Pickleball in the New Year

Kelli McRobert

Pickleball in the New Year

- Kelli McRobert -

As the clock struck midnight, it was with a sense of relief that 2020 was over. In many places COVID restrictions were put back into place for the start of 2021 challenging us as we navigate our way through the year. Courtside you often heard people state that ‘pickleball is my therapy’ or ‘pickleball keeps me sane’, what now? No play? OMG, what will we do?

Many of the tournaments from 2020 in Canada were cancelled and the start of 2021 is looking a bit slim. Some players have taken to online exercise programs and Pickleball specific training webinars. Others have built home gyms and interior wall challenges to help practice and fine tune their accuracy and skills.

A few local players have begun the design or construction of "personal courts" in the hopes of having continued access 24/7. Many have lined their driveways or roads to continue to play in "isolation". The busy bees do home rennovations, painting, repairing, designing and building. I admittedly am one and am struggling to find a section of my home that needs another coat of paint, or ‘project’ that I had cast aside and now have time to complete.

The determined choose to continue to play outside even though temperatures are well below 0 and they are diligently salting and shoveling areas to help with traction. A few members even posted themselves on skates to add an element of ‘ice’ to our beloved sport, what a great blend!

For those on Social Media, we watch in awe as many townships support the sport and are building outdoor structures to enclose their current courts so the season can extend in places like Alberta and Saskatchewan. We hope that this trend continues, and that we see more indoor venues across the country so we too can play during those brisk -30 days.

Anyone struggling right now with isolation or mental health issues, please reach out and ask for help; be it chatting with a friend or seeking professional support, it is always good to have a strong support system when the going gets tough. Here is a helpful link: https://cmha

As lockdown continues, my hope is that we can keep looking for creative ways to exercise, eat right and re-charge for the 2021 season. 2020 was a year of challenges, and yes, change - but as proud Canadians it is important to stand t together, support your friends, family, and neighbors, and continue to demonstrate resilience through tough times while celebrating the small victories daily.

Kelli McRobert, BEd., CRSP, CHSC, CES

Kelli is an avid fan of pickleball and helps to support the sport as an Ambassador for Pickleball Ontario and a retired Board of Director member for Pickleball Canada. She volunteers her time and participates in local, provincial, and national tournaments as both a referee and player. By trade, Kelli is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional for the Public Service and promotes safety personally and professionally whenever possible.


Pickleball in the New Year Kelli McRobert Pickleball in the New Year - Kelli McRobert - As the clock struck midnight, it was with a sense of relief that 2020 was over. In many places COVID restrictions were put back into place for the start of 2021 challenging us as we navigate our way through the year. Courtside you often heard people state that ‘pickleball is my therapy’ or ‘pickleball keeps me sane’, what now? No play? OMG, what will we do? Many of the tournaments from 2020 in Canada were cancelled and the start of 2021 is looking a bit slim. Some players have taken to online exercise programs and Pickleball specific training webinars. Others have built home gyms and interior wall challenges to help practice and fine tune their accuracy and skills. A few local players have begun the design or construction of "personal courts" in the hopes of having continued access 24/7. Many have lined their driveways or roads to continue to play in "isolation". The busy bees do home rennovations, painting, repairing, designing and building. I admittedly am one and am struggling to find a section of my home that needs another coat of paint, or ‘project’ that I had cast aside and now have time to complete. The determined choose to continue to play outside even though temperatures are well below 0 and they are diligently salting and shoveling areas to help with traction. A few members even posted themselves on skates to add an element of ‘ice’ to our beloved sport, what a great blend! For those on Social Media, we watch in awe as many townships support the sport and are building outdoor structures to enclose their current courts so the season can extend in places like Alberta and Saskatchewan. We hope that this trend continues, and that we see more indoor venues across the country so we too can play during those brisk -30 days. Anyone struggling right now with isolation or mental health issues, please reach out and ask for help; be it chatting with a friend or seeking professional support, it is always good to have a strong support system when the going gets tough. Here is a helpful link: https://cmha As lockdown continues, my hope is that we can keep looking for creative ways to exercise, eat right and re-charge for the 2021 season. 2020 was a year of challenges, and yes, change - but as proud Canadians it is important to stand t together, support your friends, family, and neighbors, and continue to demonstrate resilience through tough times while celebrating the small victories daily. Kelli McRobert, BEd., CRSP, CHSC, CES Kelli is an avid fan of pickleball and helps to support the sport as an Ambassador for Pickleball Ontario and a retired Board of Director member for Pickleball Canada. She volunteers her time and participates in local, provincial, and national tournaments as both a referee and player. By trade, Kelli is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional for the Public Service and promotes safety personally and professionally whenever possible.
Pickleball Scoop 20200430 - February 2021 English