Last Updated on August 18, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Everybody is taking up pickleball, right? Not quite. As fun as the game is, it’s not for everyone. After playing golf for 30 years, I decided to add pickleball to the list of sports I play (it’s a short list), but I instantly fell in love. I can’t tell you I like it as much as golf; I don’t think there is as much depth to it. However, I can tell you that it’s a great game that is not for everyone. Here are 6 people who should not take up pickleball.
If You Get Easily Frustrated
Hitting a pickleball over the net is easy. However, when you start to get into it a little more, you’ll need to hit shots with spin, control direction, modify the distance of your shots, etc.
It gets frustrating.
If you find yourself getting frustrated by things like this, pickleball may not be your best match.
I know a lot of people call it fun and easy, and in the beginning, it can be, but at some point, you’ll probably want to play a competitive game.
Dislike of Social Play
Pickleball is a very social game. It’s part of what makes it fun, but if you don’t love the social aspect of sports, skip it! The court is small, so you can interact with your partner and the people on the opposing team throughout the entire match.
If you want something with less social interaction, maybe singles tennis is a better fit for you.
Struggle with Hand-Eye Coordination
When you get better at pickleball, you’ll be right at the net, and you’ll need quick hand-eye coordination to hit the correct shots. You’ll also need precision, speed, and the ability to place shots even when they are coming at you at full speed.
You develop hand-eye coordination throughout your life, and if you have never been very good at it, pickleball may not be your game.
Not a Fan of Team Sports
I love singles pickleball, but if you are looking to pick up a game and get involved in the sport, you’ll be more likely to find people to play doubles with you.
This is not an individual sport, but it is a team sport. Teams often change quickly because the games go quickly. However, you’ll be relying on some play between partners.
Some of the pickleball double strategies leave partners having to communicate with each other. They have to coordinate the shots they are hitting.
Injuries Scare You
Pickleball players get hurt. I’ve seen some ugly falls and injuries on the court, and it’s hard to watch. In addition, some people hurt their knees, elbows, and backs. Sometimes, this is people who haven’t moved much in a while.
If you fear injuring yourself, pickleball is probably not your sport.
When I first started playing the game, I went pretty hard at it. I ended up with a few injuries, and now I’ve backed down. I still play pickleball. However, I’m not going to give up on running or golf because I tried a bit too hard to return a shot.
Noises Annoy You
Pickleball is so loud. In fact it’s a real problem in some communities where people are complaining about noise issues and having a hard time dealing with where to even put the pickleball courts.
It’s not just the ball and paddle noise that makes pickleball loud; it’s the players being so close and the conversations that go on between them.
Pickleball courts are busy, fun, and loud.
Go ahead and give pickleball a shot, but if you don’t like noises, are afraid of getting hurt, and lack hand-eye coordination, it may not go all that well.
