Send us Fan Mail Pickleball started as a fun, social game — easy to learn, welcoming to beginners, and built around community. But as the sport has exploded in popularity, has something changed? In Episode 87 of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike ask the question: Are we ruining pickleball? We look back at how pickleball started and how the game has evolved from a backyard pastime into one of the fastest-growing competitive sports in the country. With more tournaments, ratings, leagues, money, sponsorships, paddle technology, and serious competition entering the game, are players starting to lose sight of what made pickleball so much fun in the first place? We talk about pickleball etiquette, sportsmanship, line calls, arguments on the court, overly competitive players, recreational play versus tournament play, paddle tapping, court manners, beginners, advanced players, and the unwritten rules that help make pickleball enjoyable for everyone. Has competition made pickleball better — or are we taking the game too seriously? We also discuss how player attitudes have changed as the sport has grown, whether traditional pickleball etiquette is disappearing, and how we can keep the competitive side of pickleball without losing the friendships, laughter, and community that helped create the sport we love. Whether you're a beginner, recreational player, tournament competitor, or longtime pickleball addict, this episode might have you asking yourself: Are we growing pickleball… or are we ruining pickleball? Listen in and tell us what YOU think. Support the show Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information. Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at: IG: @pickleballersnextdoor TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor
