12/15/2025
I've been coaching pickleball this fall, at a local community centre, as a volunteer. Twelve complete beginners signed up for a 9-week, 1-hour program and now, at the end of that period, they all have a pretty good handle on the game. I co-coached with a young man who is a part-time City employee and high school student, and I think we made a pretty good team. Even though there's a vast difference in our ages, we have similar personalities and usually saw eye-to-eye about the lesson plans.
The students were all lovely, and really seemed to enjoy each lesson. And it was great to see them improve every week.
I also spend time at another community centre where there is a free weekly 1-hour women's clinic, and it consists of experienced female players volunteering to help beginners learn pickleball, or women helping each other improve their own game through drills.
I've learned a lot since I took up this sport after the pandemic. I'd never done a team sport before, and part of me wonders how my life might have been different if I'd known, as a young person, what I know now about team sports - that there is great comradery to be found, deep friendships to be made, thrills and laughs on the court, all the while knowing that you're helping your body maintain strength and fitness.
I so enjoy helping beginners learn the sport, especially if they're older, like myself, because new friendships, fitness, and fun found at any age are wonderful. And I want everyone to feel this good.
I recently sold this bag to a windsurfing friend. This sport is winging. I haven't tried it yet, but it's gaining popularity with windsurfers.
