Pickleball: Just Get Out and Play

It’s August. It’s hot, the kids are enjoying the last few weeks of summer, and maybe you’re looking for something different to do outside.

How about pickleball?

Pickleball courts seem to be everywhere, and there is a reason for that.

It’s fun.

For adults, pickleball gives you a chance to compete without taking everything too seriously. Grab a paddle, find three friends, and start playing. Before long, somebody is talking trash, somebody is questioning a line call, and everybody is trying to hit the perfect shot.

Sound familiar?

Kids can enjoy it too. The smaller court keeps them involved in the action, and they can start rallying and competing without needing years of experience.

Even better, adults and kids can play together. But while you’re having fun, your brain is also working.

Like tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball forces you to react and make quick decisions. Where is the ball going? Where is your opponent? Should you move forward, stay back, hit it hard or take something off the shot?

You see the ball, process what is happening, and react.

That combination of movement, hand-eye coordination, anticipation and decision-making is part of what makes racquet sports good exercise for your mind as well as your body. August doesn’t always have to mean another serious workout or a long afternoon on the tennis court.

Sometimes you just need to try something different.

Get your kids. Call some friends. Find a court.

You might find yourself competing harder than you expected.

Or you might just spend an hour laughing.

Either way, you’re moving, thinking, and having fun.

That sounds like a pretty good way to spend an August evening.