The Super Bowl and the Thrills of Football and Pickleball: A Surprising Comparison

With the excitement of the upcoming Super Bowl, it's clear that football is one of America's favorite sports. But what if we told you that there's another sport that shares some similarities with the NFL? Enter pickleball.

While football and pickleball may seem vastly different, there are actually several similarities between the two sports. Here are a few:

1. Hand-Eye Coordination: In both sports, players need quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. In football, this is evident in the way players catch passes, while in pickleball, it's seen in the way players hit the ball back and forth over the net.

2. Strategy: Both football and pickleball require strategic thinking. In football, teams work together to advance down the field and score points. Similarly, in pickleball, players need to think about the placement of their shots and where they should position themselves on the court.

3. Endurance: Both football and pickleball players need to be in good physical shape. Football players need to run, jump, and tackle for an entire game, while pickleball players need to be able to move quickly and hit the ball repeatedly over an extended period of time.

So, as you get ready to enjoy the Super Bowl, take a moment to appreciate the similarities between football and pickleball. Whether you're a fan of the NFL or prefer to play pickleball, both sports are sure to provide you with thrills and excitement.

In conclusion, football and pickleball may seem different on the surface, but there are many similarities between the two sports that make them both exciting and enjoyable to play and watch. So, as we gear up for the Super Bowl, let's not forget about the lesser-known sport of pickleball and appreciate the skills and athleticism it requires.

#nfl #superbowlLVII #chiefseagles #pickleball #stayonthecourt

The Power of Pickleball: Building Strong Communities Through Sport

Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is quickly gaining popularity all over the world. Not only is it a great way to stay active and improve physical fitness, but it also provides a number of benefits for both individuals and communities. Here are some of the reasons why pickleball is such a valuable addition to any community.

1. Encourages Physical Activity: Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is easy to learn and play, making it an ideal choice for people of all ages and abilities. By participating in regular pickleball games, individuals can improve their cardiovascular health, strengthen their muscles, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

2. Builds Community: Pickleball is a social sport that brings people together in a positive and friendly environment. Whether you’re playing with friends or meeting new people, pickleball provides an opportunity to connect with others and build relationships. This sense of community can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and a greater sense of belonging.

3. Increases Social Interaction: Pickleball provides a great way for individuals to meet new people, make new friends, and engage in meaningful social interaction. Whether you’re playing in a league or just having a casual game with friends, pickleball offers an opportunity to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.

4. Boosts Mental Health: Pickleball has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being. The social interaction and physical activity involved in pickleball can help individuals feel happier, more relaxed, and more fulfilled.

5. Supports Local Businesses: Pickleball communities often support local businesses, such as parks, recreation centers, and sports stores. By promoting the sport in your community, you can help create new opportunities for local businesses to thrive and grow.

In conclusion, pickleball is a sport that provides numerous benefits for individuals and communities alike. From encouraging physical activity and building community, to increasing social interaction and boosting mental health, pickleball is a valuable addition to any community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is sure to bring you and your community closer together.

Pickleball the New Workplace Trend

Organizations don’t have to look too far for employees interested in pickleball. According to USA Pickleball, Pickleball grew 39.3 % in 2022 and that makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America. One of the reasons for pickleball's popularity is that pickleball is not difficult and the majority of players can pick it up easily. Even beginner players - at any age- are able to jump on the court and hit a few rallies. (A rally is a continuous play that occurs in pickleball after the serve and before a fault).

Over the last year, I have worked with companies to bring pickleball to the workplace. Karen Romano, who manages Workplace Facilities at a large software company says, “I took a few pickleball lessons last year and really enjoyed the sport, and I knew our employees would love pickleball. Our company culture is fun and engaging and bringing pickleball to the campus was something I knew I had to do.” Within a few short weeks, she was able to offer employees weekly pickleball lessons as well as pickup games. “Bringing pickleball to our campus was simple and easy to execute in our parking lot. Most of the employees have never played pickleball and just want to learn and meet other people.” If your business has a flat parking lot, and/or open space - pickleball can be set up to accommodate team-building activities.

Pickleball combines badminton, tennis, and ping-pong and can be played on indoor or outdoor courts. Unlike tennis, the pickleball court is much smaller, and with a portable net and some chalk, you can construct a court in no time. In fact, pickleball grew during the pandemic nearly 40% between 2019 - 2021 because recreational players were able to construct courts in cul de sacs across America as a means to do something outside. The most common way to play pickleball is Doubles. Each 2-person team goes against their opponents and must work together to win. Each player has a paddle and they attempt to hit a baseball size wiffleball over the net. Points are scored when the serving team causes the opposing team to fault or the ball is not returned by the opponent.

At one software company, we set up pickleball as part of their new hire onboarding program. The pickleball instructor ran a quick lesson, and then employees teamed up and played against each other. It was so popular that existing employees came to play. Engaging existing employees during onboarding with new hires build strong relationships with co-workers. The partners work together on the court to try to win a point from their opponents. In addition to working together, they are able to have fun and get to know one another.

Pickleball boosts employee morale and helps employees meet each other. Pickleball is also healthy and fun. As pickleball continues to expand worldwide, consider adding pickleball to your company culture as a means of networking and team-building activities.