This has been a difficult year. Which makes it especially meaningful to spend time thinking about the things for which we give thanks. Among them, I am thankful for pickleball.
Thanksgiving 2020
Please don’t get me wrong. I know there are many things more important than pickleball. If nothing else, 2020 has provided perspective for many of our lives. For those who have lost family or friends to this terrible disease, our hearts weep with you. We pray that friendships frayed by politics can heal after a bitterly contested campaign season. To those struggling after losing a job or a business…to the parents juggling kids and career…we offer heartfelt encouragement while knowing this is not enough.
So I hope you realize that during the holiday season, we reflect on the many ways in which we are thankful. But for the purposes of this week’s blog, let me share why I am thankful for pickleball.
my competitive fire
Like many of you, pickleball has provided an outlet for my competitive fire. Pickleball tournaments provide an opportunity to challenge me and evaluate my progress. I won’t lie. As I have gotten older, my body appreciates the smaller court. But tournaments wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if we only spent time on the court. Meeting my readers, catching up with folks from other parts of the country, seeing how the sport continues to grow…these things make pickleball tournaments special!
the pickleball community
While having been in the tennis world for my entire life, I must admit there is something special about the pickleball community. Perhaps because the pickleball court is small, the game is more social! You can offer some good-natured ribbing or encouragement to your opponent who is only a few feet away. The two bounce rule neutralizes the advantage of the serving team, making every point challenging.
Each pickleball community seems to form its own traditions. Some will go out for breakfast after morning play. Some groups meet each week for “pickleball and dine” events. As we traveled around the country we found the communities with the best pickleball clubs are those that combine social activities with pickleball. And this year has highlighted the value of such interaction as it reduces the risk of mental health issues, such as depression.
pickleball health benefits
There is a direct correlation between health and happiness. And the health benefits of pickleball are well documented. We’ve seen people lose the weight they have tried to shed for years. We know folks that have quit smoking so they can play pickleball longer and better. Improved balance, increased agility, lower blood pressure, improved cardiac health …. are all health benefits associated with exercise, and playing pickleball regularly.
thankful for pickleball
So yes, I realize this, is not the most important revelation. There are many, many things to be thankful for this year. However, these are just a few of the reasons I am thankful for pickleball.
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