Rick Barry’s Pickleball Domination at 80: Rick Barry doesn’t just drop names — he brings a flood of stories. It doesn’t take long before the former NBA and ABA legend recounts tales of basketball Hall of Famers, advice from golf greats, and moments shared with tennis icons. And while Barry cherishes those memories, his tone changes when discussing someone newer to the sports scene.
Two years ago, he crossed paths with Anna Leigh Waters, the teenage pickleball phenom, now 17. Waters’ recent victory at the Pro Pickleball Association Virginia Beach Cup marked her 29th career Triple Crown, leaving Barry both astonished and inspired. “I told her, ‘There’s no way another 15-year-old will ever become the best pickleball player in the world like you did,’” Barry shared, clearly in awe.
A New Kind of Competitive Fire
At 80, Rick Barry is fully immersed in pickleball. The NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team member has embraced the sport with the same tenacity that defined his basketball career. He’s quick to correct anyone who dismisses pickleball’s intensity, saying, “I’m out there to win, period. Socializing can wait until after the game.”
Barry’s competitive edge is alive and well. His physical gifts — including a 6-foot-7 frame and laser-focused hand-eye coordination — have made him a formidable pickleball player. Unsurprisingly, he now ranks among the best in his age group. This past April, Barry earned the prestigious Triple Crown at the U.S. Open in Naples, Florida, securing titles in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles for the 80-plus age bracket.
Embracing the Pickleball Life
For Barry, pickleball offers a chance to compete at a high level without the physical toll of sports like tennis. “It’s a great workout without killing yourself,” he explained. Pickleball’s smaller court size and less strenuous movements appealed to Barry after years of battling the wear and tear from basketball and tennis.
Even in his 80s, Barry’s determination remains unwavering. His serve has become a key element of his game, honed through hours of practice. As Barry put it, “If you have a weak serve, a good opponent is going to make you pay.”
His former doubles partner, Ted Meyer, can attest to Barry’s resilience. Meyer recalled a match where Barry sprinted to make an off-balance shot — a move more typical of a 30-year-old, not someone nearing 80. “His instincts kick in when the pressure is on,” Meyer said.
The Relentless Drive to Compete
Rick Barry’s journey to pickleball began the same way many retirees’ athletic pursuits do — with golf. After his final NBA season in 1980, Barry took up the game, hoping to find a new competitive outlet. Though he achieved a 1-handicap, golf’s frustrations eventually wore on him. A conversation with golf legend Jack Nicklaus confirmed Barry’s belief that no one could truly “master” the sport.
From there, Barry found success in long-drive competitions, winning four world championships in his age group. But it wasn’t until 2019, when his wife, Lynn, suggested pickleball, that Barry found his true post-basketball passion.
These days, Barry trains regularly at pickleball havens like The Villages in Florida, where he competes against top senior players. He’s become an evangelist for the sport, even convincing fellow NBA Hall of Famers like Chris Mullin and attempting to recruit Hakeem Olajuwon into the fold. “This thing is going to be incredible,” Barry said. “It’s not going away anytime soon.”
Spreading the Gospel of Pickleball
Pickleball’s rise in the U.S. is undeniable. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the sport has seen a 223.5 percent increase in participation over the past year, with more than 13.6 million Americans now swinging a paddle. Barry, ever the ambassador, has played in high-profile events, including the PickleBowl celebrity pro-am, where former Florida Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel and tennis stars like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf have made appearances.
Even tennis legend John McEnroe, initially skeptical of pickleball, has come around after some persuasion from Barry. “I got on John’s ass,” Barry said, recounting how he told McEnroe that pickleball was here to stay.
Whether playing competitively or convincing others to give the game a shot, Rick Barry’s passion for pickleball is palpable. At 80 years old, his drive to win is undiminished, his competitive fire as strong as ever. And as the sport he loves continues to grow, so too does Barry’s legacy — not just as a basketball legend, but as a pickleball pioneer.
News in Brief: Rick Barry’s Pickleball Domination at 80
At 80, basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry has become a dominant pickleball competitor, ranking among the top players in his age group. After years of competitive basketball and dabbling in other sports like golf, Barry embraced pickleball for its accessibility and competitive nature. He earned the Triple Crown in the 80-plus division at the U.S. Open in April 2023. Now, Barry continues to compete and is working to bring other former athletes, like fellow NBA stars Chris Mullin and Hakeem Olajuwon, into the pickleball fold.
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