By Karen Ruth
When we moved to The Villages in March, I decided that I wanted to learn how to play pickleball. It sounded like a fun game and good exercise. I broke many of the rules regarding equipment and courts in my ignorance. Anahid Gregg was extremely patient and gracious with her advice, helping me navigate all the systems.
I started with a lesson from the fabulous Mike Walias, using the rackets that the club provides, started going to the group play sessions for novice players and I was hooked! My biggest challenge was finding more games to play and people to play with.
I started reaching out to players I met at the drop-in sessions, then went to a Dink and Drink and connected with more players. It was daunting at first to reserve a court and find players that could play, but I persevered. There are so many kind and gracious players, willing to help you and give you great advice, all you need to do is ask!
I got up the courage to play in the mixed doubles tournament and met even more players there. Cindy Yu provided me with some great pickleball videos, allowing me to improve my game. She is another wonderful player. Cindy provided the Club with several helpful videos, and they are now posted on the website! You can visit https://villagespickleball.vgcc.club/, then click on “The Game” and select Instructional Videos to see them. Cindy has agreed to continue supplying good videos when she finds them.
I have rarely laughed so hard and as frequently as I do when playing pickleball. Don’t worry that you are “…not a good enough player” to be included, that is how we all start out and we only get better by playing more. As one of my favorite players says, “I play pickleball for fun and good laughs, then I am happy!” I heartily agree.
