All I Need to Know About Life I learned from Pickleball…

by pickleballfun on Mar 15, 2014

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There's a reason pickleball is sweeping the nation. It's fun, friendly, and great exercise... and there are a ton of lessons you can take from it for use in life. Pickleball Life Rules

Aim Carefully - you hit what you aim for so be careful where you point your paddle... and your life.

Know the Rules and Obey - no matter what the game, no one likes a cheat. Ignore the rules and you'll run out of partners to play with.

Assume the best - in line calls and life, be generous of spirit and give others the benefit of the doubt. 

Help others – remember where you came from. When you see a less experienced player, offer to play them. We all start at the same level and get better with the help of those around us.

Be a good sport – it’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game. Shake hands, say good game, and hope for better luck next time.

Practice, practice, practice. Repeat. It's the only way you get better at anything.

Play the hand you’re given – if you’re paired with someone with less skill, take it as an opportunity to teach, practice, and learn. If you’re paired with someone who can clobber you, take the lesson in humility. The only way you won't learn something is if you don't play cuz' you don't like the cards.

Slow and steady wins the race – until you’re proficient enough to have a 90% success rate with trick shots or spin stick to basics, keep it simple, keep it consistent. Basics are hard enough to master, and 75% of points are won through other players’ errors.

Announce the score loud and clear – in pickleball, and life, it's always good to make sure everyone's on the same page.

Poach at your own risk – unless you have a good reason and your partner’s permission, it’s easier on everyone (including you) if you just worry about yourself.

Be ready – always assume the ball (or insert life event here) is going to come to you next.

Communicate – as in relationships, doubles players can't win without communication.

Give 100% effort 100% of the time – if you’re trying your best, you don’t need to apologize.

Smile and laugh often – humor makes life, and pickleball, a lot more fun.

Make friends.

Arrive on time.

Remember to breathe. 

Stretch.