What Makes a Great Pickleball Coach (And What Doesn’t?) By Pickleball Terry

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By Pickleball Terry

As a pickleball coach, I’ve met many players who have taken lessons with different instructors, some fantastic, and some… not so much. When you’re spending your time and money to improve, you deserve more than someone who just feeds you balls and tells you to dink. A great coach can make a huge difference in your growth and enjoyment of the game.

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Unfortunately, I’ve also heard plenty of stories that make me shake my head. Have you experienced any of these?

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The coach who keeps looking at their watch during your lesson, like they can’t wait to be done.
The one who doesn’t show any genuine interest in you or your goals, your level, your progress. Ugh! What’s your last name? Where you are from?
Coaches who are just there for the money, not because they love teaching. They never smile, and look like they are irritated at you for being there. Whoa! I was at a clinic where a student said something about being bored with the drill we were doing, and the coach went off on her. He yelled for a good 5 minutes, about how it was his class and no one was going to tell him what to do…yada yada yada. It was awkward for the rest of us. Yikes! I made a mental note, that I would never do that to one of my students. And one day, that happened. I had a clinic and one of the students said she didn’t like the drill we were working on, and could we do something else? I said, “Sure!” and moved onto another drill. Everyone was happy. Hey, it’s their clinic and if they don’t like something or want to do something else, I don’t bat an eye. I happily move on.

The coach who yells, disrespects, or makes you feel small for making mistakes. I will not do this. I will not do this. I will not do this. I have slipped up and done this and I have repented. I will not do this again.

I’ve even seen coaches take phone calls while their student is paying for private time! This soooo bugs me. Unless it’s an emergency, don’t take the call. However, if a student gets a call and wants to answer, I have no problem with that. Also, the dang Apple watches where people stop in the middle of a lesson to read the text. Really??? That important? Concentrate of the lesson instead.

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Or the classic: you sign up for a private lesson, but when you show up, the coach’s cousin or buddy is on the court too, suddenly turning your private into a semi-private. Not a good move. Shows disrespect for the student that signed up for a private lesson.
Some coaches will stop abruptly the second the hour is up, even if you’re in the middle of learning something important. Buzzz. Their alarm goes off on their phones, Okay, lesson is over. Where’s the money? Very unprofessional. If things are going good, I’ll give them a 1/2 hour more. I want to make sure they are satisfied with the lesson. When I was a beginner, I took a lesson and the coach watched their time the entire lesson, and as soon as the hour was over, they were out of there.

And this one. The coach who makes you pick up every ball while they stand there watching you. Oh my gosh, this actually happens more time than you think, especially if they are using a ball machine, blasting balls at the student until the machine runs out of balls. I call this lazy coaching. Then they make the student/students pick up the balls which takes up a lot of valuable lesson time. If you are an adult especially a senior, this is unusual punishment. Picking up 50 balls while the coach sits on the bench looking at their phone. No thank you! Half of your lesson should not be picking up balls.

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These are all signs of someone who isn’t fully invested in you.

A great coach does the opposite. They show up early, prepared, and fully focused. They take time to get to know you — your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. They don’t just bark orders; they encourage, explain, and guide. They give you their full attention and energy, and they genuinely care about your progress.

Most importantly, a good coach makes learning fun. You leave the court feeling encouraged, motivated, and excited to play again.

If you ever run into a coach who makes you feel like an afterthought, trust your gut — you deserve better. Pickleball is too great a game to waste on bad coaching experiences.

What Makes a Great Pickleball Coach?

Pickleball is growing at a rapid pace, and with that growth comes a surge of new players eager to learn. While anyone can hit a few balls and explain the rules, being a truly great pickleball coach takes more than just skill on the court. It’s about leadership, communication, passion, and creating an environment where players can grow.

1. Strong Fundamentals & Knowledge

A great coach has a solid understanding of the game — not just the rules, but strategies, shot selection, footwork, and court positioning. They stay current on evolving techniques and tournament trends, and they can break down complex plays into simple, actionable steps. Players trust a coach who can not only perform but explain why each shot or movement matters.

2. Clear Communication

Even the best drills are useless if they aren’t communicated well. Great coaches know how to explain things clearly and concisely, adapting their language to match the level of the student. Beginners need simple, encouraging guidance, while advanced players might benefit from more tactical, detailed feedback.

3. Patience & Positivity

Learning pickleball can be both exciting and frustrating. A great coach understands that mistakes are part of the journey. They stay patient, positive, and encouraging, helping students build confidence at their own pace. This supportive environment keeps players motivated and coming back.

4. Personalized Coaching

No two players are alike. A strong coach observes each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, then tailors drills and strategies accordingly. Whether it’s refining a serve, improving footwork, or building doubles teamwork, personalization helps players improve faster.

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5. Passion & Energy

Great coaches bring enthusiasm to every session. Their love for the game is contagious. When players see their coach having fun and genuinely caring about their progress, they feed off that energy. Passion turns a lesson into an experience.

6. Leadership & Role Modeling

Lastly, great pickleball coaches lead by example. They model sportsmanship, respect, punctuality, and dedication.

A great pickleball coach blends technical skill with human connection. They don’t just teach shots — they build confidence, community, and love for the game. And that’s what keeps players learning and thriving. I major in all the above. I share the love of the game and inspire people to get out and play. But, I’m not the only coach out there. I know a lot of great coaches. See who works best for you, and take some lessons to improve your game.

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry

September 6, 2025

Rebuttle to the New York Post Article about Pickleball Being a Dangerous Addiction

rebuttal to the New York Post Article about pickleball

Rebuttal: Pickleball Is Not a Drug—It’s a Lifelong Passion With Balance

Headline from the New York Post:
Doctors warned that “pickleball is a drug” as injuries rise among fervent players getting triangle fractures, wearing designer heels—even matching paddle and shoes. New York Post

Here’s how I would reframe this, not dismissing the concerns, but celebrating why that enthusiasm is a gift, and how balancing passion, safety, and joy makes it sustainable. By Pickleball Terry

Passion Isn’t Addiction, it’s Community

What’s being misconstrued: Doctors compare pickleball to “a drug” for the intensity it inspires. Some players are calling it an obsession, prioritizing paddle color over proper gear. New York Post
Rebuttal: Pickleball’s explosive growth—19.8 million Americans played in 2024, up 311% since 2021 New York Post Wikipedia+1—shows it offers community, fitness, and fun, especially for those seeking meaningful connections after retirement.
Local angle (Sarasota): Players I know come for the rallies but stay for the post-game friendships and casual chats. It’s a joy that, done responsibly, brings health and happiness and not harm.

Injuries Are Real But Preventable—Like Any Sport

What the article notes: A spike in injuries like ruptures, torn menisci, and wrist fractures, has orthopedic doctors urging warm-ups, cooldowns, and correct footwear. New York Post
Rebuttal: That doesn’t mean the sport is harmful, it means precaution is essential. Like tennis, biking, or golf, pickleball is a fast-paced activity demanding preparation.
What we preach: At Sarasota courts, local coaches are teaching pre-game stretches, proper shoe choice, and knee-strength drills. I know that Coach Julie Stewart and I always start off with warmups. Safe training is sustained playing. Check with Dr. Frank, the Pickleball PT, and he will show you the proper way to warm up. Click Here

Style Can Still Be Smart

Point of tension: The article ridicules players who match paddle colors to shoes—even a patient who wore designer heels to her doctor appointment. New York Post
Rebuttal: Love and pride in your gear isn’t vanity. It’s just showing style. Gear can match identity, but balance means pairing style with stability. No more designer heels mid-rehab; just bright sneakers that support every dink and drive.

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Pickleball Heals

Positive angle to uplift: Across the country and beyond, pickleball is making a difference in tough places. In California prisons, pickleball has become a rehabilitative lifeline, improving mental health, connection, and reducing disciplinary incidents. SFGATE
In spirit: So yep, pickleball feels addictive, but in the best possible way. It improves recovery, belonging, and purpose. It brings light into all of our lives.
Check out my book: Pickleball and the Art of Starting Over. Click here

“Enthusiasm isn’t addiction. Pickleball becomes a problem only when it’s done without balance, care, or community. Injuries ease with warm-up.”
Pickleball Terry

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025

How to Play Aggressive Pickleball (Without Losing Control)

Note: SarasotaPickleball.com was rewarded this honor. https://bloggers.feedspot.com/pickleball_blogs/

How to Play Aggressive Pickleball (Without Losing Control)If you want to win more pickleball matches, sometimes the best defense is a great offense. Playing aggressively on the court can help you take control, apply pressure, and dominate — but it needs to be smart and strategic.

Here’s how to bring aggressive play into your pickleball game without becoming reckless.

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🔥 What Is Aggressive Pickleball?

Aggressive pickleball isn’t just about hitting the ball hard. It’s about:

Taking control of the net
Applying pressure on weak shots
Attacking at the right moments
Moving with purpose and confidence
Finishing points decisively

Aggression is about mindset as much as mechanics.

✅ Benefits of Playing Aggressively

1. Forces Opponent Errors

When you play fast and aggressively, your opponents have less time to react — leading to more unforced errors.

2. You Control the Tempo

Aggressive players dictate how rallies unfold. You’re playing offense, not defense.

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3. Creates Momentum

An aggressive approach fuels energy and momentum, shifting a match in your favor, especially in doubles.

🎯 5 Ways to Play Aggressive — the Smart Way

1. Own the Kitchen Line

After your third shot, rush the net and hold the line. This is where most points are won. From this position, you can:

React faster
Pressure opponents with volleys
Cut off angles

2. Attack Weak Shots

Look for:

Pop-ups
High dinks
Weak serves or returns

When you see a ball sitting up, go for it — but stay in control. Target feet, hips, or open court space.

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3. Use Smart Placement

Aggression doesn’t always mean power. Well-placed shots can be just as deadly:

Sharp cross-court angles
Deep drives to the backhand
Roll volleys into the body

4. Anticipate & Move Early

Aggressive players don’t wait — they read and react. Stay light on your feet and anticipate your opponent’s next shot.

5. Keep Your Cool

Playing aggressively doesn’t mean playing emotionally. Stay calm, composed, and calculated. Smart aggression wins — not wild swings.

⚠️ When Not to Be Aggressive

Don’t attack just for the sake of it. Know when to reset the rally instead. Avoid attacking when:

The ball is low or skimming the net
You’re off-balance
You’re out of position

Patience is part of being aggressive — wait for the right ball.

🔁 Drills to Build Aggressive Skills

Third Shot Drive + Crash Drill
Hit a third shot drive and follow it to the net quickly. Practice footwork and court positioning.
Attack vs. Reset Game
One player attacks; the other focuses on resets. Switch roles every 5 minutes.
Fast Hands Volley Battle
Stand at the kitchen line and rapid-fire volleys with a partner to train reflexes.

🧠 Final Tip: Controlled Aggression Wins

If you want to level up your game, don’t just “play it safe.” Be the player who takes initiative, attacks smartly, and stays one step ahead.

When done right, aggressive pickleball is confident, calculated, and incredibly effective.

Want more pickleball tips? Subscribe to our newsletter and get weekly insights straight to your inbox.

Thanks for reading!

Pickleball Terry

March 8, 2025March 9, 2025

Pickleball and the Invisible Woman Syndrome: A Game-Changer for Women Over 50

By Terry Ryan (A.K.A. Pickleball Terry)

Aging comes with many rewards—wisdom, experience, and newfound freedom. Yet, for many women over 50, it also brings an unsettling reality: the Invisible Woman Syndrome. This phenomenon describes how women in this demographic often feel overlooked in social settings, workplaces, and even within their own families. But in an unexpected place—on the pickleball court—many are rediscovering their confidence, camaraderie, and sense of visibility.

The Struggle with Invisibility

Society often places an expiration date on a woman’s visibility, valuing youth over experience and appearance over wisdom. Women in midlife and beyond frequently report feeling ignored in professional and social environments. Whether at the store, in meetings, or even among younger generations, their voices and presence seem to fade into the background. This can lead to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a reluctance to engage in new activities.

{Unlike traditional gym workouts, which can feel solitary, pickleball is inherently social. It encourages teamwork, conversation, and shared experiences, helping to dissolve feelings of invisibility.}

How Pickleball is Changing the Game

Enter pickleball—a sport that has surged in popularity, especially among older adults. With its accessible rules, smaller court size, and welcoming community, pickleball has become an avenue for women to reclaim their presence and sense of self. Here’s how:

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1. Building Confidence Through Physical Activity

Many women feel a loss of agency over their bodies as they age. Pickleball provides an empowering way to stay active without the intensity of high-impact sports. The game improves agility, strength, and coordination, reinforcing that strength and vitality aren’t just for the young.

2. A Social Hub for Connection

Pickleball fosters a strong community, offering women the chance to meet new people and form lasting friendships. Unlike traditional gym workouts, which can feel solitary, pickleball is inherently social. It encourages teamwork, conversation, and shared experiences, helping to dissolve feelings of invisibility.

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3. A Level Playing Field

One of the most liberating aspects of pickleball is its inclusivity. Unlike many competitive sports, pickleball welcomes players of all skill levels and backgrounds. Women who may have felt sidelined in other athletic endeavors find themselves embraced, appreciated, and even celebrated on the court.

4. Redefining What it Means to Age

Playing pickleball shatters outdated stereotypes about aging. Women over 50 are proving they are not just present—they are thriving. Many players take up the sport for fun and soon find themselves competing in tournaments, coaching others, or leading pickleball communities.

The Psychological Boost

The benefits extend beyond physical health. Engaging in a sport like pickleball enhances mental well-being by reducing stress, improving mood, and reigniting a sense of purpose. Feeling seen and valued on the court translates into greater confidence off the court, helping women reclaim their space in all aspects of life.

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The take-away

For many women, pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a revolution. It provides an antidote to the Invisible Woman Syndrome by fostering empowerment, social connection, and renewed confidence. As more women step onto the court, they aren’t just playing a game; they are taking back their visibility, proving that life after 50 is not about fading into the background but stepping into a new and vibrant chapter.

So, if you’ve been feeling overlooked, grab a paddle and join the movement. Your best years—and your best game—are just beginning.

Thank you for reading.

Pickleball Terry
Owner and founder of Sarasotapickleball.com

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024

2nd Annual Sarasota Slam Tournament

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

POSTER OF 2ND ANNUAL SARASOTA SAILORS SLAM — To register click here https://swishtournaments.com/product/2nd-annual-sarasota-sailors-slam/

Only 6 teams per division. Spots are filling quickly. Signup before they are closed. There will be a waiting list. Email dinkpickleball@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list.

We are using Swish Tournament software which means you will be able to find your opponents and court assignments on your Swish apps. You will also be able to see everyone’s score in realtime.

You do not need to have a DUPR score but you will need to signup with DUPR. When you register at Swish by clicking the link above, they will instruct you on how to validate your DUPR account. This is a sanctioned DUPR tournament. All scores will be recorded on the DUPR site.

We will have giveaways, 50/50, T-Shirts, Medals, Cash prizes, Free water and snacks, Free Kona Ice Slushies for participants, and so much more!!!

Booth rental space is $50.00 for vendors who want to sell pickleball related items.

We want to thank Archwell Health for supplying the Kona Truck.

Thank you,

Jenn Stutler and Terry Ryan

September 7, 2024September 7, 2024

Understanding Pickleball Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Deal with It by Pickleball Terry

Understanding Pickleball Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Deal with It by Pickleball Terry

It’s real and it’s happening. Pickleball burnout! Whether it’s because you’re tired of rec play that’s getting more irritating than fun, or your knees are feeling so much pain with every move, you’re just not as motivated to get on the courts as you used to be.

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Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity due to its accessibility and fun gameplay. However, as with any sport, enthusiasts can sometimes experience burnout. Pickleball burnout can impact both casual players and competitive athletes. Understanding the signs and symptoms, and knowing how to address them, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable relationship with the game.

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Signs of Pickleball Burnout

Decreased Motivation: If you find yourself dragging your feet to the court or lacking the enthusiasm you once had for the game, it could be a sign of burnout.
Mental Fatigue: Feeling mentally exhausted or overwhelmed by the sport, even when you’re not playing, can indicate that you need a break.
Physical Exhaustion: Persistent tiredness or muscle soreness that doesn’t seem to improve with rest might signal that you’re pushing your body too hard.
Reduced Performance: A noticeable decline in your game performance, despite practice, could be a sign that you’re overdoing it or not giving yourself adequate recovery time.
Loss of Enjoyment: If you no longer find joy in playing or feel that the game has become a chore rather than a pleasure, burnout may be the cause.

Symptoms of Pickleball Burnout

Irritability or Frustration: Becoming easily frustrated or irritable, both on and off the court, can be a symptom of burnout.
Sleep Issues: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be a result of excessive stress and anxiety related to the sport.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social events or activities related to pickleball, including games and tournaments, might be a sign of burnout.
Physical Complaints: Chronic aches, pains, or injuries that don’t heal properly can indicate that you’re not allowing your body enough recovery time.

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How to Deal with Pickleball Burnout

Take a Break: Sometimes the best remedy is to step away from the court for a while. A short hiatus can help you recharge and regain your enthusiasm for the game.
Reevaluate Your Goals: Reflect on why you started playing pickleball in the first place. Adjusting your goals to be more aligned with your current interests and abilities can renew your passion.
Set Realistic Expectations: It’s important to set achievable goals and avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself. Celebrate small victories and progress rather than focusing solely on major accomplishments.
Mix Up Your Routine: Incorporate other physical activities or hobbies into your routine. This can prevent you from feeling monotony and can help you stay physically and mentally fresh.
Focus on Recovery: Ensure you are allowing adequate time for rest and recovery. Incorporate stretching, proper nutrition, and hydration into your routine to keep your body in good condition.
Seek Support: Talk to other players or a coach about your feelings. Sometimes, sharing your experiences and hearing others’ can provide new perspectives and solutions.
Enjoy the Game for Fun: Remind yourself why you love pickleball. Shift your focus from competition to enjoyment, and try to play just for fun rather than stressing over performance.

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By recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout and taking proactive steps to address it, you can maintain a balanced and enjoyable pickleball experience. Remember, sports should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not stress. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being ensures that you can continue to enjoy the game you love.

Thanks for reading!

Pickleball Terry

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com

September 10, 2023

The Question I Get Asked Most Coaching Pickleball

As a pickleball instructor and having taught over 1k students so far, the question I get asked most by novice to intermediate players is, WHY DO WE PRACTICE DINKING IF WE NEVER DINK DURING A GAME?

What is dinking? A dink shot in pickleball is a type of shot that is used to control the pace of the game and to gain an advantage over the opponent. The shot is executed close to the net, usually with a soft touch and with the aim of landing the ball just over the net.

Good question and so true. Warmup in my bootcamps/clinics/private lessons starts with dinking. Usually 100 times back and forth. followed by cross-court dinking, I can image that it is boring to some or even futile as when they play on the public courts, all they do and their opponents do is BANG! Slam! Hit as hard as the can.

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I explain, hitting the ball as hard as you can works well during lower level play, but not in advanced intermediate to advanced. If you are not seeing dinking in your games, you are playing in a lower level. Period.

In advanced games, dinking is an essential strategy. Keeping the ball low is mandatory, and one pop-up is what your opponents were waiting for, and it’s no second chances.

EASY BLUEPRINT What should you do?

1.Serve deep
2 Return deep
3. 3rd Shot Drop
4.Dinking with patience
5.Waiting for your opponents to make the unforced errors

To win in a dinking battle a player must practice dinking in a non-game setting like in one of my clinics. We drill, drill, drill.

If you would like to join one of my BOOTCAMPS, send me your email address and I’ll add you to the list. We practice keeping the ball low, speedups and resets, target practice, put-a-ways, doubles strategies, and 3rd Shot Drops.

Thanks for reading and keep playing pickleball.

Pickleball Terry

941-400-0978
Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

July 9, 2023

5 Ways to Keep Your Eye on The Ball in Pickleball

IMAGE OR 5 TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE BALL IN PICKLEBALL

I was on the court today and my opponent popped a ball way up. Already picturing my graceful and accurate put-a-way, I raised my paddle and watched the ball descend, but at the last moment I looked down and completely missed. Victory was not mine, not to mention, it’s embarrassing.

What happened? I was so sure I had it that I got over confident. Rookie move! I and many players have done it. GOT IT! Oops!

Sometimes you can’t help but look away when someone lobs the ball directly into the sun. Below is a video of opponents who used the sun as part of their strategy much to the annoyance of Leigh Waters.

Other times, it’s just sloppy playing. Don’t be sloppy.

Here are five ways to keep your eye on the pickleball while playing:

Focus! Don’t get distracted by spectators, your opponents, or even your partner. Laser focus. Concentrate on tracking the ball’s trajectory, speed, and spin. A good drill is to write different numbers on the balls and play. The players have to spot the number
Track the ball with your paddle. Here’s a good tip from Sarah Ansboury, pro player, who said to follow the flight of the ball with your paddle. I use this with beginners and novices and it works!
Ball! Another tip, say BALL as you are watching the flight to your paddle. It’s hard to think of anything else if you are saying BALL.
Positioning. Position your body in a way that allows you to see the ball clearly. Keep your head up, eyes forward, and body balanced. Stay on the balls of your feet with eyes on the ball. Try to stay ahead of the ball in thought and action.
And my last tip is, it isn’t fair to your partner to NOT keep your eye on the ball. Yes, sometimes good old guilt works the best, but truthfully, you are not being a good partner or player for that matter, if you aren’t keeping your eye on the ball.

Remember, consistent practice and concentration are key to keeping your eye on the ball. By honing your visual skills and staying focused, you’ll be able to react quickly and effectively during the game, and we all want to play a good game.

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry
Terry Ryan, Founder of Sarasota Pickleball Organization, LLC
PPR Certified Coach (over a thousand students so far)
Dinkpickleball@Gmail.com

picture of pickleball Terry

May 29, 2022

Playing Pickleball in the Heat and How it Affects Your Heart

You remember living in the cold, northern part of the country and how people, mostly men, would go out to shovel snow, and a few ended up in the emergency room, or even worse, face first into the sidewalk? That was because shoveling heavy snow caused stress to the heart, and if you’re in advanced years or have an underlying heart condition, shoveling snow is going to cause a heart attack. The same thing is going to happen if you play pickleball in extremely hot temperatures, and to add even more stress, soul-sucking humidity.

I’m not just picking on Florida about the heat, I remember torturous, long heat spells in northern New York, when it was so hot the horses were not allowed to run at the track in Saratoga Springs. Air conditioning is very limited in northern New York, They are too stubborn to admit they need it. When I was working in New York, I had a large clubhouse with central air conditioning, and this is where people would come and just hangout to escape the heat. In the morning, I would step over sleeping bodies. But back to playing pickleball in the heat in Florida.

Sad to report, that two people had heart attacks on the pickleball courts just last week in the area, and one did not make it. I can’t imagine what they went through and the other players around them that were trying their best to help.

Hot temperatures combined with playing pickleball puts stress on everyone’s heart by causing it to beat faster and works harder to keep the body cool. Throw in a lack of keeping up with hydration, and if there is any kind of underlying heart condition….well, that’s a recipe for disaster. I know we are all addicted to pickleball, but I don’t think we want to sacrifice our life for it.

And please bring ice! I see players come to the courts in 90 degree temperature with high humidity, and they have one bottle of water. Nope! That’s not going to work. You perspire around 34 ounces of water while playing for just an hour. Of course, some people sweat more because of medications they are taking, being overweight, overall health, and lack of physical fitness. And some people just sweat a lot. (Hello Sweaty Dan!)

Things to do to prevent a heart attack on the court.

Go to your doctor for a stress test and heart health check.
Try to play indoors or early in the morning, late at night.
Don’t play as many games as you do in cooler weather. (Three hours of continuous play in this heat! Really?!)
Play a game then sit out two. (I know, torture!)
Don’t play everyday.
Drink 17 to 20 ounces or water before you play.
Bring a cooler of ice. Make sure you ice your water to cool yourself down with between games. Strive to drink 8 to 10 ounces between games. Put a pinch of sea salt in your drinking water.
At the first wave of dizziness, please sit down, rest, then go home and soak in your pool or stay inside with A/C.
If you feel very unwell, (heat stroke or exhaustion can strike suddenly) ask another player to call 911. Better safe than sorry.
Good gracious! What are you doing playing in a summertime pickleball tournament?! It’s too hot!

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Cool, moist skin
Possibly a sudden headache
Dizziness
Feeling like you have lost peripheral vision
Loss of balance

Misting fan/Portable Click Here

The more serious one…Heat Stroke!

Irrational behavior. (Yes, sometimes hard to recognize on the pickleball court.)
Weak pulse
Dry/hot skin to the touch
Seizure
Unconsciousness

Did you know that if you are taking certain medications, you are more likely to have heat related problems?

Beta Blockers
Ace inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers

Please keep it safe on the courts this summer. There are plenty of places to play indoors around Sarasota. Church of the Palms, CoreSRQs, Health Fit, RL Taylor. Venice Community Center on Mondays. Englewood Sports Complex. GT Bray has shade on their outdoor courts, and I hope that the Pickleball Club with indoor courts would please open soon.

Stay cool, Stay hydrated. Don’t overdo it. (If you think you have a pickleball addiction problem, call 941-400-0978)

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry

Clinics
Bootcamps
Tournaments
Pickleball consulting

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com

Founder and owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization LLC
Sarasotapickleball.com

November 28, 2021November 28, 2021

Pickleball-The Cure For Senior Loneliness

Picture for Senior Loneliness for Pickleball Terry

On the courts one day, while I was sitting on the sideline waiting to play, and one of the older players leaned over to me and said, “You know, pickleball saved my life.” That statement out of the blue, took my breath away. Normally, I just go about my days filled with pickleball activities such as: playing pickleball, coaching pickleball, answering questions about pickleball, and fielding phone calls from visitors coming to Sarasota. I guess you could say I’m taking pickleball for granted. I forget how much it means to people.

Somebody asked me if this was a full-time job being Pickleball Terry, the self-described Sarasota Pickleball Ambassador. Job? Nahhhh. It’s too much fun to be considered a JOB!

So, when somebody reminds me on the courts, that pickleball means so much more to them then just a game well, it’s like a kick of reality. That a small part of me is involved in something that means so much to people is absolutely humbling.

The player on the court who leaned over to me that day, went on to say that he did not know what would have happened if he didn’t have pickleball during COVID. He lives alone but thank goodness now has a satisfying social life through pickleball along with getting fresh air and exercise.

There are approximately 76 million Baby Boomers; people born between 1946 to 1965. They now are retiring and moving to warmer climates to continue on the next chapters of their lives. They move away from family and friends, and find out that it’s not as easy to make friends for they don’t have the normal ways; kids in school, work friends, and maybe pub buddies. So, how do they make friends when they become seniors and move to a new place? Pickleball!
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Boomers are not ready to hang up their athletic gear. They are raring to go! No sitting in a rocking chair for them. Pickleball is a great solution. It is an activity setup with open, drop-in play. Anyone can join in for a game, and it is a way to make friends with a common interest.

I know a nurse that travels to different medical centers to work around the country, and she says all she does to get a social fix is find out where the pickleball courts are. Instant friends wherever she goes.<br />

Another player shared with me that she was thinking of moving from Sarasota until she found pickleball. It opened up a whole new world to her and now she has a very active social life and plays pickleball with her friends several times a week. Life is good for her now in Sarasota.

When I coach, usually I start out by saying, “I am a dealer and I’m going to make you a pickleball addict.” This is met by smirks and laughter as in…no you’re not. So funny because I do hook them in. Months later I’ll still see them playing on a pickleball court.

A woman took a lesson around a year ago. She arrived with a big floppy hat on and not the best shoes for the court. She was so quiet and timidly tried to hit the ball. I thought, I’ll never see her again. Well, she came back week after week and now the floppy hat is gone, new court shoes have been bought, and she can slam the ball. She is tricky too with angle shots, and gets into dinking. I’d say she plays well with others and has definitely come out of her “shell.” I love witnessing the transformations.

Other health benefits of playing pickleball.

It strengthens your bones. If your doctor tells you you have osteopenia or osteoporosis which is bone loss, play pickleball. The pounding on the floor with your legs as you run after the ball causes a vibration that promotes bone growth.

Osteopenia or Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. With osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone removal.

Many people have no symptoms until they have a bone fracture.

Here’s a good example. A few years ago, a female player in Sarasota had a bone density test. Her doctor informed her that she had osteopenia. Unfortunately, while playing on the pickleball court she went back for a lob and fell backwards on both wrists causing them to fracture. Six months later, and to the shock of her doctor, she went back to playing pickleball. When she had her next bone density test it showed bone mass improvement. Credit to her playing pickleball.

Cognitive thinking. We lose cognitive thinking as we get older. But pickleball helps:

Remembering the score
Recalling names
Concentrating on the flight of the ball
Remembering all the rules

Cognitive skills are the essential qualities your brain utilizes to think, listen, learn, understand, justify, question, and pay close attention. (From dictionary)

Pickleball boosts your happiness hormones.

Happiness Hormones for Sarasota Pickleball

And exercise…good old-fashioned exercise.

New students start huffing and puffing in the first 5 minutes of the lesson. “I thought pickleball was easier than this?” said my weary student. No, pickleball will get your heartrate up. You have to move, move, move. Don’t let that 1/2 a tennis court fool you. It’s a workout. We get sweaty together, and we will play for 3 hours or more. It is not unusual for my Fitbit to start buzzing announcing that I have racked up 10k steps after a few hours. I wait for the buzz, not satisfied if I haven’t hit the 10k mark.

Let’s get back to the social aspect.

One of the most detrimental things to happen to a senior citizen is when they start to isolate themselves. Pickleball gives them a reason to get out of the house and meet friends. It goes beyond pickleball, too. Soon, after-game lunch dates are formed, Happy Hours, and celebrating birthdays become big deals. If you don’t show up for an extended time, players will start asking around. “Hey, have you seen George lately?” We will track you down. Best to tell us if you are going to be out of town for awhile or we start to worry. You are appreciated, welcomed, and missed.

We take a passing away of a fellow pickleball player with great sadness and respect. They are deeply missed and always remembered. I have contacts that I will never be able to delete on my phone even though they have passed on. I think of them every time I scroll past their name.

So please, keep active, keep social, and keep playing pickleball.

Sincerely,

Pickleball Terry

Owner of Sarasota Pickleball Organization LLC (Not the club)

PPR Pickleball Coach

941-400-0978

dinkpickleball@gmail.com