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USPTA Invited Guest
Adding Pickleball to Your Program By Alison Mays, USPTA
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here is a reason that Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States. As a tennis teaching professional for almost two decades, and a competitive tennis player for even longer, I was less than excited to see public tennis courts being converted into Pickleball courts. I didn’t understand the appeal of this game-and what was with that ridiculous name? I scoffed and frowned as I watched crowds of Pickleball players throng to the newly renovated courts. I shook my head in disdain and grumbled, until one day I was invited to play. Mostly out of curiosity, I decided to give it a go. I held the lightweight paddle, resembling a ping-pong paddle on steroids, and the airy, plastic ball in my inquisitive hands. It wasn’t until I gave the ball a thwack a time or two in a rapid exchange, that the veil was lifted, and I became a believer! I proceeded to play for a couple of hours that day, learning my way around the abbreviated court and how to navigate the foreign scoring system. Once I had a handle on the basics, I had a permanent grin on my face while whacking that ball! So THIS is what it’s all about. Anxious to play again, as soon as possible, I was hoping to entice my husband to play. He is also a USPTA Tennis Professional and tennis enthusiast, and he was even more reluctant to open his heart to this sport. “That’s a game for OLD people!” He jeered. “We are NOT ready for that!” he stated, with a monumental eye roll. While it is true, the game gained much of its popularity being played nationwide in community centers and retirement facilities, it is actually played by all ages and has its own national governing body, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). The first US Open Professional Pickleball Tournament was held in 2016 by the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association). I was able to stream recent US Open Pickleball matches on the TV to reassure him that this was indeed a game of speed, power, and finesse, and not in the same classification as shuffleboard! His transformation was swift as well. We purchased our paddles and a few Pickleballs to practice with and headed to the courts. The group of Picklers (the official name of players of Pickle-
ball, per my internet sources) already playing on the adjacent court, graciously invited us to join the group. We have been playing regularly ever since! The courts are outside, with space allowing for all to maintain social distancing. We utilize our hand sanitizer each time we come off the court and before handling our water or towels. We play with Picklers of all ages! College kids, seniors, and even juniors share the courts and make for exciting matches. I imagine you may be wondering if playing Pickleball negatively impacts playing tennis? I wondered this as well but have come to find that once acclimated to the differences, I have no issues going back and forth between the two sports. I have found that my volleying in tennis has improved as a result of the quick exchanges volleying in Pickleball. There is simply no need to choose one or the other! Tennis players have a bit of an advantage in taking up Pickleball. Nice groundstrokes and good footwork make an impressive foundation for play. The popularity of this sport is exploding, not only in the US but also abroad. Since partnering with the IPTPA in 2019,
USPTA is encouraging pros to pursue certification in Pickleball. There are three levels of certification available: Coach, Beginner/intermediate Instructor, and that of Certified Elite Pickleball Teaching Professional. Having seen firsthand the numbers of Picklers grow exponentially, the value of adding this sport to a tennis club is a huge opportunity. Memberships will grow as word gets out of a Pickleball program. Because of the shorter lever arm of the paddle, and the air-light ball, young players are better able to manage handeye coordination and will have quick success with keeping the ball in play. This success will lead to enjoyment which will lead to the desire to continue to play and grow. This can be used as a progression to tennis. Parents will love being able to play competitively with their children and grandchildren! Senior adults also benefit from the lighter equipment and decreased playing area, as they enjoy the challenge of the quick exchanges. Developing camaraderie with Pickleball social events and family activities for all to enjoy, is a win-win for tennis facilities to continue to diversify and grow. Pondering Pickleball
