A Day of Learning and Growth: My Sixth Day of Pickleball

Thursday 3/16/23 marked my sixth day of playing pickleball, and it turned out to be a unique and exciting experience. Today, my friend Patrick had reserved an indoor pickleball court at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. I was invited to tag along with AJ and play some matches with a group of experienced players. Little did I know that this day would be an incredible opportunity for growth and learning.

Stepping into a Challenging Environment

As I arrived at the indoor court with AJ, I couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated by the skilled players present. I knew that I was the least experienced player in the group and was uncertain about how I would perform. However, with only two other players, Mark and Patrick, I decided to jump in and fill in until Dev and the others arrived.

Adjusting to Indoor Play and Facing Skilled Opponents

My first challenge was adapting to the differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball. The lighting and the lack of wind were significant factors that I had to adjust to. Armed with my new paddle, I teamed up with Mark to play against Patrick and AJ. Despite being nervous and missing a few serves, I managed to make some decent plays. Unsurprisingly, we lost the first game 3-11. The second game went a bit better, with a final score of 7-11, but I still missed several easy shots. I was relieved when Dev finally showed up to play.

An Unexpected Lesson in Dinking

When Doug arrived, I thought I would be able to sit on the sidelines and watch the games. However, he asked me to warm up with him, which soon turned into an invaluable training session. Doug took the time to teach me a few pointers on dinking, a skill I hadn’t focused on much before. We spent about 30 minutes working on dinking, and I gained a much better understanding of its importance in the game, thanks to my volleyball background. After our lesson, Doug joined the other players, and I took a seat to watch some exciting matches.

Reflecting on My Sixth Day of Pickleball

Today was a great day for personal growth and learning. By stepping outside my comfort zone, I had the opportunity to play with seasoned pickleball players and learn valuable tips from Doug. The experience of playing on an indoor court was also an essential lesson in adjusting to different environments.

As I continue to share my journey with you, I hope you can connect with my story and are eager to read more about my experiences. Whether you are an experienced player or new to the world of pickleball, there is always something to learn and discover. Join me in exploring the exciting world of pickleball and stay tuned for more stories and insights from my adventures on the court.