here are a few of the hard truths about Pickleball that new players need to keep in mind.
Plateau is Inevitable
No matter how dedicated you are to improving your skills and learning new strategies, there will come a point when you plateau. This is a natural part of any sport or activity, and it is important to accept that there will be limits to your improvement. This does not mean that you should stop practicing or trying to get better, but rather that you should enjoy the game for what it is, and not become obsessed with improvement.
You can’t escape the curve
You could rapidly improve at PB (the blue curve above) after taking up the sport, going from 2.5 to 3.0 or even 4.0 in a matter of months. Or, it could be a long painful slog up the curve (red line) where each new skill has to be scratched and clawed. Either way, you can see that both curves eventually reach the same point and flatten out. You simply can’t escape that point.
Don’t Hate the Bangers
One of the most exciting aspects of Pickleball is the speed and power of hard hits. However, some players may not enjoy this aspect of the game, and may prefer a more controlled and slower pace.
If this is the case, it is important to realize that this may limit your ability to play with certain partners or in certain environments.
More Diversity is Needed
Pickleball is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, but it is important to acknowledge that there is room for more diversity. Currently, the sport is dominated by older players, and there is a lack of representation from other groups, including women and people of color.
This is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to make the sport more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Professionalization Brings More Opportunities
As Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, there has been talk of professionalizing the sport, with the creation of a professional league and the possibility of prize money.
Some players may see this as a threat to the friendly and social nature of the game. Still, it is important to recognize that professionalization can actually bring more attention and opportunities to the sport.
Pickleball is Here to Stay
Some people may view Pickleball as a passing trend or fad, but this is not the case. The sport has been around for over 50 years and continues to grow in popularity around the world. As more people discover the fun and challenging nature of Pickleball, it is likely to become a staple in the sports world for years to come.
Age and Physical Ability Matter
While Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, it is important to acknowledge that your age and physical ability may limit your potential. This does not mean that you should stop playing, but rather that you should be aware of your limitations and adjust your playing style accordingly.
Doubles Play Saves Energy
As players get older, it may become more challenging to cover the court and keep up with faster-paced games. In these cases, it is important to focus on doubles play, which allows for more strategic positioning and can help you conserve your energy and avoid injuries.
Be Honest About Your Skill Level
Many players tend to overestimate their skill level and may rate themselves higher than they actually are. It is important to be honest with yourself and your playing partners about your skill level, so that you can find partners who are at a similar level and avoid frustration on the court.
Dealing with Unsolicited Advice
As with any sport or activity, there may be players who feel the need to offer unsolicited advice or criticism. While this can be frustrating, it is important to remember that these players are likely trying to help, and their advice may be useful in improving your game.
In my college days, I could be found acing serves on the tennis court, honing my skills and leading my team to victory. But life has a funny way of serving up surprises, and following a back injury, my tennis days came to a halt.
Yet, in the midst of adversity, pickleball emerged as my beacon of hope. The sport gave me a chance to continue my love for racquet games, and without the physical stress that tennis put on my body. I've traded the sound of a tennis ball's pop for the unique clink of a pickleball on a paddle, and honestly, I've never looked back.
Now, I'm not just creating beautiful designs and innovative visuals; I'm also mastering the art of the dink shot and the thrill of the slam in pickleball. My journey serves as a testament to the fact that no matter what curveballs life throws your way, there's always a way to adjust your swing. Let's connect on and off the court!
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