with Sarah Ansboury, Pickleball Coach and Director of Pickleball Instruction at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

The sport of Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, new courts are popping up all over the country. Currently, there are more than 10,000 courts in the United States but that number continues to grow by several dozen every month. So what is it about Pickleball that makes it such a popular fitness craze? One of the reasons the sport has become so popular in recent years is that it’s a high-energy, low-impact game that appeals to players of all ages. It’s fairly easy to learn and a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get moving. The open-play format allows players to show up and “rotate in,” which makes it especially attractive for singles. What a great way to socialize, meet others and get fit! Sports clubs and hotel groups such as Omni Resorts and Marriott , are adding courts for Pickleball, while a new restaurant chain called Chicken N’ Pickle, which combines the sport with a full food and drink menu, has plans to expand within the next year throughout the U.S. At Chicken N’ Pickle, you can make an evening of it and play Cornhole, Shuffleboard, and Ping Pong without having to go elsewhere to dine. So, if you want to learn more about the game everyone is talking about, please listen to Florine’s interview with one of the top Pickleball coaches in the world, Sarah Ansboury.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Where does the name pickleball come from?
• Do you have to know how to play tennis to play pickleball?
• The importance of taking a lesson or two before you go out and play.
• What attracted Sarah to pickleball?
• Why do so many people get injured playing pickleball?
• Where can you find a pickleball instructor?
• What happens at a pickleball camp?
• What kinds of shoes and outfits should you wear when playing pickleball?
• What type of paddle is the best to use for pickleball?
• Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
• What is the most important advice for first-time players?
• Why has pickleball taken off in the last few years?
• What are the health benefits of pickleball?
• What is the future of pickleball and how can we get the next generation invested and just as excited?
• Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball?
• What is the single biggest frustration for new players?

Today’s Takeaway:

One of the reasons why Pickleball is popular is that it’s a great way to socialize and meet people. Unlike many other leisure sporting activities, Pickleball is very inclusive and social. The fun, competitive nature of the sport and love of the game brings people together. You don’t even need to show up with a partner. You can just simply “walk on and rotate in.” It’s also a great way to stay fit or get in shape. Not only is it a good cardiovascular workout but it can also improve balance, hand-eye coordination, and muscle tone. Best of all, Pickleball can be played both indoors or out, so it’s not weather-dependent. Remember that staying active and spending time socializing with others is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. So if you’re looking for a fun new activity, why not give yourself the gift of a Pickleball lesson? I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

Quotes:

• “Pickleball is such a welcoming, open sport for everyone. People just want you to keep playing.” — Sarah
• “There is a way to play properly, technically, that is going to be easier on your body.” — Sarah
• “The nice thing about pickleball is that you don’t have to have a partner, you can just go out, and you always pick up a game.” — Florine
• “The great thing about pickleball is it’s much easier to learn than most other racquet or paddle sports, especially as an adult.” — Sarah
• “You will meet someone from every walk of life.” — Sarah
• “It’s getting people active, it’s getting people social.” — Sarah
• “At the end of the day, there’s not a day or a week that goes by that I literally talk to someone where Pickleball has changed their life.” — Sarah
• “What I’m seeing so much is people’s health just improving.” — Sarah
• “Be willing to get uncomfortable. A lot of times people, especially adults, are afraid to try something new, and so much of jumping into Pickleball is opening yourself up.” — Sarah

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

Mentioned in This Episode:

Sarah Ansboury

Palmetto Dunes — Hilton Head Island

USA Pickleball Association