So you’ve fallen head over heels (sometimes literally!) for pickleball and now you’re itching to share the love with your family and friends. But what do you do when they just don’t seem as excited about it as you are? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are some fun and easy Do's and Don'ts to get your reluctant crew onto the pickleball court and loving the game just as much as you do.
Do’s
1. Do: Show them how fun it is.
Entice them with tales of epic rallies and hilarious mis-hits. Make pickleball sound like the most entertaining thing since sliced bread (which it is!)
2. Do: Start with a friendly game.
Pair up with them, ensuring they feel supported. Nothing says bonding like teaming up to beat Aunt Betty and her her killer backhand slice.
3. Do: Plan a pickleball and pizza night.
Combine pickleball with everyone’s favorite food. Play a few games, then reward yourselves with some delicious pizza (or whatever food brings you together). They’ll be back for more, guaranteed.
4. Do: Emphasize the social aspect.
Let them know it’s not just about the game; it’s about hanging out, laughing, and maybe trash-talking a little. Pickleball is the new social club.
5. Do: Offer to teach them.
Show off your coaching skills. Be patient and encouraging. Who wouldn’t want to learn from a pro like you (or at least, someone who acts like one)? ;)
Don’ts
1. Don’t: Get too competitive.
Avoid channeling your inner Anna-Leigh Waters or Ben Johns. Intimidating them with your killer serve is a surefire way to scare them off.
2. Don’t: Bombard them with rules.
Leave the pickleball rulebook at home. Focus on the basics and save the nitty-gritty details for later. No one wants to feel like they’re doing it wrong.
3. Don’t: Insist they buy expensive gear immediately.
Let them borrow your extra paddle. Asking them to invest in top-of-the-line equipment right away is a quick way to lose their interest, especially if they haven't caught the pickleball bug just yet.
4. Don’t: Overhype it.
Yes, pickleball is amazing, but don’t go overboard with the hype. Acting like it’s the solution to all of their problems might make them skeptical. They'll figure it out on their own over time.
5. Don’t: Forget to have fun.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy your time together. If you’re too serious or try too hard to get them to like it, you’ll turn them off. Keep it light, keep it fun, and their love for pickleball will come naturally.
Now go out there and turn those reluctant friends and family members into pickleball fanatics, one dink at a time!
Have you had success introducing your family and friends to pickleball? Let us know how you did it in the comments below.
We'll see you on the court!