Our family pulls into the gravel lot, crushing the stone beneath our tires. Doors open, then slam, gear unloaded - including a cooler full of beverages and “ice packs” made out of repurposed almond milk cartons. A cell phone rings, “We got lost, we’re 6 minutes out!”

We walk to the courts, settle our things, and now the lesson begins. No serving from above the waist. The ball must bounce before you hit it on the first volley. You can only score on your serve. You got that all, right?

0-0 first serve. Ball hit. Out of bounds. 0-0 second serve. Success. Volley. Miss. Sorry! Why am I sorry? That scored them a point!

Games lost, games won. Competitive spirits run high. The cooler is opened and over beers and mixed drinks, we relive our matches. Relationships are built, maintained, strengthened. Pickleball has been a success.