Can Pickleball Unite Us All?

What if the values I see on the courts infiltrated all aspects of life?

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Although Christopher Walken may have a fever for more cowbell, I’ve got a fever too and the only prescription for mine is more pickleball.

I’m completely addicted. I’m envious of the retired folks I meet who get to play every day.

Once you have a handle on the basic rules it’s easy to begin playing. The sport doesn’t require expensive equipment or club memberships. School gyms even set up courts and charge minimal fees to play.

And from the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve seen while playing the game, I think pickleball may offer the prescription needed to save us from all the divisiveness out there in the world today.

All are welcome. Really.

I see people from all walks of life on the courts playing together. Young and old. Men and women. Experienced players and newbies. Some people arrive decked out in the latest gear using fancy graphite paddles while others show up sporting well-worn tees and old wooden paddles. Last week, I saw someone in a wheelchair dinking it out on the court.

It’s also easy for single people like me to join in. There’s no need to arrive with a partner because players rotate in and…