7 New Year’s Resolutions for your Pickleball Life

It’s that time of the year – New Year Resolutions for your pickleball life. 2018 was an eventful year in the pickleball world, and there’s no reason to think that 2019 will be any different. Pickleball continues to grow at an “overhead” pace as many of you find out when registering for tournaments or just trying to get some court time at your local recreation center. Pickleball itself is experiencing many growing pains, and surely the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association), tournament directors, clubs, and communities are working on their 2019 resolutions. Here are 7 New Year’s Resolutions for your pickleball life and YES, they will improve your “game” in 2019:

1. Fitness

   You’ve probably heard the saying “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” Those aches and pains just take longer to go away, yes I know this well. Endurance is a big part of being fit and, in the pickleball tournament world, endurance is a must if you are going for gold. Your draw may start at 8 am, and 4 – 6 matches later your finals finally start at 8 pm. Then you do it all again the next day. So do yourself a favor and work on your fitness/endurance and you’ll be able to enjoy even more pickleball. Go beyond thinking about this task, just do it!

2. Eat Well

   Everyone knows this for sure, and most of us could do better. There are many resources on this topic, but for starters, lay off the sugary and fake-ingredient products and eat as much “real” non-processed food as you can. Speaking of a bit fate and processed … you will find a big bag Peanut M&Ms at the tournaments Alex Hamner and I play. Can’t get rid of that!

3. Try New Things

   Practice shots you don’t usually make time for. How about a few around the post shots? Maybe some dink lobs? If you don’t try it in practice, odds are you won’t pull it off when the shot presents itself in a match. During a 2-3 hour play session I do have one or two shots in mind that I want to practice, so I work those shots into my play. For example a dink lob, I need to make sure I have the right opportunity to try it and then give it 100% try. I bet you’ll be pleased with the results when you give it a few tries. Or Hey – take a shot at refereeing!

4. Have Fun

   Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. I know you’ve heard that before. Sure, it’s great to win, but not at the cost of getting upset with yourself, your partner or even your opponents. There’s enough turmoil in our daily lives, let’s keep the pickleball court our “fun” haven.

5. Socialize Before and After Games

   Make a point to join your pickleball pals for off-court fun. It’s awesome to learn what everyone does (or did) in their professional lives. This pickleball “team” we’re all on consists of nothing short of amazing people; get to know them!

6. Share

   Share the game of pickleball with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers. Yes, we know how much fun this game brings to our lives – don’t keep it to yourself SHARE IT. After all, someone took the time and effort to introduce the sport to you, now it’s your turn to pass it on.

7. Explore New Pickleball Courts

   Everywhere we go we experience how inviting and hospitable pickleball people are. It’s easy to get into your own routine, but who knows what remarkable individuals you may meet at a different venue; you will for sure find new friends and you may even find a new partner. If you have the opportunity to travel beyond your region, pickleball tours are a great way to see some sights, meet interesting people and feed your pickleball addiction all at once. Check into one!

Remember, it’s never too late to make improvements to your lives in some way or another. Even you resolution-procrastinators can get started with this 7 New Year’s Resolutions for your pickleball life!

Happy New Years to you, I wish you health, laughter, and FUN for 2019.