Happy Firday!

When I first picked up a paddle, I thought pickleball was just about the game—dinking, smashing, and chasing down those insane shots that somehow land perfectly in the kitchen.

But the more time I spent on the courts, the more I realized this sport isn’t just about points and paddles. It’s about people. Finding YOUR pickleball community isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s the secret sauce to loving this game and improving as a player.

Let me tell you why.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Did you know that over 36.5 million people played pickleball last year? (Yes, millions! Pickleball Nation is officially a thing.) But here’s the kicker: according to a survey by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the majority of players stick with the sport because of the social connections they build, not just the exercise or competition.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more likely to show up for a 7 a.m. match if I know I’ll see friendly faces—and maybe share a post-game coffee (or donuts, let’s be honest).

My First Pickleball Crew

When I started playing, I didn’t know a dink from a drive, and my serves had more faults than a bad rom-com.

One day, a seasoned group invited me to join their game. Did they laugh at my double faults? Sure. But they also gave me tips, cheered my wins, and made me feel like I belonged.

Fast forward a few months, and those same people became my Saturday morning crew.

The moral? Pickleball isn’t just about showing up; it’s about finding your people.

The ones who celebrate your victories and laugh off your flubs.

Why Community Matters (Even Beyond the Court)

Science backs this up.

Studies show that being part of a community can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even extend your lifespan. And if you’ve spent five minutes on a pickleball court, you know it’s a stress-buster.

Add a little banter with your crew, and it’s therapy disguised as a sport.

Plus, playing with regulars helps your game. You’ll learn their quirks, anticipate their moves, and level up faster than if you’re always playing strangers.

(Pro tip: Beware of Bob. He’ll lull you into a false sense of security with his slow serves, then hit you with a killer backhand.)

The Wrong Crowd Can Teach You Too

True story: I once joined a group that took pickleball so seriously it felt like Olympic tryouts.

They had matching outfits, pre-game stretches, and post-match debriefs. I lasted two sessions before realizing I’d rather play with folks who can laugh when a ball ricochets off their paddle and hits the net…and then their own face.

Finding your crowd might take a little trial and error, but when you know, you know.

How to Find YOUR Pickleball People

1. Start Local: Check out clubs, community centers, or Facebook groups for pickleball meetups. There’s probably a group within 10 miles of you.
   
   
2. Mix It Up: Play with beginners, intermediates, and pros. You’ll learn different things from each group.
   
   
3. Look for the Laughs: If you’re not smiling (or laughing at yourself) by the end of a session, keep looking. The right crew will make even your worst games fun.

One Last Thing

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still learning the difference between a dink and a drive, finding your pickleball community is the key to sticking with this game for life.

So, go out there, join a game, and let the connections happen. And if you’re still searching, don’t worry—your pickleball tribe is out there, ready to welcome you with open paddles.

Until next time, keep dinking and laughing.