Let's Pickle! My Journey Begins

There's something exhilarating about trying out a new sport for the first time—the excitement and the joy of discovering new skills, and the thrill of meeting new people. For me, that moment came when I decided to give pickleball a try. I have to admit…early on I had said that it was something I would never do. I would say...” That’s not for me” …” I am a tennis player”, but little did I know that this experience would a open up an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and unexpected delights that I haven’t experienced since playing competitive sports in high school

What is Pickleball?

I was first introduced to pickleball through a friend who couldn't stop raving about the game. He would talk about how it was tennis, badminton, ping pong…all rolled into one! Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

A Mix of Excitement, nerves and confidence (after all I was a Tennis Player)

As I arrived at the pickleball court, I could feel a mix of nerves and excitement within me. Then I saw the familiar court…smaller but familiar. I was welcomed by a group of friendly players who handed me a paddle and introduced me to the basic rules of the game.

With my heart pounding, I stepped onto the court, ready to embrace this new sporting adventure.

Challenging and Fun

As the first pickleball rally began, I found myself immediately captivated by the game's fast-paced nature. When I played tennis, I was always the net guy…the smaller court forced me back to those days when I had to be quick on my feet, I especially liked the the lower net height that allowed for more dynamic exchanges.

The unique aspect of pickleball—the "dink" shot—proved to be both challenging and rewarding. The soft and precise touch required to execute the perfect dink took some getting used to, but as I began to master the shot, it opened up new strategic possibilities, adding an exciting layer to the game.

My Journey has Begun

Leaving the court that day, I knew that my pickleball journey had only just begun. I felt an eagerness to continue exploring this wonderful sport, to improve my skills, and to build more meaningful connections with fellow players.

If you're curious about trying out pickleball, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. Embrace the nerves and excitement, relish the learning process, and open yourself up to the joys of this fantastic sport. Who knows, like me, you might find that pickleball becomes an unexpected delight that brightens your life and opens the door to a world of fun and camaraderie on the court. Happy pickleballing!