I’ve started playing pickleball regularly over the past year, as it’s a fairly accessible and fun physical activity. If you haven’t heard of pickleball by now, you soon will, as the tennis/badminton combo is the fastest growing sport in North America.
While pickleball can be played by all ages, it tends to draw in many from the older, retired crowd, especially ex-tennis players seeking a sport a bit kinder on the joints. Not that pickleball is much gentler, as I discovered, as it can be pretty fast paced and requires quick reaction times. Fortunately, as the ball is plastic, getting hit with it is not so severe, but the need to literally keep your eye on the ball is an excellent opportunity for me to remain present in the moment.
I also enjoy the social interaction, but what surprised me most – other than the speed of the sport – is how fractious situations can get between players. I suppose individuals bring their personalities to the game, as they would anywhere, but I’ve been amazed, at one recreation centre in particular, at the regular squabbling over whose turn it is to play, as well as bickering over points and scores. Mercifully, this is not always the case and many times, operations run smoothly.
For me, the most enjoyable scenario on the court are players who engage verbally during the game and are positive and encouraging about shots. While some are, others are more resolutely silent or not particularly friendly, which is a shame. But the ones I have the most trouble with are the really competitive people who only play to win.
Obviously, a certain level of competition is healthy, but for me, as an intermediate player still working on my shots, those who whack the ball so hard and fast there’s no chance of me returning it, go too far and spoil the game. I’m more impressed with strategically placed shots than smashed ones – which often backfire anyway – and I struggle with people who show very little consideration for those they’re playing against.
The most admirable individuals for me are advanced players that adapt their game to the level of those they’re playing with, giving learners a chance and the space to improve. There’s a real graciousness in such sportsmanship, which doesn’t mean you have to surrender your win – but at least when you do win, you’re bringing everyone along with you. This kind of respect and generosity in the midst of a fast-paced game is commendable and shows that you can apply this kind of humanity and sensitivity to any aspect of your life – both on and off the court.