How Pickleball Strengthens Relationships: Playing pickleball with a significant other can be a rewarding experience or a frustrating challenge. Professional players Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson have successfully navigated this dynamic at the highest level, proving that communication is key to both their game and relationship.
Most couples struggle when teaming up in sports, often leading to tension and disagreements. However, Johnson encourages partners to keep trying.
“Most people have these stories like, ‘Oh gosh, I could never play with my wife,’ or ‘We’ve tried once and we’ll never do it again.’ But we’re here to encourage you to keep trying. I think it helps you learn to communicate,”(Hunter Johnson)
he said in a recent interview for the PPA Tour YouTube channel.
Strengthening Communication on and off the Court
To improve their teamwork, Todd and Johnson reflect on key questions after every match:
- What do you think really happened in this match?
- What can I improve on?
- What can you improve on?
- How can we keep this momentum going?
- What do you need from me?
- What do I need from you?
Johnson emphasized the importance of open dialogue.
“Communication. That’s what we’re learning. From the outside, it looks like you’re going to fight more and it’s going to cause strain on your relationship when you play together, but we try to take situations as they are and figure out ways to work through it.”(Hunter Johnson)
Todd noted that their shared experience in pickleball has strengthened their relationship beyond the court.
“It’s really helped our relationship off the court because we learn more about each other and we’ve really grown because of pickleball,” (Parris Todd).
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Overcoming Challenges as a Team
Playing with a romantic partner presents unique challenges, including managing emotions and handling in-game frustrations. Todd and Johnson acknowledge these hurdles but believe that willingness to adapt is key to success.
“The best lesson to learn is when you have two people who are willing to work on something, it’s only inevitable that you’re going to find some way to work it out and find success in that. Whether it’s business, pickleball, relationships, marriage, anything,” (Hunter Johnson).
Their advice for other couples? Talk things out, be honest, and stay open to feedback.
“Each person has to play their part in figuring out what’s best for each other and figure out what your partner’s needs are. Once you both are able to understand each other and know you’re both going to benefit from that, that’s the biggest puzzle piece,” (Hunter Johnson).
Positivity and Vulnerability are Key
Admitting mistakes and addressing concerns constructively can make a significant difference. Johnson gave an example:
“For example, if you come over and take a ball you’re not supposed to, admit it and say, ‘My bad. How can I change that?’ And then you talk about it. It’s little things like that that go a long way.”(Hunter Johnson)
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Todd’s top piece of advice for couples playing together is to stay positive.
“You’re getting to be active with the person you love. There’s so much joy in that. Find the positives instead of the negatives. Instead of thinking, ‘I have to play with them,’ think, ‘I get to play with them.’ You get to do something outside of the house together, with other people, and you get to be social and do that together,” (Parris Todd).
She also emphasized keeping competition in check.
“Don’t get too competitive. Encourage each other. Have fun. Be positive. And enjoy the sport we all love,” (Parris Todd).
News in Brief: How Pickleball Strengthens Relationships
Professional pickleball players Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson shared their insights on successfully playing with a romantic partner. They emphasized communication, honesty, and positivity as essential factors in improving both their game and relationship. Their advice encourages couples to embrace teamwork, avoid negativity, and enjoy the sport together.
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