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Yesterday was the first official DUPR tournament for me and my partner Stephanie. First observation, playing 4 hours of pickleball in mid-June in Houston is no joke. I was soaked through my first shirt getting out of the parking lot and while I drank approximately 8 gallons of water, I had zero trips to the bathroom. A couple of observations about the games: 1) Never give up: pickleball seems to be a game of runs. The big comeback is always in play and the momentum can turn very quickly. I have lost games that I was up 9-2 and have won games that I was way behind in. The key is to not get too defeated and take the old cliche "one shot at a time" literally. Until that winning point is hit - you are never out of it. 2) Relatedly, don't press when you are trying to put a team away. Part of the reason I have blown some big leads is that you try too hard to put the other team away. I found us trying to hit the "winning" shot and sailing it long or hitting it wide just to put the other team away - instead of taking the high percentage shot and playing the way that got you the lead in the first place. 3) Always have fun. While this was an official tournament - we always played better when we were laughing and joking and taking the stress off of one another vs. getting upset at your partner or yourself for a mistake. This is supposed to be fun! Great experience playing in the tournament - looking forward to the next one (hopefully not in the summer!)

Pickleball, the sport that was once considered a pastime for retirees, has now taken the world by storm. Its popularity has exploded over the last few years, and it seems like everyone is trying to get in on the action. Here in the Woodlands, Texas, I've seen this growth firsthand. I was chatting with the lady who runs the pickleball league in the Woodlands, and she was telling me about the humble beginnings of the sport in our area. A few years ago, she started a few clinics to teach people the basics of the game. It wasn't long before those clinics turned into organized play, with a few nights a week dedicated to playing pickleball. Now, the growth has been remarkable. There are over 500 people that participate in the organized activities, and that number continues to grow. It's not just the players, either. A new pickleball bar is being built, and new courts are being constructed all over the city. It's amazing to see the growth of this sport in such a short amount of time. While it's currently the fastest-growing sport in the country, I still think that there's plenty of room for it to continue to grow. As more people discover the fun and excitement of pickleball, I have no doubt that it will only continue to grow in popularity.

So, you've heard about pickleball, and you're curious to give it a try. But then you show up at the courts and see people smashing the ball like it's nobody's business. Suddenly, you feel like a helpless bystander watching from the sidelines. Don't worry, we've all been there. In this post, we'll explore how beginners can overcome the intimidation factor of pickleball and get in on the action. Take a beginners clinic: Pickleball may look easy, but there's more to it than meets the eye. A beginners clinic can teach you the basics, like how to serve, how to hit the ball, and what the heck is the kitchen. Plus, you'll be surrounded by other beginners who are just as clueless as you are, so you won't feel like a pickle wimp. Find a drop-in league: Once you have the basics down, it's time to put them into practice. But playing with more experienced players can be intimidating. Look for a drop-in league where you can play with people of similar skill levels. You'll feel more confident and have fun while improving your game. Recruit your friends: Playing pickleball with your friends can be a lot less intimidating than playing with strangers. Plus, you can encourage each other and work together to improve your skills. Who knows, you may even start a pickleball addiction among your friends. Don't let pickleball intimidate you. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and it's okay to be a beginner. By taking a beginners clinic, finding a drop-in league, and recruiting your friends, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball pro. So, grab your paddle and get out on the courts. Who knows, you may even surprise yourself with how good you can be.