Pickleball? Yes! is the name of this new blog.  It's also the title of my new book on Amazon.com.  It describes clearly what impact the sport of pickleball can have on individuals like Larry and April Seekins.  They began to seriously learn and play the game 20 years after it was invented in 1965.  Benefits of play included the oft repeated advantage of improving one's health.  Also important are building relationships with others, and the not-to-be-forgotten pure joy that comes from playing pickleball.  Larry and April not only played but also competed in tournaments around the country. 

Within a short period of time, Larry began to teach.  Over 30+ years, he estimates he has taught 3,000 students, most joining in his classes at the Billings YMCA.  Six of those players he nurtured early on.  Later they became National Champions.

I joined in with other novices to learn pickleball from Larry in late 2017 at the age of 75.  Along with others who continue to play pickleball over the years, I too enjoy the benefits.  I got to learn a new game; join in on the fun; keep my body healthy with all the movement during the games; and build friendships with others who play.

I'm thankful to have found the game of pickleball.  I'm grateful that I learned how to play it with Larry's guidance.  And I'm appreciative that even at the age of 80, I can play at least three times a week.  And that isn't all.

As you read the book, you'll see how the growth of pickleball expands in Billings under the legacy that Larry builds.  Several certified pickleball instructors along with an outstanding organizer who heads up Billings Pickleball Association took on their additional responsibilities as a result of Larry's influence.  It's also true that, in 2018, another player birthed pickleball in a small town 50 miles north of Billings because of Larry's influence.  The small town of Roundup, population 1700, now has three groups of pickleball players.  On any given day in the week (except Saturday), one or several groups may be using our Community Center to play pickleball.

I not only get to play in Rourndup (as well as in Billings), but also enjoy introducing novices to pickleball, and tutor some players (mainly women) who are older than I am.  I expect, through this blog, to learn then share new ways to adapt pickleball to those who want to learn, no matter their age.  Please join us.

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