HOW Spouses CAN CO-EXIST
ON THE Pickleball Court
WITHOUT ENDING UP
IN Divorce Court
BY DON LOCKE
O
ne of the best things about pickleball is that it’s
a sport couples can play together, even into their
golden years. But when a husband and wife step
onto the court in hopes of sharing a fun experience
while enriching their relationship, they might be
surprised to find how challenging “fun” can be.
So how do you and your spouse achieve an
attitude of respect when your game is less than stellar? Here are
a few tips:
Be on the Same Page: Before stepping onto the court as a
couple, know exactly to what degree your partner is playing
competitively, or if he or she is simply out there for the exercise,
social interaction and fun. Then, respect that choice and play
accordingly.
Poaching: Just because you’re the better player of the
two, or even if you’re not, do not show up your
partner by poaching his or her shot unless this
strategy has been agreed upon ahead of time.
If you accidentally poach, apologize—even if you
make a shot worthy of applause.
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Giving Advice: This can be touchy. Once again, only
give advice if your partner has indicated that he or she is
receptive to it. And even then, proceed with tact and love and
preferably in a voice of a television spokesperson pitching a
sleep aid.
Leave the Baggage at Home: This can be difficult, but
remember that playing pickleball together can be an
opportunity to leave petty grievances behind and begin a
fresh start. If this may be difficult to do at some point, then
don’t play together that day. But if you do choose to play
together, show your spouse the same consideration you
would show to someone you’re playing with for the first
time. Respect, patience and encouragement all help to
make the experience an enjoyable one for all.
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously:
Remember, this is not the Olympics. Pickleball
is about competition, great exercise and building
social communities and, for the vast majority of
couples, it’s about having fun! •