Many Types of Pickleball Personalities: Which one are you?

Ah, the game of pickleball. It's a wonderful sport that brings people together in friendly competition. But have you ever noticed how different people have unique personalities on the court? From the serious strategists, the playful entertainers, the quiet one, the finesse player or the powerhouse here are many types of pickleball personalities that you will be sure to run into either on the court or in a mirror near you.

1. The Strategist - This player is serious business. They come to the court with a game plan, and stick to it. Perhaps they've even studied their opponents' tendencies. They're always analyzing, assessing, and thinking ahead. They make great coaches, are often seen organizing clinics and lessons and generally play high level Pickleball. Absorb their knowledge it will save you many points.

2. The Entertainer - Pickleball is as much about fun as it is about winning. This player understands that and brings the humor to the court. You'll see them cracking jokes, dancing between serves, and generally enjoying themselves. They're the ones who make the sport feel less competitive and more like a party. They go for the more than occasional trick shot that if not careful can become way to predictable. They are just good for the game.

3. The Quiet One - This player may not speak much, but they let their game do the talking. They're efficient and effective; they don't waste energy on chatter. They're laser-focused on the game, and you'll see their concentration in their eyes. They're the ones who quietly rack up the point for their team by being more consistent more often than his casual foes by just being present in the moment and watching the ball with high level decision making. These guys make big shots because they trust their training.

4. The Finesse Player - This player has mastered the art of placement and finesse. They're not necessarily quick or powerful, but they're smart. They know just where to place the ball to maximize their chances of winning the point. They're frustratingly good at lobbing and dinking, and they make their opponents run all over the court. They find successful patterns then exploit the other teams weaknesses to their advantage. Do it and look good doing it.

5. The Powerhouse - This player is all about strength and power. They have a killer serve, and their shots pack a punch. They're the ones who intimidate their opponents with their sheer force. They're not always the most accurate players, but they make up for it in power. The ultimate self-control is required here bc this player will constantly be pressing the pace and failure to let his wild shots go out will result in your own wild shot from the Powerhouse only reinforcing this behavior in your opponent and encouraging him to really let all caution to the wind. When this happens it feels like floodgates have opened and there is no one qualified to stop the repeated on slaught. Once Popeye gets his spinach it’s too late.

No matter what type of pickleball player you are, the sport is all about having fun and enjoying the game. Embrace your personality on the court and use it to your advantage. Whether you're a strategist, an entertainer, a quiet one, a finesse player, a powerhouse, or a combination of two or three of the personalities remember to smile and have a good time. Remember fifty percent of the teams that play lose. Winning is important but learning and trying to get better is what is most important.After all, that's what pickleball is all about.