reluctantpickle, Author at Reluctant Pickle

Are You Taking Pickleball Too Seriously?

A middle-aged man in full pickleball gear — compression sleeves, headband, and a serious expression — glares at a ball mid-bounce while his paddle has a reluctant cartoon face.

9 Warning Signs You Might Be That Player Published on ReluctantPickle.com – For the sweaty, the intense, and the prematurely ranked. 1. “Reset the Point!” If you’ve ever shouted this in rec play while locking eyes with someone’s grandma, you’re… Continue Reading →

5 Pickleball Headbands That Say “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing, But I Look Amazing”

A middle-aged man in a stars-and-stripes headband holding a pickleball paddle with a reluctant cartoon face on it, standing on a court looking unsure but committed.

Published on ReluctantPickle.com – For the confused, the sweaty, and the sartorially daring. 🤷‍♀️ Why Headbands? Because wiping your panic sweat on your shirt is so 2023.A good headband says: 1. The Classic Cotton Sweatband Vibe: Zero frills, pure function…. Continue Reading →

June 11, 2025 0

The 7 Stages of Becoming a Pickleball Player (Against Your Will)

“A middle-aged pickleball player holding a paddle with a reluctant emoji face, standing on court under the text: ‘The 7 Stages of Becoming a Pickleball Player (Against Your Will).’”

Published on ReluctantPickle.com – for the hesitant, the humiliated, and the halfway-decent. 😒 Stage 1 – Denial “Pickleball? Nah, I’m more of a golf person.”You laugh at the name, scroll past the memes, swear it’ll never be you.(It will.) 🫠… Continue Reading →

June 11, 2025 0

Your First Time Playing Pickleball (Here’s How to Fake It)

Published on ReluctantPickle.com – Because You’re Already in Too Deep 👀 TL;DR You’re here. It’s your first time playing pickleball. You don’t know the rules. You’re holding a paddle upside down.Relax. This guide will keep you from committing a felony-level… Continue Reading →

June 10, 2025 3

You Just Started Playing Pickleball. Here’s What Will Go Wrong.

A frustrated woman holding a pickleball paddle stands on an outdoor court, with white overlaid text reading: “You Just Started Playing Pickleball. Here’s What Will Go Wrong.”

(And the Cheap Stuff You’ll Need to Survive) 🧠 TL;DR: You’re new to pickleball. You’re excited. You’re also about to: 👟 Mistake #1: Wearing Running Shoes What Happens:You show up in your regular gym shoes. By point three, you’ve skidded… Continue Reading →

June 9, 2025 2

WHAT THE HELL IS A DINK?

And Why Is Everyone Screaming It at Me? 👀 TL;DR: A dink is a soft, low shot in pickleball meant to land in the kitchen and ruin your opponent’s rhythm — and your afternoon. Everyone keeps yelling it. You pretend… Continue Reading →

June 8, 2025 1

So… I Guess I Play Pickleball Now

Tired-looking man sitting on a bench at a pickleball court, holding a paddle with a sad face and a ball on the ground, with text above reading “I Guess I Play Pickleball Now.”

Your Reluctant Beginner’s Guide to America’s Loudest Midlife Crisis 🥒 Welcome to Reluctant Pickle This is a blog for the rest of us. The people who play pickleball — but aren’t totally sure how that happened. Maybe you were invited…. Continue Reading →

June 5, 2025 0

Author reluctantpickle