NEVER
Too Old
TO PLAY THE
GAME We
LOVE!
76
Dynamic Duo takes first-place in the
Newcomers Division. BY JIM JOHNSON
ast summer, Don, 84, casually made his way toward the outdoor
courts at Founders Park in Castle Rock, CO, to be part of my
Pickleball 101 Class.
Dressed in khaki pants, a long-sleeved, button-down oxford
shirt and white tennis shoes, it really looked doubtful he’d get
involved. I introduced myself to Don, and he immediately said he wouldn’t
stay long—he only came to observe and was not interested in playing
pickleball.
I encouraged Don to sit down and at least listen to the basic rules of the
game. “I’ll stay 10 minutes or so,” he said. An hour later, Don was still
sitting there as I did my “Follow Me Around the Court” familiarization tour. As
the group started to hit some balls, Don thanked me and left. I figured that
would be the last I saw of Don.
Several days later, as the next beginner’s session was about to start,
I saw Don briskly walking toward the courts, dressed in khaki shorts, a
t-shirt and those familiar white tennis shoes. He immediately took one of
my extra pickleball paddles and joined in the open hitting time with the rest
of the students. A former table tennis player, he had a natural stroke and
could switch hands to hit what typically would be a backhand shot. My eyes
widened and I couldn’t help but smile when I thought of the comment I’d
made to myself the previous day—that I’d probably never see Don again!
From that point on, Don became the talk of the program. He was eager to
learn the game and enjoyed the camaraderie of the group. We became Don’s
second family. He took every opportunity to get out there and play.
Enter Bernie, a young 74, who had a desire to play pickleball but lacked
coordination to do so. Bernie needed encouragement—and lots of practice.
He had a hard time serving the ball into the crosscourt, especially judging
the distance. He never went to the net, and was content to stay in no man’s
land. I told him he’d have more fun if he went to the net, so he tried and
didn’t give up. Today, you can’t keep him away from the net.
Bernie lost more than 30 pounds over the next 6 to 8 months, his mental
attitude has skyrocketed and he’s always one of the first players at his skill
level to show up to play. Some of the shots he makes today I wouldn’t have
dreamed possible.
Don and Bernie make a great team. The highlight of this pair of senior
pickleball players came at the end of the summer when they won first-place
in the Newcomer’s Division of our local tournament.
When I presented Don and Bernie with their medals, you’d have thought
they won Olympic Gold as smiles broke out and the crowd of spectators went
wild!
Several days later, Don told me when his grandchildren saw his medal,
they were shocked and so proud of their grandpa.
Bernie is now playing at a strong intermediate level—and still smiling!
After an injury, Don is in “time-out” for the time being, but is determined to
get back on the courts ASAP.
Don and Bernie are proof you’re never too old to pick up a paddle and say,
“0-0-2!” •
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