As I sit here 5 weeks out recovering from neck surgery, I can’t help but think of all the activities I am missing out on that I would want to be doing this summer-things that are important to my well being. I feel stagnant, which is so opposite to my lifestyle. That stagnant word stands out to me because when I am teaching or coaching my students or athletes I emphasize how important it is not to be stagnant (or lazy). Even the sports that are considered not as fast paced (badminton, tennis, ultimate frisbee, etc.) are not meant for players to be stagnant. I personally am also a goal seeker, a dream chaser. Someone that has to continue to improve my life in all aspects (financially, physically, career-wise, self growth). I also encourage my athletes and students not to be stagnant in their lives when it comes to taking steps to improve as a person and career wise.
Back to -While I lay here stagnant and limited on what physical activities I can do – one in particular stands out. Pickleball! Don’t get me wrong, I love all sports and activities – In the summer I focus on biking, swimming, running, CrossFit, hiking, walking my dog, and tennis. Pickleball is growing and courts are popping up all over! At the high school I teach at, our tennis courts were just redone and Pickleball courts were added. My hometown has recently built an indoor facility with Pickleball courts and has leagues. When I go to the store, I see Pickleball paddles for sale. It seems to be everywhere! I had found myself googling how to play Pickleball since I do enjoy playing tennis. From my research, an interesting fact I learned is that Pickleball increased in popularity during Covid 19 since it was an activity people could do while social distancing. In the same article, it posed the question of Pickleball being a future sport in the Olympics. While looking into more about Pickleball, one of my favorite facts regarding Pickleball is- The game was first invented in 1965 by three dads in the United States with bored kids. It slowly made its way to Canada and is now the country’s fastest-growing sport. It made me giggle a little bit, since as parents, grandparents, teachers, siblings, etc. we are always trying to keep children occupied. Pickleball is looked at as “A Game for All.” Pickleball has been around for decades, but appears to be gaining popularity. According to the USA Pickleball Association, it’s one of the fastest growing sports in America. Even Soldiers in the Army Recovery Program are playing Pickleball to help recovery from injuries. Time Magazine writes about the benefits that Pickleball has for seniors. Benefits mentioned include- more calories burned compared to walking, improves balance, movement, coordination, is easy on the joints, keeps the brain sharp, and is a way to socialize- especially with all ages of people. I also know people my age (35 years old) that play it often and are very into it! I plan on teaching Pickleball to my students in the P.E classes I teach going forward!
I also looked at the site- USA Pickleball to learn the rules for when I am fully recovered from my neck injury. I love how this site also provided strategy ideas for when playing. Videos were also provided to demonstrate the tips and strategies when playing Pickleball either as singles or as doubles.
I love the fact that the average pickleball age is 38! Like I mentioned earlier, one of the articles talks about Pickleball one day being a possible Olympic Sport! A dream of mine is I had always hoped to make it to the Olympics to compete. With the growing number of physical activities popping up later in life for all aged adults (pickleball becoming popular, CrossFit being invented, I can’t help but wonder what other games/activities will be developed or gain popularity and how this could change the future of sport for adults later in life. Since the average pro athlete retires at 35. Perhaps opportunities will open up for adults of all ages to have the opportunity to make it to the Olympics because of the take off of a particular activity. This is exciting to think about. It gives that dream of mine some hope!
While continuing to think of the Olympics and Pickleball playing opportunities, my thoughts then went in the direction of I wish there was an Olympic type event for the higher level person but not at the intensity or Eliteness of the actual Olympics. There are low athletic people , average, high athletic, and elite (professional athletes). When we are done with high school or college sports, most people have to turn to recreational sports. Within these recreational sports there are different levels of abilities and competitiveness. However imagine an opportunity like the Olympics for the above average/competitive level people to be able to participate in? Yes there are events to focus on in adult years to compete in such as triathlons, obstacle races, softball leagues, soccer leagues etc.-These are usually local . Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a USA games for the rest of us? Where standards still need to be met to qualify, awards will still be given, but most of all a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment for us former athletes to strive for to keep us focused, motivated, and fit.
Food for further thought questions:
- What activity would you like to see be in the Olympics? (Can be an existing activity or an idea of a type of event that doesn’t exist yet)
- What are your thoughts about Pickleball? Have you tried it out yet ?
- What are some additional ideas to continue to keep Americans active?
Game Changer 