At the start of 2024, I never would’ve guessed that my life was about to be flipped upside down by a sport that looks like a children’s game played with a cutting board and a stolen floorball. Not to mention how it would make me feel like Roger Federer in his prime.
My “Glory” Days in Tennis
Let’s start from the beginning—with tennis. My colleague and I regularly participated in amateur tournaments where we always excelled, at least in the group stage. As per tradition, we always fell short when it came to the medals.
Then, during one of these tournaments, fate—or rather, my friend Honza—introduced me to pickleball. “I’m playing in my first pickleball tournament!” he said, grinning ear to ear. His enthusiasm left me torn between laughing and feeling sorry for him. Watching people wield what looked like kitchen utensils instead of rackets only made me more skeptical. I walked away thinking, “This wannabe sport? Never again.”
A week later, I was on my knees, begging Honza to let me join in.
Rediscovering My Inner Child
The first time I picked up a pickleball paddle, a wave of childhood memories hit me. Back in the day, my brother and I would play a game in our backyard we called Sunflex—named after the beach rackets we used. We’d pretend we were pros, playing our imaginary tournaments with all the passion of real athletes.
Now? Pickleball brought me right back to those moments. It was as if I were back in our backyard, reliving those carefree days all over again.
A Turning Point at the Cottage
That summer, while spending time at my family’s cottage in Slovakia, I hit a low point. I was burnt out from a job in Prague that I’d taken after moving there. I was physically and mentally drained.
Enter my aunt—a modern-day Gandalf—who helped me realize that something had to change. On the drive back to Prague, the idea hit me: why not contact the head of the Czech Pickleball Association? It felt like a lightbulb moment. The result? I became the first coach at the Skysportcity pickleball club.
The Game That Changed It All
The Czech Pickleball Championships were a game-changer—literally. Competing for a podium finish, I felt an electrifying mix of joy, determination, and adrenaline. Sure, my back ached and my body was complaining, but my spirit shouted, “Let’s do this!”
It wasn’t Wimbledon, but for me, it was a personal victory. It reminded me of the days when I worked as a physiotherapist with professional floorball players, feeling the highs and lows of their matches. Back then, I dreamed of being the one in the game, not just on the sidelines. That dream came true that day.
So, Who Actually Plays Pickleball?
A question I often hear is, “Who is pickleball for?” My answer? If you’re a former tennis player who never even won a participation sticker, or if injuries have sidelined you, pickleball is for you. I meet both of those criteria, so I found my place in this sport. But really, pickleball is for everyone!
Your Turn
When was the last time you discovered something that changed your life? What was your first experience like, and what’s your favorite part of it now? I’d love to hear your stories too!
Rado teaches pickleball lessons at Skysportcity. If you are interested, you can message Rado on WhatsApp or send him an email. Also check out our clinics page to see some of the lessons that he offers.