It started in early 2024 when my husband asked me if I would be interested in playing Pickleball
as a new indoor facility had opened in Fort Wayne. I suppose you could call it our New Year’s
interest! I was “game”; however, I am a tennis player. I didn’t want to abandon my tennis game
and appear to be a traitor. And yes, there was my concern of whether it would hinder/help my
tennis game. But, having together time and engaging with a paddle, ball, and net was right up
my “alley”. So, the journey began. We took the introductory course and quickly entered a new
world of terminology (dink, kitchen, tagging) and scoring. (Sidenote: Could tennis and pickleball
scoring be any more difficult for novice players?)
We have fallen for Pickleball! We play just about every week, discuss our new-found love with
others who have not yet been smitten by this sport that professes to be the fastest growing
American sport.
The court movement and hitting the pickleball has been a more natural experience for me, but
the new challenges and tennis similarities are invigorating to me. Some things I have discovered
along my journey include the following:
1. Communication with your doubles partner is helpful! (both on and off the court!)
2. Practice your serve as you are in control of this shot!
3. Lobbing is a “thing”---but more challenging in Pickleball.
4. The pickleball does not bounce like a tennis ball.
5. Footwork is key as well as supportive shoes.
6. Pickleball has actually helped my tennis game with footwork (smaller steps) in addition
to reaction time with volleying and seeing the court.
7. It has been a blast to meet new people and learn about their journeys with the sport.
For my husband this sport opened a whole new world of research (as he does with passion!)
from the rules and etiquette of the sport to paddles, shoes, tournaments and using a ball
machine.
We discovered that regardless of your experience or athletic ability, there’s a place for you on
the pickleball court [sort of like church!]. From novices just trying to get out and move around a
bit to fierce competitors smashing that yellow ball back at you, you’re sure to find someone fun
to engage with [again, hopefully like your church!].
I hope 2025 shows promise for you and new interests! Happy New Year!
Luanne Erdos