Stay out of the
kitchen
This Pickleball rule is in place
to prevent players from executing smashes from a position close to the net.
This life rule can be taken
jokingly, for people who want to avoid cooking. In reality, the kitchen tends to be a gathering
place. Lots of conversations take place
there. Often, being told to stay out of
the kitchen can mean to mind your own business.
Stay within the
boundaries
This Pickleball rule tells us we
must keep the ball "inbounds."
Breaking this rule can mean we lose our turn to serve, or the opposing
team gets a point.
This translates to “follow the
rules set forth by those in authority,” whether that be the government, your
school, or your parents. When be break
the boundaries, there are often unpleasant consequences. Of course, there are times when we are
encouraged to "think outside the box." Being creative is a wonderful
trait, but even outside the box, there are invisible boundaries that we must
adhere to.
This is not golf;
there are no Mulligan's
In Pickleball, like in many sports, your turn
is your turn. Make an error, and it's
someone else's turn. There are no
"do-overs." However, if
gameplay continues, you will have another chance.
The same rule applies to life. There are no "do-overs." You can't take back what has already been
done, or not done, but you will probably get another chance to try your best to
succeed.
Apologize when you
hurt someone
I can't tell you how many times a
partner will apologize because they made a poor shot. I always say, "You don't need to
apologize unless you hit me in the face."
Everyone makes a poor shot now and then, even the pros, but if you hurt
someone, you need to apologize.
The same rule stands if you hurt
anyone off the court. Whether it be
physically, emotionally, verbally, or socially, we should not intend to harm
others. If you accidentally do, go to
that person and apologize.
Have fun
Pickleball is a game. Games are designed to be fun. Enjoy it.
Life is a journey that has its ups and
downs. How we respond to those ups and
downs determines whether we enjoy life or not.
Many people have the best of everything, yet they do not enjoy
life. Others have little to nothing and
have learned to be happy in their circumstances. Enjoy life. Choose to have fun.
*Pam considers
herself an intermediate Pickleball player and always has fun, win or lose. She especially enjoys playing against her
husband, Jim, as they challenge each other to be better players.
