Three Ladders in a Row
Three ladder wins in a row against younger, faster players. That does not happen by accident — it is anticipation, skill, and shot recognition. A reflection on finding pickleball.
A few years ago I took a pickleball clinic at El Segundo with Cade and Peter. We watched the advanced games going on across the court and thought it looked intense — way above us. We were just learning the rules.
Now I am playing on that same court. Not the best out there, but I can hang. And last night I got a comment I have not heard before: I was playing the best, or close to it.
Three ladder wins in a row against guys who are younger, faster, and have been at it longer. That does not happen by accident. It is anticipation. It is shot recognition. It is knowing where to be before the ball gets there. I think I am actually getting better at this sport.
What I love most is that pickleball has given me both things I needed — a competitive outlet and a social connection. I have met incredible people through this group, built a routine that keeps me moving, and found a sport that fits my life now. It has added way more than I expected.
I wish I had taken it more seriously when I was younger. But I am glad I found it now. And I am not done yet.
