According to the 2023 APP Tour’s Pickleball Participation Report, there are how many pickleball players in the United States?

In 5 Minutes Or Less

Story Time: 

From Frustration to Fun: The Joy of Teaching Pickleball to Friends

I recently got invited to play pickleball with a group of friends, and even though I knew it was going to be more of a teaching session than an actual game, I agreed—mostly because they’re my friends, and I didn’t want to say no. I was pretty frustrated at first, knowing I wouldn’t get any real rallies in and that I'd have to explain the rules like I was talking to kindergartners.

But once we got on the court, something shifted. Yes, I had to walk them through everything, and no, there weren’t any intense rallies happening. But seeing their excitement as they started to grasp the basics was genuinely fun. Instead of focusing on the competition, I got to enjoy the time hanging out with them, laughing at their mistakes, and celebrating their small victories. By the end, I was glad I had said yes.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, it’s not about winning or playing a great game—sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the time with your friends and sharing a sport you love.

When friends want to play pickleball but aren't very skilled, it's an opportunity to make the game fun and enjoyable for everyone while still helping them improve. Here are a few approaches you can take:

1. Focus on Fun: Emphasize the social and fun aspect of the game rather than being overly competitive. This helps to keep things lighthearted and enjoyable.
   
2. Encourage Them: Be supportive and give positive feedback on the shots they do well. This can boost their confidence and make them more eager to keep playing and improving.

3. Offer Tips: If they're open to it, offer a few basic tips that can help them improve, like positioning or how to properly hit the ball. Keep it simple and avoid overwhelming them with too much advice.

4. Play to Their Level: Adjust your game to match their skill level without making it too obvious. You can still challenge yourself by practicing different strategies, focusing on control rather than power, or working on specific areas of your game.

5. Rotate Teams: If you're playing doubles, mix up teams frequently so everyone gets a chance to play with more experienced players. This way, they can learn by example.

6. Be Patient: Everyone was a beginner at some point, and showing patience can help your friends develop a love for the game over time.

Your friends will likely appreciate the chance to play with you, and it could help them enjoy the game more while improving their skills!

Your Friend,

Alex 

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Tag Us On Social Media

@THEOFFICIALAAPA ON INSTAGRAM

🎉LIMITED TIME OFFER: 3 Of OUR AAPA (Better Than Franklin)Approved Pickleballs for FREE🎉 Just Pay Shipping & Handling

Click Here To CLAIM YOUR PICKLEBALLS Now !

KITCHEN TALK: Pickleball Overload: What to Do When You Can’t Find a Court to Play On

Have you ever felt the excitement of grabbing your paddle, ready for a fun game of pickleball, only to show up at your usual court and find it completely packed? Maybe you even checked a few other places, but they were full, too. The sport is growing so fast that courts everywhere seem to be overwhelmed with players. It’s frustrating—you just want to play, but there’s no place to go. 

If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to find a spot to play. Here are some options to consider:

1. Check Local Parks and Recreation Centers: Many public parks and community centers have added pickleball courts. Look for a court directory on your city or town’s parks and recreation website.

2. Use Apps and Websites: There are several apps and websites like Pickleball Finder, Places2Play, or CourtReserve that can help you locate courts in your area.

3. Join Pickleball Groups on Social Media: Many local pickleball communities organize games and events through Facebook groups or Meetup. Joining these can help you connect with players and find places to play.

4. Ask at Tennis Courts: Some tennis courts are marked for pickleball or may allow you to set up temporary nets.

5. YMCA or Gyms: Check with your local YMCA, gyms, or fitness centers, as many have added pickleball to their activities.

6. Organize Your Own: If there’s no court nearby, you can organize games with portable nets in parking lots, driveways, or open spaces.

7. Pickleball Clubs: Consider joining a pickleball club or league, which often have access to dedicated courts and organized play sessions.

While the popularity of pickleball can make it harder to find a spot, these strategies will help you stay in the game.

HIGHLY RATED Pickleball Style Picks

Exclusive Pickleball News

🎥 Featured Video You'll Love

INSPIRATION For Your Day

"Success is not determined by how many times you fall, but by how many times you rise after each fall. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient. Each setback prepares you for the next victory. Keep pushing forward with unwavering determination and unwavering faith in your abilities. Remember, the path to success is paved with obstacles, but it is your perseverance that will ultimately lead you to triumph. Stay strong, stay focused, and never lose sight of your goals."

Hey there!

One secret hack to moving faster in Pickleball is to stay light on your feet and anticipate your opponent's next move.

By staying on your toes and being ready to react quickly, you can improve your speed and agility on the court.

Keep practicing and have fun out there!

There are 36.5 million pickleball players In America