My Pickleball Obsession

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Celebrities and professional athletes are buying professional pickleball teams. Pickleball tournaments are being shown on national television.

But what is pickleball? I had that same question about five years ago when my husband came home from his family doctor appointment. He had asked the doctor about exercise or an activity that we could do together into our old age. The doctor suggested pickleball. We didn’t know anything about it, but I saw in the local paper that there was a beginner’s clinic coming up, so we signed up. Little did I know that clinic would be the beginning of my pickleball obsession.

Pickleball has been described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball much like a wiffle ball. The court is the size of a badminton court. I always play doubles, so it is usually not a lot of running. It is for all ages. I have played with guys in their 20s and people in their 80s. (And, I hate to mention it, but my husband and I almost got beat by two 10-year-olds in a tournament a few years ago.) Pickleball has some quirky rules, but it is easy to learn and a very social, fun sport.

I could write a lot more about the sport of pickleball, but if you want to learn how to play you can go to the Columbus Parks and Rec website and sign up for a clinic. Or just look on YouTube. My main reason for writing this article is to show how one remark from the family doctor turned me into a pickleball maniac.

Here are some indications of my obsession:

New pickleball paddles were mine and my husband’s Christmas presents to each other last year.

I own my own net.

Pretty much the only clothes I buy now are tank tops and tennis skorts. My favorite tennis skort was purchased at Kroger! Isn’t it weird that you can buy clothes at Kroger? Oops, I digress…

I have made meals at home, taken the food in a warmer bag, and eaten in between games so we aren’t eating at home at 10 p.m. We have taken our tailgating grill many times to Donner Park so we can have hamburgers/hot dogs/brats when we take a break from playing.

When my mom calls and has to leave a message, no matter the time of day or night it is, she’ll say, “Well, I guess you are playing pickleball.” She’s not wrong. I have watched the sun rise over the pickleball courts and also have played in almost complete darkness to finish my last game.

I will play outside in about any weather. I have played in more than 90-degree heat and high humidity. I take my battery-powered leaf blower to blow leaves and water off the courts after it rains. My texting conversation on October 17:

Friend: My weather app says “feels like 28 degrees” at 9:00—dress warm
Me: Mine says “33 degrees”—I’m hoping for that extra 5 degrees.

I travel with my pickleball paddle. My husband and I took our paddles to California when visiting my sister. When we go on vacation I look online to see if there are pickleball courts in the place we are visiting. I have called YMCAs to see if they have open play where visitors can join. We have never been turned away and have enjoyed meeting new people. For the most part, pickleball people are nice!

In closing, I would like to say that I am not ashamed of my pickleball obsession. It does not cost much to play. I get exercise. My husband and I get to enjoy a common activity. I meet new people all the time. I get to unleash my competitiveness (just ask my husband). Here’s hoping I can play pickleball for many more years!

Hey, Mom—if you need me for something, I’ll be at the pickleball courts.